Hospitality and the Holy Imagination
Zach Franzen is the illustrator of The Green Ember (yep, that same book I keep raving on and on about). If you listened to S.D. Smith, the author of The Green Ember on the latest episode of the Read-Aloud Revival podcast, then you know that Sam thinks chatting with Zach is like getting a college degree.
Well. Yes. But I will say, it’s a lot more enjoyable than getting a college degree, too. :)
Zach knows we love to talk about building up the holy imagination in our children, and so he wrote up a piece for us- on how artists should serve, and how the holy imagination, properly formed, serves rather than demands.
I’m so happy to share it with you. Read on and be blessed.
by Zach Franzen
In the second grade, two friends and I used our recess time to dig a hole.
At the base of a wooded hill between the jungle gym and the tether ball pole, we scratched the red Carolina clay with sticks and fingers. Every day we covered the hole with pine branches to hide it.
This wasn’t just a hole made in the glow of childhood innocence. We weren’t digging for buried treasure or dinosaur bones. We were making a trap.
One of the boys claimed that every evening, cleaning-women swept the hill, and one was sure to step in our trap. The unlikelihood of a group of women hired to sweep a pine-needle covered hill never occurred to us.
However, the hilarious image of a surprised woman stepping into a hole motivated us to dig not for a day or two, but for weeks. Two points need to be made. Our imaginations fueled efforts that would have been tedious on their own.
Secondly, our seven year-old imagination was not a holy thing, which meant that our creative endeavors were inhospitable.
Elaboration on the first point would expand this post beyond a reasonable length, and I suspect that readers of this blog probably already understand the power of an ignited imagination.
However, I’m going to take the next few paragraphs to elaborate a little on the second point.
Hospitality is a hallmark of a Holy imagination.
Hospitality as an artistic goal collides directly and forcefully with the cult of self-expression. C.S. Lewis famously stated: “Of every idea and of every method the Christian writer [or artist] will ask not ‘Is it mine?’ but ‘Is it good?’”
By contrast, the cult of self-expression exalts in “mine” more than it exalts in “good.” Its adherents do not create art to serve others.
Rather, it suggests that art and others bend to the artist.
Outside of art we call this tendency self-worship, but in primary school, secondary school, and college we call it art education.
I recoil at this charge a little, because on some level I know I’m offending some sweet-faced art teacher who wears colorful clothes and hugs on kids.
On another level, I know that helping people be selfish is an unworthy goal for even the sweetest-faced teacher. Treating self-expression as the goal of art sanctifies the personal in a way that’s bad.
It encourages students to work on explanation rather than craft and discourages them from seeking common ground with the viewer.
In the cult of self-expression, the viewer is expected to serve the artist.
Let me demonstrate the type of art that prizes “mine” over “good.” The Turner Prize is a British award that goes to a visual artist under 50 years old.
In 1999 one of the short listed works was Tracy Emin’s work “My Bed.” The work is a literal bed she laid in for several days while she was depressed. The Tate Gallery exhibits it littered with underwear, used tissues, soiled sheets and the refuse of the artist’s personal life.
Last July it was sold for £2.5 million. When asked by an interviewer why it was art, she responded, “It’s art because I say it is.”
This response isn’t merely egotism. It is a view on how she thinks the world should be organized. It is the proud insistence of the artist’s authority over the viewer, and it extends back to Marcel Duchamp, who, in the early 1900’s, found a urinal, wrote a fake name on it, and called it art.
Instead of using the common vocabularies of the created order to sub-create, these artists act as Creator, create their own vocabulary, and insist that the viewer take lessons.
The sale of “My Bed” reveals a problem deeper than a silly expenditure of money. A society that prizes this sort of thing in its art galleries lacks empathy for viewers.
It encourages viewpoints without reasons and asserts that truth is ugly. It is a society of narcissists.
So, is there is another way to use one’s imagination? A less selfish way? Yes.
Artists should be good hosts. At the very least they should serve a meal they are willing to eat themselves.
Perhaps it is clarifying to use cooking as an example.
A good host does not put down a plate full of salt and say, “Eat up. It’s my salt period. Get to know me.” A good host does not insist that pickles in strawberry jelly with mustard is fun to make and therefore must be fun to eat.
Likewise, a good artist does not despise his audience and say, “It’s good because it’s mine. It’s art because I say it is.”
Art should serve, and Christian artists should serve in a way that’s full of both grace and truth.
Art should serve, and Christian artists should serve in a way that’s full of both grace and truth.Think about it. What’s more hospitable than displaying the beauty of truth?
Greater love for one’s guests will compel one toward greater craft in writing and music and every other art form.
If you’re anxious about cultivating your child’s skills in art or music beyond your own abilities, help them to love others. Love for others will give shape to their craft more than mere lessons.
Train them as hosts who cook, draw, sing, and write.
So, here’s the takeaway:
The holy imagination will produce art that loves one’s neighbor, not one’s self. So grow your child’s love for people, and they will acquire the tools to serve others better.
This post finally answered the nagging curiosity of why I don’t like a lot of modern art! ;) Amazing post. I absolutely love that C.S. Lewis quote – not “is it mine” but “is it good?” I’m a writer who grew up in the 90s so I was lost in the sea of self-expression well into college. Despite my training, I wanted to scream “will someone just tell me if this is any good?” And what makes it good? I think of Merwin’s poem where he says “you can never be sure you die without knowing whether anything you wrote was any good if you have to be sure don’t write”…which I get to an extent but I love the picture you are painting about doing a service – I can so clearly now see the line between self and service. It’s a gift, yes. But for others.
What a great way to inspire conversation with young children! There is so much out there that we have made “real” in the world, that children don’t often get to imagine in the holy ways anymore. Beautiful!
Every time I hear Zach talk (or write or draw), I come away challenged and encouraged.
You too, Sam :D
Oh, my goodness. This says everything I felt but didn’t know how to put into words. Thank you so much! Not only will this help me to raise my own children in a more noble way, but it will serve as a guide for me in my own writing. May God continue to bless you in all your work for Him!
I really appreciate the distinction made about the holy imagination and hospitality, along with the analogy to art.
Great article- lots of food for thought.
I love the idea of “civilized” mice in the walls, oh the fun my kids will have with this idea…thanks for the inspiration.
Thank you for sharpening us as artists and teachers!
I am so very encouraged by your article. I am raising three budding actors and am continually torn in my heart over them serving the audience through theater and the natural outcome of theater- which is being on stage and admired.
I pray often for them to love the joy of story and to use their giftedness to bring about glory to God.
I will be sharing this with my artist friends- keep writing!!
I absolutely love this idea. What a wonderful way to encourage imagination. I also had never thought of art in this way. Beautifully written article!
My kids would love this! Such a clever conversation piece!
Interesting topic. Never thought of it this way. Thanks for sharing.
Reepicheep has always been one of my favorite character. I think we all need a Reepicheep in our lives. He is brave, fierce, gallant, honest, but still kindly. He proves that physical size does not matter.
I enjoyed Zach’s article. I like the way he looks at art through the viewer’s eyes. Art must enhance the viewer, not denigrate him. That is what hospitality is– making the guest feel uplifted, educated, helped in some way. I always thought that much of what is called art in this day and age insults me and my intelligence. That is one reason I never view modern art. I also don’t want to put anything into my mind that is not of the highest quality.
Getting back to the chivalric ideal of Reepicheep, there is another mouse that is a true , noble fellow. It is Martin the Warrior by Brian Jacques. His Redwall series is about good, honest animals who fight and live noble ideals.
I love this post! Thank you for the deep thoughts about the holy imagination. Love the giveaway too.
Beautiful illustrations! I love all of them, especially the one of the boy w/ the giant. Hope I win! ;)
I love the mouse door! What a sweet idea. :)
I hope it’s not too late to enter! I would love a little kit! What a wonderful idea!
Reepicheep has always been one of our family’s heroes. It’s delightful to find others who feel the same!
I want to open that mouse door and peak inside. Perhaps that’s where Hunca Munca has stowed all of her goods from the dollhouse or where the industrious mice are sewing for the Tailor of Gloucester. Of course the most dashing and courageous mouse is Reep.
Oooo, Would love a mouse kit! What a great idea to spur imagination! I love the idea of inspiring my artists (12, 14 and 17) to create art that blesses and invites others to a place of imagination rather than focuses on them as the artist!
Thank you Zach for these words!
Positively love this post. Truth/fun/servanthood. Love the mouse door and Reepicheep. Zach has a love for children that is evident in his life and art. I am encouraged to remember to put others first in all areas of my life and to show hospitality not only to those who enter my home, but those who live in my home.
What an inspiring article! Thanks for sharing and hosting a giveaway.
Lovely post! Cute mouse props!
I love this article! My husband is an artist and we spend a lot of time thinking about and talking about art with our children. This is a wonderful way to think about what art is!
Love this- what an amazing article! We started reading The Green Ember tonight during dinner (to the almost two-year-old on up to the almost sixteen-year-old!) and we are already so hooked. Thanks so much!
My in laws and brothers and sisters in laws all started making Teenie Weenie houses that live in the garden at my in laws when our first child was born (he was the first grandkids). He’s now 8 and I think it’s safe to say the adults have had way more fun with this play than the kids, but of course the kids love it too. Maybe we need to move some Teenie weenies into our book shelf I love it! This is a great discussion of art too and I will be sharing it with all our extended family who are all artists too. It will give great fuel to our next family gathering. :)
My son would just LOVE this. He is so obsessed with mice and other small furry animals. We have a hamster which appears in every bedtime story.
The mouse kit is precious!!
I loved this whole blog post! Please enter me to win.
This was what I was up against when I went through art school and got a BFA 15 years ago. To me, it was like the Emporer’s New Clothes- all this notion of “performance art” and Rothko and trying to weird out and offend people. Truth beauty and goodness were sneered at with disgust. You are right- done with love, art is hospitable, gracious, and a gift which respects the dignity of the viewer.
Wow. Just wow. Of course he’s right. Thank you for introducing him!
Wow, love his thoughts on so many levels!! Really excited for his podcast now! :)
And that mouse kit? Absolutely adorable and I have some kids that would think it was the coolest thing! :) Thanks to Zach and you!
This is delightful!
Thank you for training my mind in what is eternal…true, neighbor-loving, “holy”, imagination. Your investment in me through this post is life-giving and challenges me to disciple our children in Kingdom-imagination and in art that serves and breaks forth God’s Kingdom in this world.
Being a fine artist myself, and one who paints in a spiritual manner, pursuing beauty and truth has always been important to me. Art school was a depressing place most of the time for me, as most of the others bought into the modern philosophy of beauty(or lack thereof) and definition of art that you describe here. While I sought to increase my abilities, many classmates looked down on me for attempting to paint like the old masters, rather than using cheap wall paint and rotten bologna plastered to a canvas and calling it a day. Now that I have small children, I want so much to nurture creativity and beauty in their souls in a way that is pleasing to Christ. Thank you so much for your encouraging words of wisdom!
Me too! Did you succeed in attempting to paint like the old masters? I was such a fan of Vermeer, Rembrandt, Carravaggio, and Michelangelo in my art school days. Nobody seemed to get that.
Thanks for another thought provoking post. I will need to ‘re-read it again after I let it sink in a bit.
Love the mouse kit. We have been reading through a bunch of books about mice lately. This would be a great kit to win. Is it for sale if we don’t?
What a lovely way to add a subtle tidbit of whimsy & permission for a joyful imagination. :)
Thank you for the thoughtful article, and generous offer of your kit to win, Zach!
sounds wonderful! here’s hoping for a win!
Thank you for the article and the opportunity to win a prop! Both are fantastic!
Such great words of wisdom from an incredibly talented and imaginative guy!!!
This was just the little encouragement I needed this Monday morning to shake off the cobwebs of my brain and heart to remember what Stratford Caldecott said, “Beauty for Truth’s Sake.” Thank you for feeding us beauty.
Yes! Another area in which to die to self.
Beautifully put! I’m always wishing to fill the gap in my understanding of objective truth in art and this post brings me closer. I’m excited to use this idea in inspiring my kids and spurring them on to love and good deeds. Thank you for sharing these insights.
You won a mouse kit, Jennifer. :)
This article is right up my alley! My daughter is a budding artist. This is great perspective on how to encourage her to glorify God with her talents. Thank you so much!
How amazing!
Love this idea. I guess the same thing can be true of writing and publishing. I must consider the perspective of my readers and not just publish words and phrases that have meaning to me. If I don’t explain every turn of phrase, it must at least be able to be enjoyed by the reader. I can’t claim it is poetry just because I say so.
And I have just the bookshelves to put this on!
Thank you for the post!
Love the mouse kit!
No need for the giveaway… I just bought a hardback edition of The Green Ember. And three copies of Winston Churchill from Mr. Franzen’s etsy shop!
Life is full of treasures, surprises, and Truths.
Absolute ones at that! Enjoyed the essay on responsibility of the artist. Reminds me of a commentary by Mr. Dennis Prager lamenting the dumbing down of art and the vulgar extremes “creative self expressionists” attempt to seek attention and fame. It is so sad to me that our culture celebrates “poop” (literally) as an art installation or medium of expression.
My boys spent an entire rainy day creating duct tape masterpieces. And poured hearts and thought into each piece they plan to give to someone: what might favorite colors be? which object might the person most enjoy or use? shall I include full initials or his or her nickname?
They were artists and craftsmen!
Junk ultimately falls into the heap of forgotten and gone. Even if paid for with a high price. That which is noble, beautiful, and true certainly is valued for generations.
I hope my kids learn to celebrate that which elevates. Hearts aloft! Duct tape ahoy!
So helpful and inspiring!
Great article!
Beautiful message!!! Thank you so much!!! Adorable mouse house.
My parents are both artists and 3 of my 5 siblings are artists and I have seen both sides….the egotistical artist vs. the artist that serves. I’m sharing this post with them and I can guarantee a lively family discussion! Thanks.
Wow, this is such a great way of demonstrating absolute truth instead of relativism. I love this, thanks!
What a wonderful post! Thank you!
Something to ponder.
Such a fantastic perspective!
Thank you very kindly, Zach, for the lovely artwork and thoughtful insight to the purpose of art. One of my personal frustrations has been with the societal tendancy to redefine words according to one’s personal whims. Art is another realm being redefined. Good words to ponder especially when attempting to teach the arts. Thank you as well for the delightful giveaway ~
I hope this is still open! Goodness, I’d love to have that. I know Little Man and I could create all kinds of stories from it. :D
Oh my! That mouse kit is fantastic!
Thank you so much for Zach’s post! What a beautiful truth to know are art is to serve in love.
This is fabulous. We ordered the book at your recommendation and are enjoying both the story and the art. Thank you for this explanation of art, Zach and Sarah. Beautiful!
Oh I’d love to play mice ;)
I’m a company member of a devised theater ensemble and we are constantly striving to find ways to integrate our audience into various aspects of the theatrical process. This article was a beautiful articulation of the role we as artists have to create with love, inclusiveness, humility and unselfishness. I hope this kind of attitude and approach toward all the arts (and life in general) can become the default. Thanks for sharing such a thoughtful message.
And on another note, we happen to have just started reading Prince Caspian and I’m so excited to get to the part about Reepicheep now. My kids will love discovering a magical door like that in the house. I’m thinking an Easter scavenger hunt will lead to it…
I have a couple of “artists” in our family, and I find this to be a conversation we need to start. I have never thought of art in this way, but it’s profound. Thanks.
I have never seen anything cuter than this mouse door! I’m so glad I found this blog. It’s refreshing to hear of cultivating our children’s imagination in a healthy, “not me” way. Very encouraging!
I can just imagine the boys digging away! Great story, thanks for sharing.
so inspiring!
Thank you for the article and your viewpoint. My girls would love this mouse kit. I love it! I felt like a kid again letting my imagination run wild just looking at the picture.
My kids would LOVE this!!
“Christian artists should serve in a way that’s full of both grace and truth.” I love this. I look forward to listening to the podcast, and reading The Green Ember as soon as possible with my kids! :)
You won a mouse kit, Tasha. :)
This is such a fun way to extend imagination, without worrying about Santa or elves or leprechans. Plus, my daughter’s nickname is “Mouse”! :)
Thank you for this guest post, Sarah and Zach. I will be sharing this with my sister who is an art teacher (I think she will wholeheartedly agree with you). My boys would love this little mouse door!
This looks lovely! How fun!
I Loved this! Thank you!
This is so wonderful! I have started reading about art and God and trying to find and frame the truth as a reference point, but it is tricky wading through ones worldview, others world views and all the ideas about true art, never mind how it has changed through history! Thank you for making a clear, beautiful point in a few paragraphs, that we can take and think on. It has helped clear my vision in this area. Isn’t it great how truth does that? And…love the mouse in the house idea!!!
I saw the mouse kit on etsy before I read the article. My first thought was “I’ve got to do this!” Thanks for the opportunity to win!
You won a mouse kit, Angela. :)
Reepicheep, a most worthy mentor who inspired the mentor.
Very well written! What a clear explanation with thought provoking points. Thank you for this! And thank you for the opportunity to win a fun giveaway.
Wholeheartedly agree with this article!!!! And we have a Reepicheep stuffed animal (actually it’s the mouse from “if you give a mouse a cookie” but it’s graduated into Reepicheep) and he is the most prized animal friend in the house. To have a door and portrait of him would make one 9 year old very very happy.
I can’t even. This is all so delightful and refreshing.
Thanks so much for the chance to win! Just love the mouse house idea!
I love the mouse door! I keep a few very miniature animal figurines about just to transport me back to a time when my poetic imagination was more lively.
I love this post. I am a classically trained musician taking a break from concertizing to raise my family. Some days I feel like the sacrifice is too much, but then I am reminded that I am helping God create beautiful souls–and that is much more meaningful than playing concerts.
Oh my! That is so adorable. I have a child or two that would be enchanted by this little mouse house.
Great article! What a neat giveaway–my children and I would be so happy to receive a kit :)
I love this idea. A couple of our boys used to wake up every morning and share their adventures in Narnia. They were convinced they’d been there during the night. We’d discuss their adventures over a cup of hot cocoa and some turkish delight (divinity) I’d made. They also spent an entire summer digging a hole in the yard. It’s still there! Just purchased The Green Ember and can’t wait to start reading it tomorrow. Reepicheep has always been a favorite here!
Wow! Zach is super talented! I love the Abe Lincoln print in his shop too (my favorite president :) I know my kiddos would really enjoy the mouse kit in their new, shared bedroom. Thanks for the giveaway!
Reepicheep is one of my family’s favorite characters! What a fun idea!
Beautiful! I have struggled between the lines of imaginative play and practicality. This is an article I will re-read many times.
Love this, and my kids would love it too!
My Mom shared this with me and my brother, we absolutely adore this article! We especially appreciated the ending – our whole family loves C.S. Lewis, and we especially love Reepicheep :)
I feel as though I have been taking the most wonderful and happiest of courses on fostering holy imagination upon discovering your podcast. Your guests and “peers” words have challenged and resonated in the depths of my person. It’s as though so much of my secret desires and thoughts and ponderings have been given wings. Thank you for being my ally on this pilgrimage. I’m inspired by our Creator and challenged to persevere by my fellow sojourners.
Zach’s article instantly hooked me and put to words so articulately my struggle with much, not all, of modern art/self-expression. The self apart from Christ is not a beautiful thing to behold. He helped give me words to express these realities to my children. I’m grateful.
Wow – this article was something I’m going to have to revisit and re-read, as there is so much in it that I know I haven’t fully digested! Wonderful conversation on what are is and is not. Thank you.
This is a fantastic article! Thank you so much! that mouse door is absolutely adorable :)
What an important and fresh perspective on art!! I love what Zach says and I would love to win his “grown-up” prop mouse kit. I mean, my kids would love it too! :-)
My five year old draws constantly, and I’m amazed at not only his ability but his tenacious and focused thought as he does. Not having much artistic ability or knowledge myself, this was very encouraging in how to help guide him and what to look for in an art teacher. Thank you for sharing!
This is one of my fav articles and topics. I love the analogy to serving guests a plate of salt. Kids do need to think of loving others first rather than their own self esteem and unique awesomeness; rather, they are part of a large family team that needs them to be looking for their next assist instead of scoring all the points. Great job, Sarah, hosting these interesting, thoughtful creators.
Keep it up!
Lisa
Thank you from this graduate of a “liberal” liberal arts college who always wondered what was wrong with *me* when I didn’t get why *that* was art. (I had an art professor who spoke lofty words about a crumpled styrofoam cup!) This post explains that nothing was wrong with *me*. Now — years later–I understand that the principles of God’s order, Truth and Beauty, are (and should be) the real pillars of art. Many thanks.
What fun props! We are big fans of Reepicheep (in fact we named our first chicken after him). I love your post as well.
Thank you for serving the Lord and all of us with your gifts and talents, and for encouraging others to do the same! I love the mouse house idea!
Really wish Zach would publish a book about art :-) Excellent thoughts!
Thank you for this article! I’m going to share it with my teenagers.
The mouse kit is such a wonderful idea! Thanks Zach for reminding us to think of others in our art and to remember to play with or without children :)
I love the mouse door idea!!!
This article is fascinating. I had never looked at art through this lens before, but it is a worthwhile conversation to have! My kids would go nuts at this mouse kit. Hilarious!
Very good points. I’ll be sharing.
Thank you so much for this article. Such a fresh perspective. I really enjoyed reading it.
thanks for the chance to win the giveaway!
I am seriously excited about this post for so many reasons. I have been wanting to learn more about how art has fallen away from God and how to express that to others. In addition, I am involved in a new church plant called Hospitality Church since the ultimate in hospitality is the Gospel. AND(I know that it is unacceptable to begin a sentence with “and” but I am SO excited)all of our pastors are home-schooling their children. Our family has been home-schooling for 20 years, the other two pastors are just beginning their journeys; one family has three little ones 6 and under and the other one had a 14 year old and two 12s…it is really exciting! Thank you for writing these ideas so that we can digest them.
Thought provoking article, thank you.
Love the mouse door!
Love the little mouse door and painting :) beautiful idea…..
Dear Sir,
I enjoyed readying this article because it was well thought out and your train of thought was very well explained. Well done.
I completely disagree with you. I think this piece is an example of how we as well intended Christians try to bring God into things were his hand was never absent.
I think that you are missing the most basic point of what art is. Art is a way to articulate. To communicate. To express thoughts and feelings. Art is not only valid if it brings something to the viewer, but is perfectly legitimate when an individual uses God created mediums to portray their thought and experiences. Your take on the issue reminds me of David’s wife Michael who thought that David’s dancing (another form of “art” ie. self expression) was wrong because of how it may have effected the witnesses. Singing is very often a chance to express emotion, and not done for the listener. Someone may indeed hear you singing in the shower and express their view of it (they may not have found it idifying) but that is unrelated to the urge which brought about your song. The human being built in the image of God will feel many emotions, just as we are clearly shown that the creator does. We do not want to stray into the mistaken thinking patterns of ancients who saw all matter as carnal. I think that declaring that all art needs to be a teaching tool is dangerously close.
Perhaps at times, we need to articulate an event, understanding or feeling as much to communicate to ourselves and God as for the observer. I doubt that as David was crying out his anguis, he was concerned with what his articulation was reflecting to those who might ponder it…
I have a Ebeneezer wall in my home where I commemorate pieces of my life; the places I have gotten though with God’s help. Some situations I have come to learn huge and easily transposed lessons from. Some incident are still chasms of question marks even now. All those places impacted me to a degree and for my own expression, I choose to articulate on the free wall leading to the basement. Some who see the “monument” might be inspired, most would not. Some might enjoy an explanation, some would not understand even if they received an entire discourse on the thing. My life (all of it – not just what another might deem the godly part) is of importance to me and the story God has gifted me and I am free to commemorate it in the manner I choose. If I have the vulnerability to share and thereby open myself up to the judgement of others on how well I managed to articulate and whether or not I had a right to do so, I think it might be labeled bravery rather than selfishness.
In the end, I believe that our story (events, interests, emotions and thoughts) is the only one we can tell with great accuracy and without presumption.
May Jesus Christ be praised!
I love the little mouse door :) beautiful idea….
I think Art can serve both purposes.
Self-expression and as hospitality.
One time I was walking through a gallery in Denver and the artist had painted pieces that were of soldiers and seemed strangely anti-military. They were mostly nonsensical and provocative, with the only point, seemingly, to provoke. The thought occurred to me that ‘if no one understands your message you’re not saying anything.’
There is an ethos in art that it is whatever you want it to be. I think that has it’s place. I think that the place of the artist is to be responsible with what you are saying. Unfortunately most of us are not mature enough to be. Or without regard to what harm that art may be doing.
It’s up to each artist to decide what their point is. Is it to bring beauty into the world? To point people to Christ? To provoke? To do something that’s never been done? To record events in your life?
I understand what Zach is getting at. There is a lot of ugly out there being sold as art. Which makes it hard for the artist as professional. If you are someone who wants to produce beauty and sell it, you’re not taken as seriously. It’s unfortunate, and makes those of us who like to paint truth and beauty feel like less than.
I do think it’s tragic when art programs no longer focus on the ability to actually draw and paint, but more on ‘how to think up weird things.’ Can’t it be both?
Lara
This was such an interesting article. I love the mouse kits, too.
Oh my, how adorable! And if it’s not won, can it be bought? Thank you for the essay, and I will read it with greater leisure after the kids go to bed. Playfulness is so utterly vital in the home and in the homeschool, but it does not come without effort when I am feeling tired and rundown. I might mention that I remember that ‘Ludere est contemplare’ was one of the first things I ever wrote in my highschool commonplace book, Sarah, and although I lost that precious book years ago (!) the phrase has been a backbone to my thinking about classical education ever since. And just…thank you for your work Sarah! I don’t comment often enough, but I am sooo ‘tired and rundown’ and I am leaning on your inspiration more than you know! It has made all the difference this year.
This post really helps me think about how to help my children understand art. It gives room for personal taste without opening the floodgates to call every little thing “art.”
This is an absolutely superb article that I will return to, especially as I consider what kinds of activities I might want my kids to take part in as they get older. As someone who studied art history in college, I have a lot to think about after reading this.
I’m crazy about the mouse door. I lived in Ann Arbor, MI for 12 years, where there are a series of fairy doors scattered throughout the downtown area. They are fun to stumble upon, and I know that many people go on little hunts for them. I’m thinking I need to take my girls on a trip back there for a little hunt. Here’s some more info, if anyone’s interested. http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fairy_Doors_of_Ann_Arbor
I would say these works of art have spurred on the imagination of a whole city!
I love this idea! Living in a 100+ year old farm house gives great opportunity for a tiny mouse corner…but as a family in ministry, it would be a great reminder for all of us too. Thank you for this chance to win!!
I don’t have a knack for art so this is an area where I haven’t thought much about. I have a son who seems to be naturally gifted in this area. I’m very encouraged by this article and how we should value “good” over “mine.” Thank you!
I love the idea of inviting others into truth, goodness, and beauty through art!
Zach, this really hits home for me. Hospitality has been central to clarifying and shaping vocation for me the past five years. I’m a singer/songwriter and I mostly play house concerts so I’m working out the form/content congruency. My brother, Sam Clark, is a ceramic artist and we talk about this kind of thing all the time. So good. And I love the mouse house! Thanks for the thoughts.
These are delightful! Modern Mrs. Darcy posted this week about having a “shrine” to children’s literature, and this would fit perfectly!
Thank you Zach! This is such a fantastic article! A very much needed article.
I so enjoy anything little that sparks the imagination!
This inspires me to work on my front yard fairy gardens where neighbors stop by and children are invited to play imaginatively.
This article was so enjoyable, lovely, helpful. My daughter and I are studying Art Appeeciation right now so this gives me the words to help her understand what real art is. I am looking forward to the interview.
What a great way to look at it. A great article, I can’t wait for the podcast. I would love to win one of the kits, an adorable, fun idea!
I loved this post! He articulated so well the thoughts on my artist heart. Everything truly has to be at the service of Christ and truth- thank you thank you for these beautiful insights.
This article really has such interesting insight. My mind is spinning with ideas on how to cultivate my children’s imaginations and how to help them see and love others’ gifts and talents more. I can’t wait to hear more of this in the podcast!
Thank you for a great post! Clear, helpful, challenging. =) And the mouse kit is wonderful!
Good art is art that blesses others -what a beautiful thought! Thank you.
Love the mouse kit, and my kids would love it too – but does that mean we’d have to make room on a bookshelf? Great article on how artists serve, thank you.
Great article! Thank you!
This is absolutely great! Not surprising, coming from Zach, but it’s just outstanding. I wish more and more parents could connect with Zach’s (humble, holy, happy) message about art and get a chance to learn from him. I’ve treasured the opportunity to listen to him.
Thank you, Sarah, for sharing this with us. And thanks for the wonderful work you’re doing.
On your side!
Great article, thank you. Too stickin’ cute. I would love to win!
Zach is one of my favorite artists and people! I love his characterization of Reepicheep and the encouragement it gives me everytime I glance at it. All of Zach’s work is fabulous, especially when paired with the brilliance of S. D. Smith (another one of my favorite people) in his book The Green Ember.
I want a mouse door! How fun!
Beautiful article! Thank you for sharing your thoughts!
That mouse kit is awesome and a great article too.
Wow! What a great idea! Your post was refreshing and inspiring!
Oh, yes, I love this — it’s why I try to even teach my little kids what is good & true & beautiful in art. Oh, and we LOVE The Green Ember illustrations!
Thank you, thank you, thank you for giving this mom of four young children something interesting to think about as well as an concrete idea of what it night look like to incorporate family play/pretending. This post found common ground and led me to something beautiful–a very hospitable act indeed!
Thanks for the chance to win!
Can’t wait for the podcast!
Thanks for the chance to win a mouse kit! I am truly enjoying Zach’s artwork. I can tell that every component has a purpose.
Can’t wait for the podcast!
I really, really dislike mice in our house. They tend to leave unpleasant evidence they’ve been there without an invitation. I think the problem is that they are uncivilized. The door and picture might just be enough to change the mouse culture in our home.
I love these thoughts on art. Thank you for sharing. I also love the mouse door. Thanks for doing a give-away!
Oh my goodness that mouse kit is just adorable. My kids would love it!
Hi Sarah
i LOVE your podcast! i also love your blogs and websites. i am a mom of 10 with 4 graduated, 1 more in June, (my youngest is 4) and you have been such an encouragement to me in this season of life (kind of burned out) This is our 20th year and you have given me a new perspective. i am very intimidated to try classical but am tempted. i cant wait to hear Carole Joy on your podcast. She has been a friend and mentor to me and my family for years! Love to you and your beautiful family……cristy eirich
Love it! What a fun way to play as a family…
This is amazing!! :) I can only imagine how excited my kids are going to be when we try this out…thank you!
I am a recovered Art History major. I had to unlearn everything and begin anew. Wow, how I was soaked in Duchamp’s Urinal and other such nonart art, which is why Amongst Lovely Things is a breath of fresh air.
I absolutely love this idea! My kids would too. One way or another, this has got to happen at my house. Thanks for the giveaway!
The encouragement to serve others through art; a reminder to live a civilized, hospitable life; a suggestion for adults to have imaginative play. Powerful post. Thank you!
These mouse kits would be a huge hit in our family!
The mouse kit is delightful! We’d love it – I’m sure it would kindle the kids’ imagination. :)
My kids would love the mouse kit! We are tum tum and nutmeg fans!
What a great article, and the little mouse kits are so great! Thanks!
I have been thinking of this whole “imagination” issue lately, including the Santa question, and love the idea of getting the same thing in another way (one that works year-round, too). Never really thought about MY joining in quite so much, but of course I would have to, at least initially, or it would never fly. And it is just as important to cultivate my imagination as the kids’ (I’ve lost sight of that).
I would love to win one of the kits.
I live in a town with an art school. Every year, when my husband and I go to the senior shows, we scratch our heads and wonder just what these young people have been learning for four years. Most, when asked what the purpose of the art is (think dried tea bags and empty rooms lit with blue light) have nothing to say. Others embark on long explanations of themselves. Never have I heard a response along the lines of wishing to serve…I wish it weren’t the case. Thank you for the lovely article.
What great thoughts! We are reading “The Green Ember” out loud right now because you suggested it. And I love the art idea. We are moving to Zambia, and can’t take much with us, but a bit of wonderful art as fuel for imaginations would be great!
Yes! I knew it always rubbed me the wrong way when artists want to tell me what is art – like my 2 year old declaring that dessert is an acceptable substitute for dinner or that he doesn’t need to pick up his toys because the floor is already clean simply because he declared it to be so.
I love the analogy of hospitality as well. On a tangent, it gives me hope because I’ve never considered myself a very artistic person (at least in the so-called “traditional” ways), but I love decorating and keeping my home clean so that guests always feel welcome and cooking meals that people love to eat. I suppose I’m being an artist in a roundabout way then. :)
Great food for thought; thanks!
Perhaps art fueled by a holy imagination is more “art that loves one’s neighbor AS one’s self” rather than “art that loves one’s neighbor NOT one’s self.” It is my belief that we live in a culture that is actually fueled by self-hatred and shame which leads to elevating the self far above others in strange and self-centered ways. If we truly understand what love is, then learning to love one’s self spills over into a genuine love of others that would exhibit the hospitality if which you speak without losing one’s self in the process.
The mousehole idea is fabulous! My 9yo and I enjoyed the book Tumtum and Nutmeg years ago, and still refer fondly to all things mouse-related today. ;-)
I absolutely love the art in The Green Ember (it’s nice when both the story and the art are absolutely delightful), and I can just imagine the sweet little mouse door on one of our bookshelves. :)
Me too. Zach is the best.
I am in the process of changing my home around to accommodate a new grandchild and a more grown-up set of kids still at home. The mouse setting in a bookcase is such a lovely idea! I love it!
What amazing artwork! I love his creativity and expressions on the people. Thanks for sharing. God bless!
What a wonderful prop for the imagination! Our kids would really love them.
Can’t help but smile at the thought of a little mouse coming through the door and sitting on the bench. Wonderful! How fun to decorate and delight in!
Excellent! This was a great help to me as I have been thinking about how to encourage art in our homeschool.
This is wonderful! I believe a tiny mouse needs to come and reside on our farm! He would feel right at home! ;-D
What a neat idea! I love that both children and adults can engage with this prop together!
This is wonderful…..best thing I’ve read all week!
Very good read! I would love a mouse welcome kit for our home :)
This was so helpful! We are about to study some artists who were not Christians and this really helped me think about how to discuss/compare and contrast with my children.
Wonderful post! Thanks.
Beautiful article. Thank you for sharing.
My kids would love this! I’m always amazed by their imaginations =)
My husband worka at a Classical Catholic school and this article will be going to him for the staff!
This is terrific. I don’t know that I’ve heard a better way to answer the age-old debate of “What is art?”
Thank you Zach. Great post.
A mouse door…what a lovely idea!
I absolutely love everything about this share. I’m following Zach and his work now on social media now too, so thank you for that as well! So much talent! Sharing this post and just want to keep re-reading it. Beautiful! I’ll be sharing with my husband later too :)
I love this mouse door, and I love that I knew who Reepicheep is. Our family has recently plunged into the Narnia Chronicles. Everyone should.
I loved this article. Thanks for sharing!
Ooh, I’ve never connected hospitality and art before. Lots to think about, thanks! And the mouse door is wonderful!! How fun to have around the house. :)
What an outstanding perspective! I really enjoyed reading this article. Thank you for sharing your insight!
I am both exited and relieved. I love you Zach! Ahem.
Thank you for more great food for thought!
That mouse kit is amazing!
I never thought I’d say that I’d love to win a mouse kit…but I’d LOVE to win a mouse kit! :) I can imagine the stories coming from my little one’s when they would discover it.
Oh goodie, can’t wait for the RAR show! :)
Thank you for being so honest and reminding us the art is aim at creating something good, beautiful and truthful.
it is so easy to foster selfish-ness and self focus in our little artists.
That mouse kit is adorable! My kids would get such a kick out of that, especially because I am terrified of real mice. :)
I can imagine the stories and adventures my children would invent for the civilized mice who might walk through that tiny door!
We love Reepicheep!! This was a fascinating article, can’t wait to listen to the interview. I love the idea of encouraging imaginative play among those of us who are no longer little children. Thank you for inspiring me daily!
We are loving the Green Ember!! Thank you for your thoughtful words and giveaway!
:)
My kids would love that! Thank you for the inspiration!
I love, love, love this post! It explains so much and puts into words what I have tried to understand about art and literature but couldn’t quite put my finger on!
Thank you!
“Artists should be good hosts.” Beautiful food for thought that I’ll feast on for a while.
I love the idea of good art as a form of hospitality! That really is true, it’s to serve a greater end than the artist’s glory. Thank you for sharing this!
Breezy, Zach is brilliant. I wish you guys could meet up.
I hope to someday! This was great! And I can’t wait to listen to the next RAR podcast.
What a fabulous article! And thanks for the chance to win!
I just discovered your site! What a great read. Imaginative play is so very important and fun to do as a family!!!
i need a mouse kit!!!
This is a very thought-provoking post! I’m a church planting pastor’s wife, and our home is a place of hospitality all the time–I love the idea of holy imagination in our hospitality. And the mouse niche? That made me sit straight up; I love it!! What a fun giveaway!
Yes! We have one at home, made by Zach, and our family loves it.
Thank you for the opportunity! Loved this.
Sarah M
Ohhh . . . I love this mouse kit! What fun! I can envision it in a prime place among our books – – – and that is real estate not readily given over to anything but books! ; )
I’m giving the Green Ember to my imaginative son for his birthday in a month; he made fairy gardens in his spare time last summer and fall. He’s always drawing, folding paper, stacking blocks . . . creating, imagining. . . Now we can encourage “hospitality” in imagination.
Thank you, Zach and Sarah, for posting this article for parents.
Beautiful! I loved hearing the words of this artist. thank you!
Wow, this post is great. I read it first thing in the morning, but I think I will be rereading it once I have more time to think and ponder it. Great, great job. And those mouse kits? Darling!
What a great post. Very refreshing to read his take on art. I have been to so many museums where I just haven’t understood how something displayed could be considered “art.” Now I understand the difference for what makes true art. His definition is spot on.
You won a mouse kit, Jackie! :)
I am going to enjoy mulling over this article this weekend- it gave me a lot to think about. My son just finished reading the Narnia books and the mouse kit would be an awesome gift for him!
Inspiring! The mouse art makes me grin. Thanks for the chance to win!
This article made me think in a way few others have. Very powerful words.
I just love the mouse door and absolutely want one!!!
Blessings,
Jennifer
Oh WOW! What great things to think about & teach my children! What a great gift to teach them to be good stewards of their imaginations in art and play. Sounds like 1 Peter 4:10- As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.
I agree! Good reminder and analogy of art and hospitality..especially as my little girl is developing a keen interest in art.
love this! Sharing with all the aspiring artists I know!
Sarah, thanks for such a thoughtful post! We’ll be sharing it :)
P.S. Just ordered Green Ember also!
The idea of art as hospitality is a new one for me. As long as the analogy doesn’t go too far (for instance, one would try to avoid correcting guests in one’s home, and good art can reprove wrong ideas, manners, or beliefs) it’s a very helpful way to look at the role of an artistic creator. Thanks!
Oh my! We have only just met Reepicheep in our read aloud of Prine Caspian but how we chuckle over him! My 4 & 6 year olds have been captured by Narnia; as my daughter says, she loves chapter books because they are so full of adventure. We are going to take a break from P.C to read Ember which should be on our doorstep as soon as we get home today from co-op! I’m going to purchase a door set even if I don’t happen to win it
We discovered the Green Ember a few months ago and my first comment was how incredibly talented the illustrator was! Excited to find your blog and start reading, lots of amazing information!
Totally agree!
I sometimes wonder the same thing about art. Should I strive for good art or simply the enjoyment of splashing paint on the paper? Thanks for the new perspective! C.S. Lewis is a special treasure around here so we would all love to win these props.
I love this blog and the RAR. Mr. Franzen has given me much to contemplate today with these three little sentences: “Treating self-expression as the goal of art sanctifies the personal in a way that’s bad. It encourages students to work on explanation rather than craft and discourages them from seeking common ground with the viewer. In the cult of self-expression, the viewer is expected to serve the artist.”
How will I encourage my little artists today to seek common ground with their viewers, be hospitable, and exhibit grace and truth? Oh my. What a grand calling!
I love to keep my children’s imagination alive, and the little mouse door reminds me of our fairy Rochelle. Everytime we misplace something we blame Rochelle. We will go around the house calling her to please bring it back, even my husband calls her at times. It was my mother in law who told our children the story of Rochelle and i just kept it alive. One day at my husband’s aunts house she started calling Rochelle for something she had misplaced. I could not stop laughing at the fact that the story of Rochelle has found its way into another family. I cannot put it any better than Albert Einstein when he said “the true sign of intelligence is not knowledge but imagination.” That inspires me as an adult to seek out that lost imagination with the help of my own children, because the world has already blurred much of the true and good. What Zach Franzen has said is true. The words of Susan as Jessie Wise ring through my head when they said “There’s nothing wrong with self-expression, but when self-expression pushes the accumulation of knowledge offstage, something is out of balance.”
This is why I love this blog. I seem to find here the expression of the nagging feelings I can’t articulate about culture, education, and popular books for children.
Also- that mouse door is delightful.
How sweet is that mouse kit? Have you ever seen fairy gardens that people have crafted? So enchanting!
I was at a used bookstore yesterday and I noticed the fantasy/sci-fi books available.The imagination clearly seeks the beyond & art can be a reflection of that beyond-what we are seeking. I have a teenager aspiring to be an illustrator. She spends all her free time drawing dragons,unicorns,&creatures of the deep. She will forgo TV to draw.God put that desire to seek the unattainable, the beautiful, the more & beyond in her. (Oh joy! Then God made a way to attain what we seek through His son). She is reading CSLewis ‘The Great Divorce’ & I can’t wait to see her rendition of Heaven. Thanks for your work Sarah. Keep recommending books like ‘The Green Ember’ so that I can keep fueling the imagination of my littles. I don’t think you’re rambling. I am truly helped by this blog, your RAR podcasts, & all your efforts.
What a great post, and what a neat idea!
There is nothing in my life right now that is feeding me as much as all of this talk about great literature and imagination and inspiration (except my Bible reading, of course!).
God bless you all!
Thank you for serving your Lord and in turn us. We are blessed.
I love this article so very much. Must share :)
I love this reminder that all things, even our creative endeavors, serve God. And the mouse house? Delightful idea. :-)
Excellent article! Thank you for your insight. I love the idea of the mouse house and family play:)
You won a mouse kit, Serah! :)
This is a beautiful post which puts into words something we can all feel about art. And the cutest mouse art ever!
Such an interesting topic. One of my sons is autistic and pretend play does not come naturally. Maybe some of these props would be helpful.
I have so enjoyed this article. How refreshing to hear this directly from an artist! Thank you for the opportunity to win.
Love it! Thanks for the encouragement to keep the imagination alive…even in the adults!