Art must speak of beauty

 

 

Art must speak of beauty in union with truth and goodness. Yet, if an artist has not truly encountered these foundations, their work will be but noise or worse, deception. Catholic artists have a particular obligation to counteract the current, relativistic trends that claim truth to be subjective. As missionaries of beauty, they are entrusted with communicating mysteries that are well beyond social constructs and that stand on the solid foundation of truth, goodness, and beauty. Thus, in-order for an artist to rise to such a task, they must personally encounter these foundations and seek after an expansion that far surpasses what is worldly and fully encompasses one’s senses, heart, mind, and skills.

 

 

This continual expansion begins at the feet of God in stillness. It is through this encounter with true Beauty Himself that one begins to perceive more fully his or her own being, the world, and the wonders they point to. From there, an artist is called to cultivate the talents given, thus, to seek an excellence that is married to these same foundations. Artists, may we imitate the Marian posture of openness and make time for the very expansion of our beings as well as our skills, crafting a fiat as our visible love song.

 

 

 

This excerpt written by Kate is featured in the book “Created” by Likeable Arts. If this insight of hers intrigues you or captures your interest at all, consider checking out the full book here, compiled together by 62 different catholic artists and creatives. Some other known names featured in this text include Mathew West, Kevin Heider, Bishop Robert Barron, Peter Kreeft, Edmund Mitchell, Jennifer Fulwiler, Bob Rice, and many many more. To hear more about the inspiration behind the book, watch their awesome trailer here!