Nathan Engelhardt and Jeremy Spears, directors and writers of the animated short film ForeverGreen, share their personal faith journeys and how these experiences have shaped their creative work. They discuss the importance of storytelling in conveying spiritual themes, the challenges they faced during the film's production, and the role of community support in their creative process. The conversation highlights the intersection of art and faith, emphasizing the power of storytelling to communicate deep truths and engage audiences. In this conversation, Nathan Engelhardt and Nathan Presley explore the intricacies of creativity, collaboration, and the spiritual dimensions of storytelling. They discuss the challenges faced during creative projects, the importance of patience and generosity, and the role of faith in guiding artistic expression. The dialogue emphasizes the significance of storytelling as a means of conveying deeper truths and survival information, while also addressing the need for rest and reflection in the creative process.

Takeaways

Nathan Engelhardt and Jeremy Spears are directors and writers of the animated short film Forever Green.
Both creators share their personal faith journeys and how they intersect with their work.
The film aims to convey deep spiritual themes through storytelling and animation.
They discuss the importance of allegory in conveying complex ideas simply.
The creative process involved collaboration and overcoming various challenges.
Personal struggles and spiritual battles influenced their storytelling.
Community support played a crucial role in the film's development.
They emphasize the importance of being genuine in faith and creativity.
The film serves as a platform for sharing the gospel and engaging with audiences.
Future aspirations include continuing to create meaningful stories that glorify God. Creativity often requires patience and a generous spirit.
Collaboration enhances the quality of creative work.
Storytelling can convey profound truths without explicit dialogue.
Rest is essential for creative rejuvenation and clarity.
Every story should have a clear message or survival information.
Faith plays a crucial role in guiding creative endeavors.
Small beginnings can lead to significant outcomes.
Listening to feedback is vital for improving creative projects.
The pacing of a story can greatly impact its emotional resonance.
Artistic expression can serve as a bridge to deeper conversations about faith.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Forever Green
03:05 Personal Faith Journeys
06:07 The Role of Spiritual Warfare
08:37 The Creative Process Behind Forever Green
11:33 The Calling to Create
14:20 The Story of the Three Trees
17:39 God Moments in Storytelling
20:29 The Impact of Allegory in Film
23:22 Conclusion and Future of Forever Green
31:14 Navigating Hypocrisy and Authenticity
33:00 The Struggle with Sin and Grace
36:19 The Journey of Spiritual Purification
38:43 Facing Resistance in Creative Endeavors
41:03 Balancing Family and Creative Pursuits
44:57 The Process of Filmmaking and Collaboration
47:33 Handling Creative Differences
50:15 Extracting the Spirit Behind Feedback
58:12 The Art of Animation and Storytelling
59:37 The Power of Silence in Film
01:02:16 Finding Rest and Recalibration
01:04:04 The Importance of Intentional Storytelling
01:07:25 Faith and Creative Expression
01:09:44 The Role of Art in Spiritual Conversations
01:14:19 Survival Information in Storytelling

Keywords

art, faith, animation, storytelling, spiritual journey, creativity, Disney, Forever Green, personal growth, community support, creativity, collaboration, storytelling, filmmaking, faith, leadership, artistic process, project management, spiritual growth, emotional impact

In this conversation, Nathan Presley speaks with filmmaker Mark Freiburger about his journey in the film industry, focusing on his latest project 'Between Borders'. They discuss the challenges of filmmaking, the importance of storytelling in faith-based films, and how personal faith influences creativity. Mark shares insights on directing techniques, the significance of community, and the struggles of turning down opportunities that don't align with his convictions. The conversation concludes with Mark's aspirations for future projects and the role of spirituality in his creative process.

Art & Video video podcast:

https://www.youtube.com/nathanpresley

Contact Mark | https://www.MarkFreiburger.com

Takeaways: Mark Freiburger emphasizes the importance of storytelling over messaging in faith-based films.

He shares his experience of making 'Between Borders' under a tight schedule and budget.

Mark discusses his directing style and the techniques he employed during filming.

He highlights the significance of personal faith in his creative process.

Mark reflects on the challenges of turning down lucrative opportunities for personal convictions.

He believes that the audience is more open to diverse stories than previously thought.

Mark encourages aspiring filmmakers to immerse themselves in their craft and learn continuously.

He shares insights on the importance of community and routine in his life as a father and filmmaker.

Mark discusses the need for authenticity in faith-based storytelling.

He expresses excitement for future projects that align with his values and creative vision.

Keywords: 

Mark Freiburger, Between Borders, filmmaking, faith-based films, storytelling, directing, creative process, personal faith, community, inspiration, Angel studio, Elizabeth Tabish, Filmmaker, craft and calling,

See his work: www.instagram.com/mad.charcoal

Takeaways:

Art can be a powerful expression of faith.
The journey of an artist often begins in childhood.
Navigating the intersection of faith and creativity is challenging yet rewarding.
Marriage and family can significantly influence an artist's work.
Passion and dedication are key to developing artistic skills.
Art should reflect both darkness and light to convey deeper meanings.
Representing Jesus in art requires careful consideration of theology.
Nature can serve as a profound source of inspiration for artists.
Art can facilitate meaningful conversations about faith.
The impact of art can transcend belief systems and touch hearts. Art can bypass analytical barriers and reach the heart.
The Holy Spirit's influence in creativity is often unrecognized.
Artists may not fully control the interpretation of their work.
Daily scripture reading can transform one's perspective.
Community is essential for accountability and growth in faith.
Stewardship of talents is a responsibility given by God.
Social media can be addictive and distracting.
Delayed gratification leads to deeper fulfillment.
It's important to cut off distractions that lead to sin.
Trusting God with emotional struggles is crucial for growth.

Summary

In this conversation, Nathan Presley and artist Mad Charcoal, also known as Josh Hernandez, explore the intricate relationship between art and faith. They discuss Josh's journey as an artist, the influence of his family and marriage on his work, and the challenges of representing spiritual themes in art. The dialogue delves into the importance of balancing darkness and light in artistic expression, the theological implications of depicting Jesus, and the transformative power of art in fostering spiritual conversations. Throughout the discussion, they emphasize the significance of finding inspiration in both faith and nature, highlighting how art can serve as a profound medium for exploring and expressing one's spiritual journey. In this conversation, Nathan Presley and Mad Charcoal explore the intersection of art, faith, and community. They discuss how art can serve as a form of worship, the role of the Holy Spirit in creativity, and the importance of community and accountability in spiritual growth. They also delve into the challenges of navigating social media and technology in a faith-driven life, emphasizing the need for stewardship of talents and the value of delayed gratification in personal and spiritual development.

Chapters

00:00 The Role of Art in Faith
08:32 Creating Meaningful Artwork
11:04 The Challenge of Representing Jesus
13:37 The Depth of the Crucifixion
16:13 Theological Reflections on Art
24:06 The Nature of God and Artistic Expression
26:46 Finding Inspiration in Darkness
29:18 The Role of Faith in Creativity
31:48 Transformative Power of Art
34:37 Art as a Medium for Spiritual Connection
38:32 The Influence of the Holy Spirit in Creativity
41:32 Spiritual Practices and Community Engagement
48:31 Navigating Community Challenges
50:47 The Role of Art in Faith
51:55 Understanding Ambition and Stewardship
58:09 Transforming Technology Use
01:07:37 Spiritual Growth and Delayed Gratification
01:17:07 NEWCHAPTER

Keywords

art, faith, creativity, Mad Charcoal, spiritual journey, artistic expression, marriage, inspiration, representation of Jesus, darkness and light, art, worship, Holy Spirit, creativity, spiritual practices, community, accountability, stewardship, social media, personal growth

Link to Don's Art & Kids book mentioned: https://invisiblecreature.com/shop?type=Books

 Nathan Presley and Don Clark explore the intersection of art and faith, discussing the journey of Invisible Creature, the impact of community, and the balance between ambition and spirituality. They reflect on personal experiences, the role of family in creativity, and the evolving landscape of Christian art, emphasizing the importance of relationships and meaningful expression in their work.

FLESH & BLOOD SHORT FILM WEB PAGE: https://www.prodigal.la/film

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background
02:16 Faith and Personal Journey
04:01 The Role of Music and Community
06:31 Marriage and Family Dynamics
09:21 The Importance of Relationships in Work
11:57 Art's Impact and Purpose
14:12 Legacy and Meaningful Projects
19:48 Creative Inspirations and Personal Projects
23:01 The Role of Faith in Creativity
27:47 Navigating Faith and Professional Life
34:29 Lessons from Experience and Ambition
40:26 The Power of Memories and Communication
42:53 The Impact of Fatherhood on Beliefs and Art
45:26 Navigating Imposter Syndrome in Creative Work
45:41 The Emotional Weight of Film and Personal Experiences
48:31 Creating Meaningful Art: A Journey of Faith
54:24 Mentorship and Supporting Young Creatives

Takeaways

Art is a powerful expression of faith.
Community plays a vital role in creative work.
Navigating life's challenges can strengthen faith.
Relationships with clients can lead to meaningful work.
Ambition should be balanced with faith and purpose.
Family influences creativity and artistic direction.
Creating art can be a form of ministry.
The quality of Christian art is improving.
Young creatives need guidance and support.
Personal experiences shape artistic expression.

Sound Bites

"Art is a powerful expression of faith."
"Creating art can be a form of ministry."
"The future of Christian art is bright."

Titles

Art and Faith: A Conversation with Don Clark
The Intersection of Creativity and Belief

Keywords

art, faith, creativity, Invisible Creature, community, punk rock, family, Christian art, ambition, relationships

Their Website & Devo : www.uncommonvoices.faith/dont-look-away

Kenneth Chang, a multifaceted filmmaker and the CEO of Uncommon Voices Collective and Nathan Presley explore the intersection of art and faith, discussing how Kenneth's experiences in the Korean church shaped his creative journey. Kenneth shares insights on the power of storytelling, particularly in the horror genre, as a means of healing and confronting personal and collective traumas. The discussion also touches on the challenges of filmmaking, the importance of community, and the spiritual practices that guide Kenneth's creative process. As they delve into the significance of honesty in storytelling, they emphasize the need for authenticity in faith-based narratives, ultimately highlighting the transformative power of art in both personal and communal contexts.

Takeaways:

Creation is a way for Christians to express their faith.
Art has the power to heal and set captives free.
The journey of filmmaking is filled with challenges and resistance.
Spiritual practices like journaling can foster gratitude and reflection.
Storytelling can be a means of confronting personal traumas.
Community support is vital for creative growth.
Authenticity in faith-based narratives is essential.
The horror genre can effectively explore deep spiritual themes.
Art can help us process our experiences and emotions.
Engaging with beauty can bypass analytical barriers to healing.

Chapters

00:00 The Moment God Became Real
07:27 The Journey into Filmmaking
14:06 Creative Process and Spirituality
18:19 Challenges in Filmmaking
22:33 The Intersection of Horror and Spirituality
28:25 The Role of the Holy Spirit in Creativity
33:25 Facing Shadows: The Reality of Pain in Faith-Based Films
43:04 The Power of Beauty and Art
45:16 Spiritual Reflections Through Film
47:54 Personal Spiritual Practices and Growth
49:32 Advice to My Younger Self
53:58 Current Endeavors and Community Impact
58:33 Facing Personal Demons Through Art
01:00:59 Resources for Creatives and Final Thoughts

Keywords:

Kenneth Chang, filmmaking, Christian horror, art and faith, storytelling, creative process, spiritual growth, healing through art, Uncommon Voices, horror genre

World renown screenwriting instructor & professor Pilar Alessandra talks simplifing story and writing craft

Link to her podcast & More: onthepage.tv

Takeaways:

Writers often worry too much about making mistakes.
Many new writers write stories that aren't their own.
Finding your unique voice is crucial in writing.
Setting time limits can help overcome writer's block.
Originality doesn't mean complete uniqueness; it's about fresh perspectives.
Loglines are essential for focusing your story.
Successful writers enjoy the process and are open to experimentation.
Playfulness in writing can lead to better creativity.
Receiving notes should be about understanding intent, not just following advice.
Writing partnerships require clear communication and agreements.

Summary

Pilar Alessandra discussing common mistakes new writers make, the importance of finding one's unique voice, and strategies for overcoming writer's block. She emphasizes the significance of originality in storytelling, the role of loglines, and the dynamics of writing partnerships. Pilar also touches on creating faith-based stories without being preachy, the element of surprise in storytelling, and the importance of playfulness in the writing process. Throughout the discussion, she provides practical tips and encourages writers to embrace their creativity and enjoy the journey of storytelling.

Chapters

03:44 Common Mistakes in Writing
06:26 Finding Your Unique Voice
09:01 Breaking Down Story Structure
11:37 Overcoming Writer's Block
14:13 The Importance of Originality
17:00 Developing Compelling Characters
19:32 The Role of Loglines
21:40 Patterns in Successful Writers
25:28 Navigating Feedback: The Art of Receiving Notes
26:20 The Note Process: Understanding Intentions
29:02 Collaborative Writing: The Dynamics of Writing Partners
31:21 Starting Your Writing Journey: Exercises and Exploration
32:22 Faith-Based Storytelling: Balancing Message and Authenticity
33:04 Show, Don't Tell: The Power of Subtext
35:39 The Element of Surprise: Keeping Audiences Engaged
39:04 Finding Balance: The Lift and Drag of Storytelling
39:20 Personal Favorites: Films That Resonate
43:30 Faith in Storytelling: Subtlety Over Preachiness
45:01 Conveying the Unseen: Objects as Symbols in Storytelling

Cecily's music reflects a deep intimacy with God.
Discipleship involves unlearning harmful coping mechanisms.
Pain can lead to spiritual growth and deeper faith.
Creativity thrives in a space of authenticity and vulnerability.
The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in the songwriting process.
Cecily'sy aims to bridge the gap between Christian and mainstream music.
Fear of man can stifle creativity and innovation.
Boundaries are essential for maintaining a healthy creative process.
Art should be enjoyed for its own sake, not just for commercial success.
Cecily's future projects include a focus on film and television music.

: [email protected]

www.youtube.com/@its_cecily

https://www.instagram.com/its_cecily/

Nathan Presley and Cecily Hennigan explore the intersection of art and faith, discussing Cecily's journey as a musician and her experiences with discipleship, personal growth, and creativity. They delve into the importance of intimacy with God in the creative process, the challenges of navigating the Christian and mainstream music worlds, and the role of fear and authenticity in artistic expression. Cecily shares her aspirations for future projects and the significance of maintaining boundaries in her creative work, emphasizing the need for a balance between ambition and rest.

Chapters

00:00 Discipleship and Personal Growth
03:39 Moments of Salvation and Lordship
06:21 The Role of Pain in Spiritual Awakening
09:11 Creative Process and the Holy Spirit
11:51 Navigating Faith in the Creative Industry
17:05 Challenges in Faith-Based Work
22:28 Conclusion and Future Aspirations
22:51 The Fear of Creativity and Scarcity Mentality
25:19 Living Life to Inspire Art
29:09 The Process of Songwriting and Inspiration
31:51 The Significance of Recent Work
34:05 The Gift of Rest in Creativity
39:19 Ambition and Its Role in Artistic Expression
46:20 The Otherworldly Nature of Art and Music
47:21 Delight Over Discipline in Creativity
48:49 The Balance of Ambition and Faith
50:13 Understanding Identity in Creativity
51:19 The Importance of Boundaries in Creative Work
53:13 Exploring New Directions in Music
54:55 The Role of Collaboration in Artistic Growth
56:40 Creating with Substance in Mainstream Music
58:33 Learning from Art and Embracing Creativity
59:42 Resources for Believers in Creative Fields
01:05:36 NEWCHAPTER

Keywords

Cecily Hennigan, art and faith, music, discipleship, creativity, songwriting, Christian music, mainstream music, personal growth, intimacy with God

Heaven Meets earth Jamie Winship Episode: https://youtu.be/LReIKCp5d-Q?si=lLaY58Aw7oe5JXQx

Nathan Presley and Jamie Winship explore the intersection of faith, creativity, and identity. Jamie shares his personal journey of discovering God through art and how this experience shaped his understanding of vocation and creativity. They discuss the importance of community in forming identity, the role of fear in creativity, and the power of storytelling in healing. Jamie emphasizes that God is always communicating with us and that our true identity can only be discovered in community. The conversation highlights the messiness of life and faith, the need for love over fear, and the significance of embracing our unique stories.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Personal Journey
08:55 The Role of Creativity in Vocation
18:17 Identity and Hearing from God
27:40 Community and True Identity
28:46 Embracing Identity Through Divine Affirmation
31:06 The Role of Fear in Personal Growth
36:58 Creativity and the Spirit-Led Journey
43:05 Real Stories of Transformation and Faith
53:08 Exploring Dark Stories and Authenticity
54:29 The Messiness of Faith-Based Narratives
56:15 Failure and Redemption in Biblical Stories
58:32 The Infinite Game of Life
01:01:16 Understanding Spiritual Battles
01:04:13 The Power of Love Over Fear
01:06:01 The Role of Storytelling in Healing

Takeaways

Experiencing God often happens through creative expressions.
Identity is crucial in understanding our vocation and purpose.
Creativity can transform traditional roles, such as law enforcement.
Fear can hinder creativity and self-expression.
Hearing from God involves recognizing our true identity.
Community plays a vital role in shaping our identity.
Storytelling has the power to heal and connect people.
Life is messy, and faith must embrace that messiness.
Love is the antidote to fear and division.
We must not let false identities dictate our lives.

Keywords

faith, creativity, identity, storytelling, police work, community, fear, God, art, vocation, jamie winship

An inspiring conversation with Erin Ayanian Monroe,( instagram.com/erinayanianmonroe) a world-renowned makeup artist whose work has graced major films and TV shows. In this episode, Erin shares her unique journey of intertwining art and faith, revealing how her spiritual beliefs influence her creative process and professional life. Discover how Erin navigates the high-stakes world of Hollywood with grace and humility, emphasizing the importance of servant leadership and personal growth. Whether you're an artist, a person of faith, or simply curious about the intersection of creativity and spirituality, this episode offers valuable insights and heartfelt stories.

Tune in to explore the profound impact of faith on creativity and learn how Erin's approach to life and work can inspire you to pursue excellence while staying true to your values.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Initial Impressions
03:28 Personal Journey to Faith
06:34 Struggles and Redemption
09:22 Creative Process and Identity
11:50 The Art of Makeup in Film and Fashion
14:45 The Joy of Collaboration
17:33 The Role of Relationships in Creativity
20:18 Navigating Faith in the Industry
20:36 The Influence of the Holy Spirit on Creativity
21:45 Ambition and Purpose in the Creative Field
29:24 The Art of Being Excellent
31:29 Navigating High-Stakes Environments
33:41 Authenticity vs. Persona in the Industry
35:32 The Importance of Team Dynamics
37:25 Balancing Work and Spiritual Life
38:41 Pride in Past Projects
41:02 Navigating Dark Material in Hollywood
42:30 Lessons from the Past
47:08 Personal Healing and Growth
50:30 Advice for Aspiring Creatives
58:00 NEWCHAPTER

makeup artist, faith, personal healing, servant leadership, creativity, film industry, ambition, relationships, spiritual practices, advice

Michael & Meredith Mauldin pioneers of Upperroom Worship come to talk Art & Faith 

and how Creativity should not be owned by our ambitions but by our relationship with God.

Takeaways:

God wants an authentic expression of who you are.
The ministry is not just in the church but in the marketplace.
Creativity should not be owned by our ambitions but by our relationship with God.
Worship connects our hearts to God and inspires creativity.
Laying down our dreams can lead to true fulfillment.
Art should reflect our personal testimonies and experiences with God.
The process of dying to our dreams can lead to resurrection and power.
God's stories can be told through various mediums, including film.
We should create for an audience of one, not for popularity.
The journey of creativity is often intertwined with our spiritual growth. Worship serves as a connection to God's heart.
Spiritual maturity involves increased dependence on God.
Thanksgiving opens the heart to worship.
Praise is a gift we can offer to God.
Navigating ambition requires a balance of faith and action.
God desires our hearts over our performance in worship.
The process of waiting on the Lord is active and intentional.
Sacrifice in worship can lead to deeper revelations.
God's faithfulness is evident in our history with Him.
Trusting God means embracing uncertainty and moving forward.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Personal Testimonies
02:47 Experiencing God's Presence
05:46 The Role of Ministry in Art and Culture
08:49 Understanding Each Other's Callings
11:58 The Birth of Molded Media
14:58 Finding Spiritual Themes in Film
17:56 The Intersection of Worship and Creativity
20:56 Laying Down Idols and Trusting God
24:03 Co-Creating with God
27:06 The Importance of Authenticity in Art
30:46 Creating a Divine Flow in Worship
32:48 The Role of Worship Leaders
33:36 Connecting Hearts Through Thanksgiving
36:50 Spiritual Maturity and Dependence
37:45 The Power of Asking God
40:10 The Origin of 'You Remain'
43:02 The Pain of Sacrifice and God's Goodness
49:07 Navigating Ambition and Faith
56:52 Trusting God in Uncertainty

Sound Bites

"I want to know you. I want that moment."
"I encountered eternity."
"What if it's the songs that nobody heard?"
"Worship connects our hearts to God."
"Don't let me waste a trial."
"Praise is the only thing we can give God."
"He will guide your steps."
"The goal is always to follow Him."
"You never learn without a struggle."
"It's building that thing in you."
"Shake off the snake bite."
"Waiting on the Lord is an active word."

Titles

Finding God in Creativity
The Intersection of Faith and Art
Worship as a Catalyst for Creativity
Personal Testimonies of Faith
The Role of Ministry in the Arts
Creating with Divine Inspiration

Keywords

faith, creativity, worship, ministry, storytelling, art, God's presence, personal testimony, cultural impact, authenticity, worship, divine flow, spiritual maturity, dependence, asking God, You Remain, ambition, faith, trust, sacrifice