Happy Thanksgiving from Artists of the Way! In this episode Jon and Nate discuss how art has helped them to slow down and appreciate the blessings of this life, as well as some of the pieces of art they are grateful for in 2025.

In this episode Jon and Nate speak with Joshua Adam Risner. He is a professional painter and the artist in residence at the Michigan State Capitol. Together they discuss the pursuit of excellence and beauty in art, the struggles of balancing that pursuit with our dependence on God, and the importance of play and joy in art.

Check out Josh's art: https://www.joshuaadamart.com/​
Check out Josh's Studio: https://www.rabbithillartstudio.com/​

In this episode Nate takes the reins and interviews Jon about his relationship to art, his experience of God's presence in art, the story behind how Artists of the Way came to be, and the upcoming Cultivate conference!

In this episode Jon and Nate discuss a recent shift in what our culture's art focuses on, and unpack how goodness and hope can be found in stories from the last decade, both dark and hopeful.

In this episode Jon and Nate invite Brad Garnaat on the podcast. Brad is the founder and Executive Director of Homeschool Performing Arts. He shares his story of being led to the arts by God, and reflects on the importance of diligence and seeking to glorify God through your service! 

Brad is on the leadership team for Cultivate '25, and will be leading a workshop on vocal technique! Register today!

In this episode Jon and Nate discuss what it looks like to balance art and a family. How do your priorities shift? How do you make it part of your family, and what about art makes it worth doing, even when it's hard.

In this episode Jon and Nate have an honest (and slightly chaotic) discussion about the complexities of a relationship with God, and provide an update about what's next for Artists of the Way!

In this episode Jon and Nate discuss various popular Christ-Figures in storytelling, and the concept of the "Christ-Figure" itself and the merits of such a character. What is it that makes a Christ-Figure a Christ-Figure? Can any character live up to that title? Or are we meant to catch these glimpses of Christ in many characters?

In this episode Jon and Nate chat with Alexis De Weese about the relationship between artists and the digital world, and how we can pursue hospitality and health in an age that increasingly seeks to dehumanize us.

Alexis De Weese has created marketing strategies for million-book bestsellers and even NBA All-Star champions for the past decade within the publishing industry. Lex works as the senior marketing manager with Zondervan Reflective, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers. She researches the intersection of algorithm ethics and digital hospitality as a continuation of her dissertation work at the Institute of Theology, Imagination, and the Arts at the University of St. Andrews. When she is not planning her next trip back to Scotland or drinking too much tea, she writes fiction and hosts dinner parties for her community in western Michigan. You can keep up with her latest essays on How to Be on the Internet on Substack at lexdeweese.substack.com or on her social media @LexDeWeese

In this episode Jon and Nate discuss works of art and artists whose art rings with the Kingdom of God. They read excerpts, discuss how they resonate with them, and how we as Christians and artists can keep the Kingdom of God present in our art. 

*Unfortunately our video recording was corrupted, so this is an audio only episode.