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In this inspiring episode of The Thriving Christian Artist Podcast, I sit down with my friend Phil Bob Borman—a premier Western artist celebrated for his breathtaking skyscapes and deep love for both art and the Lord. From his early days as a sculptor and cowboy to becoming one of the country’s most recognized Western painters, Phil Bob’s story is one of following God’s leading through unexpected transitions.

We talk about the unique aesthetic of Western art, the discipline required to master large-scale skyscapes, and how Phil Bob has seen God’s hand guiding his creative journey. His humility, humor, and heart for excellence make this conversation one that will inspire any artist to keep pursuing the work they’re called to create.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• How Phil Bob transitioned from sculpting to large-scale skyscape painting
• The influence of Western culture and tradition on his work
• Why following God’s direction can lead to unexpected creative success
• Lessons from years of honing a distinctive style
• Encouragement for artists navigating seasons of change

🌟 Favorite Quotes from This Episode:

“I was doing bronze sculpture in the traditional Western style before I ever thought about painting clouds.” — Phil Bob Borman
“Everybody I know that’s trying to paint clouds—just go look up Phil Bob Borman. He’ll give you something to dream toward.” — Matt Tommey

🌐 Connect with Phil Bob Borman: http://www.philbobbormanfineart.com

✅ Stay Connected & Grow as a Thriving Christian Artist:

• 📬 Subscribe to The Thriving Christian Artist Weekly: https://thrive.matttommeymentoring.com/tca-weekly
• 📚 Find My Best-Selling Books: https://www.matttommeymentoring.com/resources
• 🎓 Explore Artist Mentoring Programs: https://www.matttommeymentoring.com/mentoring

Find out more about The Created to Thrive Foundations Course 

Fuel Your Creative Calling with Weekly Encouragement
Join thousands of Christian artists who are growing in faith, creativity, and purpose.

Subscribe to The Thriving Christian Artist Weekly and receive powerful, faith-filled content every week—designed to encourage your heart, spark your creativity, and equip you to walk boldly in your God-given calling as an artist.

👉 Click here. It’s free. It’s faith-filled. And it’s just for you.

Send us a text

What if you’re not behind at all—but right on time for what you were made to carry? We take a hard look at slow seasons and flip the script: delay isn’t punishment, it’s purposeful formation. Through real stories, scripture, and practical reflection, we explore four hidden purposes behind God’s timing that build resilient, joy-filled creative lives.

First, we talk about capacity. Strength comes before spotlight, and endurance widens the heart to hold influence, relationships, and resources without cracking under pressure. James 1 becomes a lens for growth that happens on the inside long before it shows on the outside. Then we sit with protection. Not every open door is meant for you. Some “no’s” are shields in disguise, sparing you from opportunities that look right but would fracture your focus or outpace your maturity.

Next, we dive into alignment. When work becomes worship, striving gives way to flow. We share the moment everything shifted—repenting of copycat strategies and returning to the specific path God outlined. Colossians 3:23 reframes creative practice as an offering, and momentum follows clarity. Finally, we step back to see the larger weave. Romans 8:28 and Ephesians 2:10 ground the conviction that your story is threaded into something bigger and better than personal success. You’re invited to cooperate, not perform; to notice what the Father is doing and join Him step by step.

If you’ve been watching the clock, ready to quit, this conversation offers a gentler measure of progress: peace, presence, and faithful practice. You’ll leave with reflection prompts to spot development in past “delays,” language to discern real God-doors, and a renewed desire to create with God, not just for applause. If this spoke to you, subscribe, share it with a friend who needs the reframing, and leave a review with the one insight you’re taking into your studio this week.

📚 FREE RESOURCES FOR CHRISTIAN ARTISTS:
🎨 Your Art Matters to God More than You Think: a 5 Minute Video and PDF Guide from Matt Tommey on why your art is important to God.
👉 https://thrive.matttommeymentoring.com/yourartmatterstogod

📖 Grab Matt's Best-Selling Books for Christian Artists:
👉 https://www.matttommeymentoring.com/resources

🚀 READY TO GO DEEPER?
The Foundations Course - Gain clarity on your creative calling, develop a sustainable art practice, and learn to create with confidence and freedom in Christ.
👉 https://www.matttommeymentoring.com/foundations

Fuel Your Creative Calling with Weekly Encouragement
Join thousands of Christian artists who are growing in faith, creativity, and purpose.

Subscribe to The Thriving Christian Artist Weekly and receive powerful, faith-filled content every week—designed to encourage your heart, spark your creativity, and equip you to walk boldly in your God-given calling as an artist.

👉 Click here. It’s free. It’s faith-filled. And it’s just for you.

Send us a text

In this heartfelt episode of The Thriving Christian Artist Podcast, I talk with multi-talented creative Karen Bulbuk, whose artistic journey has spanned fine art, graphic design, music, photography, and more. 

From her small-town Massachusetts roots to her current home in Michigan, Karen shares how her creativity has been a constant companion—even during seasons of caregiving, transition, and uncertainty.

We discuss the unique challenges of pursuing art alongside other life responsibilities, the powerful ways God has spoken to her about the purpose of her art, and how she’s learned to see creativity as a language for communicating His truth. Karen’s story will encourage any artist who’s felt “on the sidelines” to step back into their calling with renewed passion and vision.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• How a diverse creative background can enrich your artistic voice
• Lessons from blending art with life’s changing seasons
• Why creativity is a language for communicating God’s truth
• Overcoming discouragement and finding encouragement in community
• The importance of aligning your art with God’s purpose

🌟 Favorite Quotes from This Episode:

“Art is like a language… once you learn it, you can communicate God’s truth to people through visual images.” — Karen Bulbuk

 “So many artists tell me, ‘I was an artist… but then life happened,’ and yet God is still calling them back into that creative place.” — Matt Tommey

🌐 Connect with Karen Bulbuk: http://heartcreations.net

✅ Stay Connected & Grow as a Thriving Christian Artist:

• 📬 Subscribe to The Thriving Christian Artist Weekly: https://thrive.matttommeymentoring.com/tca-weekly
• 📚 Find My Best-Selling Books: https://www.matttommeymentoring.com/resources
• 🎓 Explore Artist Mentoring Programs: https://www.matttommeymentoring.com/mentoring

Find out more about The Created to Thrive Foundations Course 

Fuel Your Creative Calling with Weekly Encouragement
Join thousands of Christian artists who are growing in faith, creativity, and purpose.

Subscribe to The Thriving Christian Artist Weekly and receive powerful, faith-filled content every week—designed to encourage your heart, spark your creativity, and equip you to walk boldly in your God-given calling as an artist.

👉 Click here. It’s free. It’s faith-filled. And it’s just for you.

Send us a text

What if your studio felt like worship instead of a grind? We explore five grounded, practical ways to honor God with your creativity—starting with gratitude, moving into faithful studio rhythms, inviting the Holy Spirit into your process, growing in artistic excellence, and learning to create from rest. Rather than chasing likes, sales, or approval, we shift the focus to peace, purpose, and partnership with God.

We begin by anchoring identity in the truth that creativity is God’s idea and a good gift. From there, we talk about showing up consistently and dedicating a simple, sacred space—whether it’s a full studio or a corner table—as an act of faithfulness. We unpack what it looks like to co-create with the Holy Spirit, recognizing those moments of flow as signs of relationship, not randomness. You’ll hear why “filled and skilled” is a powerful pairing for artists, how excellence expands your creative vocabulary, and why skill actually births freedom. Scripture threads through the conversation—Genesis 1:27, James 1:17, Luke 16:10, Exodus 31, Proverbs 24:3–4, Philippians 2:13, Psalm 46:10, and Colossians 3:23—offering a biblical framework for creative practice.

Finally, we challenge the hustle mindset with the unforced rhythms of grace. Creating from rest means trusting God with outcomes, releasing comparison, and working wholeheartedly as an offering rather than a performance. Expect practical steps, honest encouragement, and a clear path to align your art life with Kingdom peace and purpose.

If this message resonates, tap subscribe and share it with an artist friend who needs permission to rest.

Fuel Your Creative Calling with Weekly Encouragement
Join thousands of Christian artists who are growing in faith, creativity, and purpose.

Subscribe to The Thriving Christian Artist Weekly and receive powerful, faith-filled content every week—designed to encourage your heart, spark your creativity, and equip you to walk boldly in your God-given calling as an artist.

👉 Click here. It’s free. It’s faith-filled. And it’s just for you.

Send us a text

In this engaging episode of The Thriving Christian Artist Podcast, I talk with multi-talented Canadian creative Rob Dinwoodie—a visual artist, musician, and entrepreneur whose life blends artistry, faith, and purpose. 

From his roots in British Columbia to his work as a performer and creator, Rob shares how he’s embraced creativity as a lifelong pursuit without letting the pressure of monetization steal the joy.

We discuss the value of formative years spent honing your craft, the freedom that comes from knowing your identity in Christ, and the importance of maintaining a playful, authentic spirit in your work. Whether through his art, music, or community presence, Rob’s story is a reminder that creativity flows best when it’s rooted in purpose and joy.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Why embracing the process matters more than rushing to monetize your art
• How to keep joy and authenticity at the center of your creative life
• The value of freedom and play in artistic expression
• Lessons from combining multiple creative disciplines
• Staying grounded in your identity in Christ as an artist

🌟 Favorite Quotes from This Episode:

“One of the things that I think robs artists of the joy of creativity is trying to monetize things too soon.” — Matt Tommey

 “We’re not defined as artists by our last gig, or by how much we’re selling our work for… we’re defined by who God says we are.” — Matt Tommey

🌐 Connect with Rob Dinwoodie: http://robdinwoodie.com

✅ Stay Connected & Grow as a Thriving Christian Artist:

• 📬 Subscribe to The Thriving Christian Artist Weekly: https://thrive.matttommeymentoring.com/tca-weekly
• 📚 Find My Best-Selling Books: https://www.matttommeymentoring.com/resources
• 🎓 Explore Artist Mentoring Programs: https://www.matttommeymentoring.com/mentoring

Find out more about The Created to Thrive Foundations Course 

Fuel Your Creative Calling with Weekly Encouragement
Join thousands of Christian artists who are growing in faith, creativity, and purpose.

Subscribe to The Thriving Christian Artist Weekly and receive powerful, faith-filled content every week—designed to encourage your heart, spark your creativity, and equip you to walk boldly in your God-given calling as an artist.

👉 Click here. It’s free. It’s faith-filled. And it’s just for you.

Send us a text

What if your creative practice is meant to be a doorway where heaven meets earth? We dig into the supernatural calling of artists and why creativity isn’t a side note—it’s central to how the Kingdom moves. Drawing from Genesis, John, Ephesians, and the pattern of Bezalel in Exodus, I make the case that you were designed to carry God’s life and light into your studio, your market, and the moments where viewers unexpectedly encounter grace through your work.

I share a formative gallery story where a simple basket became a message of comfort, reminding us that the Holy Spirit can speak beyond our skill or intention. From there, we unpack five anchors: creativity is God’s idea; all creativity comes from Him; God can use any artist yet invites us to partner; art carries a prophetic role that can comfort and confront; and we’re called to co-create with God, not perform for Him. This isn’t about trends or chasing “spiritual” labels—it’s about becoming both filled with the Spirit and skilled in craft, trusting that your workmanship (poema) becomes a conduit for beauty, truth, and transformation.

You’ll learn how to approach your studio with expectation, invite the Holy Spirit into process and release, and drop the heavy yoke of performance for the lighter rhythm of collaboration. We talk about letting your work reveal redemption even when it names hard things, stewarding technique as an act of worship, and assuming connection—Christ in you, the hope of glory—as you make. If you’ve ever wondered whether your “hobby” matters, consider this your permission to step boldly into calling.

If this resonated, leave a comment with your biggest insight or story of God meeting someone through your art. Subscribe, rate, and share to help more artists find freedom and clarity.

Fuel Your Creative Calling with Weekly Encouragement
Join thousands of Christian artists who are growing in faith, creativity, and purpose.

Subscribe to The Thriving Christian Artist Weekly and receive powerful, faith-filled content every week—designed to encourage your heart, spark your creativity, and equip you to walk boldly in your God-given calling as an artist.

👉 Click here. It’s free. It’s faith-filled. And it’s just for you.

Send us a text

In this joyful and inspiring episode of The Thriving Christian Artist Podcast, I talk with long-time friend and mentoring program member Denise Clark Weston. A multi-talented creative with deep family roots in the arts, Denise shares her story of growing up surrounded by creativity, navigating seasons of self-doubt, and discovering her confidence and artistic voice through persistence and faith.

From her Pacific Northwest studio, Denise paints stunning oil landscapes that reflect both the beauty of nature and the resilience of a heart rooted in God’s goodness. In our conversation, she opens up about her heritage, her journey of overcoming insecurity, and the joy she finds in continually exploring new creative paths.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• How growing up in a creative family shaped Denise’s artistry
• Overcoming self-doubt and finding confidence in God’s design
• Why trying different art forms can strengthen your skills
• The joy of painting landscapes that connect with the viewer’s heart
• Embracing your creative journey as a lifelong adventure

🌟 Favorite Quotes from This Episode:

“I actually was raised in a home with creatives… my great grandmother was a costume mistress for the Paris Opera.” — Denise Clark Weston

 “You’re one of those people that God poured extra talent in and I love that!” — Matt Tommey

🌐 Connect with Denise Clark Weston: https://www.deniseclarkweston.com/

✅ Stay Connected & Grow as a Thriving Christian Artist:

• 📬 Subscribe to The Thriving Christian Artist Weekly: https://thrive.matttommeymentoring.com/tca-weekly
• 📚 Find My Best-Selling Books: https://www.matttommeymentoring.com/resources
• 🎓 Explore Artist Mentoring Programs: https://www.matttommeymentoring.com/mentoring

Find out more about The Created to Thrive Foundations Course 

Fuel Your Creative Calling with Weekly Encouragement
Join thousands of Christian artists who are growing in faith, creativity, and purpose.

Subscribe to The Thriving Christian Artist Weekly and receive powerful, faith-filled content every week—designed to encourage your heart, spark your creativity, and equip you to walk boldly in your God-given calling as an artist.

👉 Click here. It’s free. It’s faith-filled. And it’s just for you.

Send us a text

Feeling called to create but unsure of the path ahead? We explore the tension every faith-filled artist knows: trusting God’s plan when the studio feels quiet and the roadmap isn’t obvious. From the first spark of calling to the slow, stretching seasons where nothing seems to move, we unpack why hiddenness isn’t failure—it’s formation—and how to keep showing up with peace, clarity, and courage.

Matt shares three anchors that reframe the journey. First, your creativity is not random; it’s assignment—Ephesians 2:10 names you God’s poema, designed to reveal His heart through your work. Second, hidden seasons still count; Scripture shows a pattern of preparation before platform, where God loosens our grip on applause and strengthens our ear for His voice. Third, faithfulness comes before fruitfulness; the Kingdom order shifts our metrics from speed and sales to obedience and steady craft, trusting God with timing and reach.

To put this into practice, we walk through the Core Four Focus Framework—a daily rhythm to anchor your creative life. Connect with God and recall His promises over your identity and work. Clarify the one essential priority for the day. Create by showing up in the studio—ten minutes or ten hours—letting inspiration follow action. Cultivate relationships with peers, collectors, and your audience so you live like a river, not a pond. We close with a prayer for grace, resilience, and trust in the pace God sets, and invite you to take next steps with resources that help renew your mind, heal your heart, and build sustainable rhythms for your art and your faith.

If this resonates, subscribe for weekly encouragement, share this with an artist who needs it, and leave a review with your biggest takeaway—what’s your “one thing” you’ll do today?

Get Your Core4 Focus Planner at https://www.matttommeymentoring.com/core4

Enroll in the Foundations Course at https://www.matttommeymentoring.com/foundations 

Find out more about The Created to Thrive Foundations Course 

Fuel Your Creative Calling with Weekly Encouragement
Join thousands of Christian artists who are growing in faith, creativity, and purpose.

Subscribe to The Thriving Christian Artist Weekly and receive powerful, faith-filled content every week—designed to encourage your heart, spark your creativity, and equip you to walk boldly in your God-given calling as an artist.

👉 Click here. It’s free. It’s faith-filled. And it’s just for you.

Send us a text

In this powerful and Spirit-led conversation, I talk with Barbados-based artist Sherridean Carmichael about pursuing your creative calling with bold faith, overcoming resistance, and stepping fully into the identity God has already given you. 

From her years as a top educator to her transformative work as a creative leader, Sherridean carries a message of breakthrough and Kingdom alignment that will inspire any artist feeling stuck or forgotten.

We explore how God uses challenges to shape us, how to recognize and reject the lies of lack and fear, and how walking in your true inheritance as a child of God releases creative freedom and impact.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• How to overcome the enemy’s resistance to your calling
• Why your creative inheritance is already yours in Christ
• Moving from striving to flowing in God’s provision
• Recognizing and walking in your Kingdom authority
• Encouraging other artists through your personal testimony

🌐 Connect with Sherridean Carmichael: http://creativeartwell.com

✅ Stay Connected & Grow as a Thriving Christian Artist:

• 📬 Subscribe to The Thriving Christian Artist Weekly: https://thrive.matttommeymentoring.com/tca-weekly
• 📚 Find My Best-Selling Books: https://www.matttommeymentoring.com/resources
• 🎓 Explore Artist Mentoring Programs: https://www.matttommeymentoring.com/mentoring

Find out more about The Created to Thrive Foundations Course 

Fuel Your Creative Calling with Weekly Encouragement
Join thousands of Christian artists who are growing in faith, creativity, and purpose.

Subscribe to The Thriving Christian Artist Weekly and receive powerful, faith-filled content every week—designed to encourage your heart, spark your creativity, and equip you to walk boldly in your God-given calling as an artist.

👉 Click here. It’s free. It’s faith-filled. And it’s just for you.

Send us a text

What if the most powerful studio you own is the one behind your eyes? As artists, our imaginations are vivid and fast—capable of painting hope or projecting fear in seconds. Today we unpack a simple, repeatable way to turn worry into worship by pointing that creative engine toward God’s promises instead of worst-case stories.

We dig into why fear and faith run on the same internal mechanism and how agreement shapes outcomes: see it, agree with it, speak it, and step into it. With Philippians 4 as our anchor, we talk about holy contentment that frees you from being ruled by circumstances without dimming ambition or vision. You’ll learn a practical “thoughts captive” checkpoint—does this sound like Jesus?—and a step-by-step reset to declare Scripture, visualize best-case scenarios rooted in God’s nature, and let peace take the steering wheel. We also name the subtle ways comparison and old wounds hijack imagination, then reclaim your God-given uniqueness through 1 Corinthians 12:18 so your “different” becomes your most fruitful gift.

If you’ve been in a season of waiting, this conversation reframes the in-between as fertile ground where imagination either fuels fear or forms faith. We offer a guided reflection to invite the Holy Spirit into your inner pictures—provision, breakthrough, next steps—so you create from clarity, not panic. Expect practical tools, biblical insight, and a gentle challenge to cultivate the inner life that shapes the art you release into the world.

If this spoke to you, subscribe, share it with a creative friend, and leave a review so more artists can find it. Want structured help to renew your mind and align your creative life with Scripture? Enroll in the Created to Thrive Foundations course at https://www.matttommeymentoring.com/foundations!

Find out more about The Created to Thrive Foundations Course 

Fuel Your Creative Calling with Weekly Encouragement
Join thousands of Christian artists who are growing in faith, creativity, and purpose.

Subscribe to The Thriving Christian Artist Weekly and receive powerful, faith-filled content every week—designed to encourage your heart, spark your creativity, and equip you to walk boldly in your God-given calling as an artist.

👉 Click here. It’s free. It’s faith-filled. And it’s just for you.