Unlocking the Heart of the Artist is a clarion call to a new generation of artists who want to fulfill their unique purpose in the Kingdom of God. At the core of Unlocking the Heart of the Artist is an invitation to begin a journey of healing and wholeness that will yield deeper Spirit-led creativity and personal fulfillment. In addition, through learning practical ways to engage the Holy Spirit in their creative process, the reader will learn how to collaborate with God not only in their chosen artistic medium but in life. Author Matt Tommey is quoted as saying "Over the years, I’ve encountered many artisans, musicians, craftsmen and other creative ones who have, for one reason or another, become stuck. The ‘stuckness’ originates from many different places – woundedness, fear, control, unbelief, religious barriers – and creates a frustration in their life that becomes unbearable. Many artists, unable to understand what’s really going on either run headlong into ‘creativity for creativities sake’ or turn to unhealthy alternatives in order to numb or overcome the pain they are feeling. Many more simply give up, hide the gift by stuffing it down under ‘Christian work ethic’ and just try to gone on with life as usual. Whatever their flavor of ‘stuckness’, the Father wants His artists to be fully released to worship Him through their creative expression. His desire is that nothing holds them back from the creative destiny for their life. If you're an artist, it’s time to walk in the destiny and fullness that God’s designed for you. Your heart beating fast, your imagination vivid, your eyes wide with wonder and desire – that’s His desire for you! A life fully alive, fully engaged, fully embracing the creative destiny He’s given you. He’s been waiting for this moment your whole life.”
This book was transformational! It is written for artists but I recommend it any person of faith who is involved in a creative field, whether it be writing, painting, or theatre. It is all about finding God's purpose for our lives, through the avenue of our giftings.
I was on vacation, and it was a very relaxing time, lots of time to kick back and read. I read Matt Tommey's Created to Thrive, and it was so good that I went to his Amazon page to see what else he had. I of course knew of this book, but somehow, I had not read it, so I picked it up. Once again I read this book in a very short period of time, about two days, and once again, it is that good. In this really phenomenal book, Matt gives us an exploration of our call as artists in the Kingdom of God. It also provides a primer of sorts for involving the Holy Spirit in our creativity. It all comes down to the idea that we have the immense privilege of collaborating with God.
In this book Matt reveals a level of transparency as he shares his own personal stories of both struggle and success. This is definitely not the work of a theoretician. This is a book from someone who has worked diligently at both his craft and his faith. I came away from this book once again feeling immensely inspired. This is both a great read and an important book.
Not for the faint of heart but an excellent read for artists who use their crafts to worship God. It’s an authentic look at what it means to be a creator called by God — the good, bad, ugly and beautiful. The questions at the end of each chapter require you to be real about your artistic motivations and your Christian journey. It’s a serious read with few candy apple inspirational moments but empowering on a spiritual level. The index relating quantum physics to the spirit world is a way to close out the book with a bang. Pun much intended.
Matt Tommey understands the struggles of an artist and gently guides you through the steps to become the artist or just a creative person you are intended to be. Those steps have little to do with your skill/craft but all about getting your life In order and your relationship with the Heavenly Father right. Highly recommend!
Excellent book for creative writing professionals and those wanting to learn how to find beauty in worshipping God. The author shares his passion behind using creative works to raise up the next generation and honor the legacy.
This book opened my eyes to deeper truths like no other one has, except God’s Holy Bible. Matt’s style of writing & speaking make ‘things that are hidden’ so clear, & easy to understand.
Matt Tommy has produced a book that all artists and anyone else who is creative and is seeking more out of life and their creativity. I read this book over a weekend having seen a sample on my Kindle and knew that I would have to buy it. It is not a weekend read though, but a book that you have to dive into again and again, each time unveiling additional nuggets, insights and revelations including many ‘ah ha’ moments.
Matt’s style of writing reveals his openness and understanding of the journey of the artist, alongside the highs and the lows that can impact on creativity as they search for their identity and the call of God on their lives.
If you can get together with a group of artists and work through the chapters which have questions and prompts after each section, it would be a great way to support each other through the revelations that will indeed come and Matt recommends it. It is like a guide book that helps you to really question your journey and the impact that your creativity will no doubt have on your community.
There are many resources listed for information and a mention of an annual conference that is worth checking out. If you have read books like the Artist Way by Julia Cameron you know you are in for a treat with the ‘tools for the journey’ that Matt recommends, such as a journal for capturing your thoughts, taking an artist date/creative time and spending time soaking up the word of God. We are encouraged to dive deeper as we uncover our true purpose as artists. It is a book that I think every artist should read.
No matter your artistic leanings, this book opens your eyes
Study questions in the back of each chapter for journaling or group work. A slow, reflective read for me which was good. Have bookmarked places to return to for repeated reflection.