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Hidden art
The author reveals the many opportunities for artistic expression that can be found in ordinary, everyday life.
216 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1972
9 people are currently reading
246 people want to read
About the author
Edith Schaeffer
37 books132 followersEDITH SCHAEFFER is the widow of Francis Schaeffer, and with him co-founder of L'Abri Fellowship. Her many books include A Celebration of Children and The Life of Prayer. She passed away in 2013.
Recognized internationally for his work in Christianity and culture, Francis A. Schaeffer authored more than twenty books, which have been translated into a score of languages and sold millions worldwide. He and his wife, Edith, founded L'Abri Fellowship international study and discipleship centers. Schaeffer passed away in 1984, but his influence and legacy continue worldwide.
children: Susan Schaeffer Macaulay
Recognized internationally for his work in Christianity and culture, Francis A. Schaeffer authored more than twenty books, which have been translated into a score of languages and sold millions worldwide. He and his wife, Edith, founded L'Abri Fellowship international study and discipleship centers. Schaeffer passed away in 1984, but his influence and legacy continue worldwide.
children: Susan Schaeffer Macaulay
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
January 14, 2021
It’s been something like seven years since I first read this book, which was actually paradigm-shifting for me at the time, a baby step into a worldview without a sacred/secular divide. What motivated me to go pull it off my shelf this month was, of all things, a silly meme on social media! It was this little quote about how everything is art: the way you walk, how you tuck your hair behind your ear, the food you arrange on a plate, the way you organize your closet, etc. I thought, huh. Is everything art? What would that mean? And I thought about Edith Scaheffer’s book.
The main point of Hidden Art (sometimes called Hidden Art of Homemaking, but I believe the same book) is that God as creator made man in his image to create - and so to be more fully human (and Schaeffer might argue, Christian) is to step fully into that role. After an initial chapter celebrating God as ultimate creator (the not-frustrated, perfect, no-mistake-making one!), she does a chapter each on all different forms of everyday art.
Food, drawing, music, flower-arranging, clothing, gardening, writing, interior design - these are all common ordinary places where most people have underdeveloped skill and lots of opportunity to enjoy, delight, grow and, in so doing, find a fulfillment God designed them to have.
What I especially love about this idea is how it doesn’t depend on an audience or performance. Want to write? Then write! That’s Schaeffer’s response. Write a letter to someone and seek to be understood. Love drama? Pour yourself into the voices when you read to your kids. These small and mostly unseen, “hidden” places are just waiting for someone to pour into them, cultivate, enrich.
Pushback against this book says it feeds a stereotype of only women cultivating beauty or art in everyday life. That’s not true. While it’s all entirely relevant to a woman at home, Schaeffer addresses men and women, young and old... she’s not saying you should go be Martha Stewart; she’s saying, look at what’s in front of you and develop yourself right there.
While reading it, I wrote letters, drew pictures, paused to think about some flowers I was putting in a vase. I started hand-sewing a stuffed animal and dreamed a little about decorating a certain room. Thankful for the inspiration.
Really though, what the Internet meme was saying is sort of true, according to this book. In other words, hidden art is everywhere, in everything, in us. In the final paragraphs, Schaeffer essentially says it *is* us. We all have more agency than we may realize, more opportunity, more we can try. The thing that tells us not to isn’t humility; it’s pride.
The main point of Hidden Art (sometimes called Hidden Art of Homemaking, but I believe the same book) is that God as creator made man in his image to create - and so to be more fully human (and Schaeffer might argue, Christian) is to step fully into that role. After an initial chapter celebrating God as ultimate creator (the not-frustrated, perfect, no-mistake-making one!), she does a chapter each on all different forms of everyday art.
Food, drawing, music, flower-arranging, clothing, gardening, writing, interior design - these are all common ordinary places where most people have underdeveloped skill and lots of opportunity to enjoy, delight, grow and, in so doing, find a fulfillment God designed them to have.
What I especially love about this idea is how it doesn’t depend on an audience or performance. Want to write? Then write! That’s Schaeffer’s response. Write a letter to someone and seek to be understood. Love drama? Pour yourself into the voices when you read to your kids. These small and mostly unseen, “hidden” places are just waiting for someone to pour into them, cultivate, enrich.
Pushback against this book says it feeds a stereotype of only women cultivating beauty or art in everyday life. That’s not true. While it’s all entirely relevant to a woman at home, Schaeffer addresses men and women, young and old... she’s not saying you should go be Martha Stewart; she’s saying, look at what’s in front of you and develop yourself right there.
While reading it, I wrote letters, drew pictures, paused to think about some flowers I was putting in a vase. I started hand-sewing a stuffed animal and dreamed a little about decorating a certain room. Thankful for the inspiration.
Really though, what the Internet meme was saying is sort of true, according to this book. In other words, hidden art is everywhere, in everything, in us. In the final paragraphs, Schaeffer essentially says it *is* us. We all have more agency than we may realize, more opportunity, more we can try. The thing that tells us not to isn’t humility; it’s pride.
May 15, 2018
I had never heard of this book until a month ago, and now it is by far my favorite book on the topic of home-making, hearth-keeping, building a beautiful life, whatever term you like. This book is like having a conversation with that calm aunt who always knows what you need to hear. It's like sitting under the teaching of a woman who only wants to encourage you to find joy and beauty in life. It was soothing, invigorating, exciting, relaxing, challenging, motivating. I was so stimulated by it to invest more deeply into building my life, and the evidence has already begun to show. And I know the mark of a great book is not necessarily, "Does it make you happy?" But, boy... This one sure did, simply by pointing out all the beauty and opportunities around me, and spurring me onward and upward to be a productive, creative, invested person. All the stars. Recommend to everyone. Definitely in my top favorite books.
January 29, 2023
This was an absolutely wonderful, must read book that enters my core library. In this book, Edith Schaffer gives practical ways we can value art and creativity throughout all aspects of our lives to glorify God, even if our jobs are not centered in these skills. She makes a point that Christians are called to be the most creative people of all, appreciating the beauty that God has made and striving to reflect it in our own lives. This is a must read for those who are creative, or want to be more creative, but feel like their small contributions make no difference. Just as we “do ALL to the glory of God”, so we can also reflect His goodness and creativity in little ways. The book features chapters on:
The first artist- what is God’s view of art and why do we have creativity in the first place?
What is hidden art?
Music
Painting, sketching and sculpture
Interior decoration
Gardens and gardening
Flower arrangements
Food
Writing- prose and poetry
Drama
Creative recreation
Clothing
Integration
Environment: she here makes the point that WE are the environment. More so than physical space, the people we surround ourselves with make our environment. Shouldn’t we strive to make ourselves the most God honoring, uplifting and inspiring examples then?
“Whatever form art takes, it gives outward expression to what otherwise would remain locked in the mind, unshared. …. Art in various forms expresses and gives opportunity to others to share in, and respond to, things which would otherwise remain vague, empty yearnings.”
“First of all, be satisfied with the fact that although your art or talent may never be accepted by the world as anything ‘great’ and may never be your career, it can be used to enrich your day by day life; and secondly, come to a recognition of the fact that it is important for you to be creative in this area to the extent of your talent: important for you as a person who is a creative creature.”
“There is no need to lock up your capacity for expression because you have not been able to make a career out of it. Develop it for your own sake, for the enrichment of the lives of those you live with, and as an unconscious spark to set fire to other dry wood, other creative creatures on a finite level.”
The first artist- what is God’s view of art and why do we have creativity in the first place?
What is hidden art?
Music
Painting, sketching and sculpture
Interior decoration
Gardens and gardening
Flower arrangements
Food
Writing- prose and poetry
Drama
Creative recreation
Clothing
Integration
Environment: she here makes the point that WE are the environment. More so than physical space, the people we surround ourselves with make our environment. Shouldn’t we strive to make ourselves the most God honoring, uplifting and inspiring examples then?
“Whatever form art takes, it gives outward expression to what otherwise would remain locked in the mind, unshared. …. Art in various forms expresses and gives opportunity to others to share in, and respond to, things which would otherwise remain vague, empty yearnings.”
“First of all, be satisfied with the fact that although your art or talent may never be accepted by the world as anything ‘great’ and may never be your career, it can be used to enrich your day by day life; and secondly, come to a recognition of the fact that it is important for you to be creative in this area to the extent of your talent: important for you as a person who is a creative creature.”
“There is no need to lock up your capacity for expression because you have not been able to make a career out of it. Develop it for your own sake, for the enrichment of the lives of those you live with, and as an unconscious spark to set fire to other dry wood, other creative creatures on a finite level.”
June 1, 2019
It's interesting to see how many more recent books in the homemaking/family genre seem to draw from this work. Many of them openly quote it. Even those who don't certainly talk a lot along the same lines. I think that's for good reason - this book outlines a way of using your talents for those in your sphere of life that just makes biblical sense.
My quibble was that Mrs. Schaeffer seems to think her readers are likely to be far more talented with their hands in all ways than most of us are. I know a couple who grew up as children of Mennonite farmers who could (and did!) replicate the kinds of projects that this book presents as totally normal. Other than that - I don't know anyone, and I know plenty of talented people. Even in the era when this book was published, I think making one's own rocking horse and furniture from mere scraps would've been fairly unusual. I really love the way the author was trying to encourage us to move away from being merely consumers in the home and back toward being producers, at least some amount. I think that's a big important topic that's only become bigger and more important since this book was published. That said, most of us are probably starting with more of a handicap than what's portrayed in this book. Whether or not we should be more able with our hands is a question outside the scope of this book review.
My quibble was that Mrs. Schaeffer seems to think her readers are likely to be far more talented with their hands in all ways than most of us are. I know a couple who grew up as children of Mennonite farmers who could (and did!) replicate the kinds of projects that this book presents as totally normal. Other than that - I don't know anyone, and I know plenty of talented people. Even in the era when this book was published, I think making one's own rocking horse and furniture from mere scraps would've been fairly unusual. I really love the way the author was trying to encourage us to move away from being merely consumers in the home and back toward being producers, at least some amount. I think that's a big important topic that's only become bigger and more important since this book was published. That said, most of us are probably starting with more of a handicap than what's portrayed in this book. Whether or not we should be more able with our hands is a question outside the scope of this book review.
August 28, 2022
4 stars, only because some of the content is slightly cheesy and outdated by about 50 years now. Tuna salad on a lovely iceberg lettuce leaf, anyone? 🤣
Outside of that this was an excellent read on our responsibility as image bearers of God the Creator to express our creativity in a variety of ways. Enjoyable writing style for the most part, and lots of theology and well-founded arguments as to why this matters in our lives. A definite keeper for our family library.
Outside of that this was an excellent read on our responsibility as image bearers of God the Creator to express our creativity in a variety of ways. Enjoyable writing style for the most part, and lots of theology and well-founded arguments as to why this matters in our lives. A definite keeper for our family library.
February 7, 2021
Up from 3.5
October 9, 2017
“The day the first tips of green are seen, if they are your seeds, planted by your own fingers, there is a thrill that is surely similar to producing an art work, a thrill of accomplishment mixed with the reality of what is, what exists, what the universe consists of.” from chapter 6, “Gardens and Gardening,” pg. 86
"And of course we are to be willing to sacrifice in the area of material things as well as in all other areas, to put first the things of God....But all this does not erase the fact that as human beings made in the image of God we have all the marks of personality. We are not machines. We have sensitivity and creativity in some measure and in the midst of carrying out the purpose God has for us...we can still have the fulfillments which help us to be balanced and whole creatures..." from chapter 5, "Interior Decoration," pg. 79–80
"In Holland fresh cut flowers are generally considered a necessity. We are told that even the very poor people in Holland put aside a guilder or two for flowers every week....When I am in Holland I often remember the daily admonition [of Dr. Doughty],...'If you have two loaves of bread, sell one and buy a lily!'" from chapter 7, "Flower Arrangements," pg. 98-99
"And of course we are to be willing to sacrifice in the area of material things as well as in all other areas, to put first the things of God....But all this does not erase the fact that as human beings made in the image of God we have all the marks of personality. We are not machines. We have sensitivity and creativity in some measure and in the midst of carrying out the purpose God has for us...we can still have the fulfillments which help us to be balanced and whole creatures..." from chapter 5, "Interior Decoration," pg. 79–80
"In Holland fresh cut flowers are generally considered a necessity. We are told that even the very poor people in Holland put aside a guilder or two for flowers every week....When I am in Holland I often remember the daily admonition [of Dr. Doughty],...'If you have two loaves of bread, sell one and buy a lily!'" from chapter 7, "Flower Arrangements," pg. 98-99
February 15, 2015
Beautifully inspiring book that calls the reader to discover and further the simple, every day beauty around and within themselves. Mrs. Schaeffer explores areas in which one can pursue creativity, produce beauty and emulate Christ through the care of the home, the people surrounding you and the practicing your God given skills/talents for no other reason than they are God-given and thus, good.
December 20, 2016
I've been reading this book for a long time. The premise of the book is that God is a creator and so he made us to create as well. The book then looks at lots of different ways that art and creativity can be incorporated into our everyday lives. She says that waiting to become a professional singer/artist/writer/actor, is unproductive and can sour your life. She says that we can use our talents and interests now, in our everyday life, to get that creative fulfillment, to brighten our lives and those around us and to bring glory to God. She has lots of practical suggestions.
This book is very dated, having been written shortly after the moon landing. Also, part of the reason I found it hard to read, is that it is so practical. She says right away that none of us can do everything and that we shouldn't try to do everything or feel like we need to start doing all the things she mentions. However, there is a big part of me that still wants to do everything and feels like I have to or I'm a failure. A lot of her suggestions will also sound a little out of date or quaint or not in touch with the world, partly because the book was written so long ago.
I enjoyed this book and will probably try to reread it and put some of it into practice.
This book is very dated, having been written shortly after the moon landing. Also, part of the reason I found it hard to read, is that it is so practical. She says right away that none of us can do everything and that we shouldn't try to do everything or feel like we need to start doing all the things she mentions. However, there is a big part of me that still wants to do everything and feels like I have to or I'm a failure. A lot of her suggestions will also sound a little out of date or quaint or not in touch with the world, partly because the book was written so long ago.
I enjoyed this book and will probably try to reread it and put some of it into practice.
September 21, 2019
The premise of this book is intriguing; essentially that our innate creativity can be used to draw us closer to God.
The book is filled with various ideas to make the “ordinary” something special, and goes through many different art-forms.
Unfortunately I couldn’t really enjoy it as much as I had hoped because it is very heavy in Christian theology and rhetoric, some of which does not align with my own beliefs.
I would love to read something along the same lines written from a Islamic perspective.
The book is filled with various ideas to make the “ordinary” something special, and goes through many different art-forms.
Unfortunately I couldn’t really enjoy it as much as I had hoped because it is very heavy in Christian theology and rhetoric, some of which does not align with my own beliefs.
I would love to read something along the same lines written from a Islamic perspective.
January 17, 2019
This book shares how Christians can reflect our creative God by expressing creativity in everyday life. Edith explains how not everyone can be an artist for their career but we all have the ability to go about our everyday tasks with artistic expression. Though I would not agree with everything in this book, I found it inspiring and eye opening. One of the wonderful things about creativity is that it sparks more creativity and that is what this book did for me.
September 30, 2025
I return to this book time and time again over the years for its timeless wisdom on living a creative life, not just as a hobby or a career but as a response to God, to His creative gift in us.
As a writer, and avid gardener and photographer, I particularly like Schaeffer's thoughts on gardens and gardening (page 85), and on writing-prose and poetry (page 135).
As a writer, and avid gardener and photographer, I particularly like Schaeffer's thoughts on gardens and gardening (page 85), and on writing-prose and poetry (page 135).
March 18, 2020
My mother in law sent me this "hidden" gem entitled "Hidden Art" published a long time ago by Edith Schaeffer. Her chapters spell out the way we can find God's handiwork in every area of life. A charming read.
June 5, 2020
I wanted to like this more than I did. Mrs. Schaeffer had some good points to be gleaned from the book, but a lot of it, especially the style, was very dated.
November 26, 2020
First chapter was a lot but good foundation point for the rest of the book. Once read its nice to have to look back upon. Can jump different chapters.
June 13, 2024
At first I was overwhelmed because I am not creative or artistic AT ALL. But when she got to the chapter on cooking and serving others through food, I could relate.
May 20, 2013
Edith Schaeffer's thoughts on how to find and create beauty in everyday life are very insightful. She covers every area of art- from food to writing to music- in addition to discussing how to create beautiful moments in activities such as enjoying nature or spending time with family. Hidden Art is filled with stories from Schaeffer's family life that are humorous as well as inspiring. If you want to start looking beyond ordinary existence to find beauty and cultivate your talents, you will definitely enjoy this book.
December 19, 2016
The first chapter is the best: Christians should be especially interested and invested in creativity since we are made in the image of Creator God. The rest is her suggestions for applying that idea to different areas of life. I'll figure out my own way to arrange flowers, thanks.
June 24, 2011
I want to tear this book apart - page by page, try everything she suggests and keep a working journal. Brilliant. One that will stay with me for a very long time...
July 4, 2018
A firm, gentle, practical push toward a creative life.
October 3, 2013
Liked the book, disliked her style of writing. Now we burn candles at dinner and while drinking tea and I picked some weeds and put them in a vase on the table. I think Edith would be proud of me.
May 25, 2015
Too much God. Not enough art. Could have been distiller down to one paragraph.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews