Estimated read time: 3-4 minutes
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When Michelangelo first took a paintbrush to the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel, he was not the first — and certainly not the last — artist commissioned by the Divine. Today, artists from around the world find their beliefs and higher power in their work, and a new BYUtv show aims to document the process.
"Artful," the all-new series of 30-minute, documentary-style episodes, paints a colorful picture of the artistic process, straight through the eyes of several artists discovering their higher power through their work. Centered on one question: "Which creation of yours connected you strongly with the divine, and why?" the series captures the motivation, inspiration and even revelation behind works you’re sure to love — that is, if you don’t already.
Each episode of "Artful" features two artists revealing their creative process, following their artistic journey and highlighting the introspective journey each piece inspired. In 30 minutes, you’ll glimpse the minds and hearts of today’s Michelangelos – the creatives who use paint, clay, pencils and paper to praise and uplift.
Comfort, joy and faith are common themes in "Artful" celebrating the positivity and beauty of contemporary spiritual art. Brian Kershisnik, a Provo-based artist that has gained fame and popularity on a national basis, explains why faith is neither a memory or a goal, but a living concept.
"Faith is always present tense and needs attention and cultivation and most importantly action," he said in one episode. "Faith you had, or will have, are not alive and faith must live...there are of course stories I want to tell, but there are stories also that are trying to be told through me."
Those stories grace galleries and homes around the world and include his masterpiece, the 17-foot tall painting called The Nativity.
"I had this huge white canvas, and I was terrified of it," he recalled. "And the thought occurred to me of making a painting of the birth of Jesus. And I knew that I would lose heart if I delayed, so I just went over to the canvas and just started right at the top of Mary’s forehead."
Kershisnik’s artistic process is a life lesson itself — that inspiration requires action.
Cassandra Barney, a BYU Master’s of Fine Arts degree graduate, describes the faith that inspired – and the faith inspired by – her art in one episode of "Artful":
"When I have an opportunity to share my artwork out in the world, people often tell me there is something spiritual about my paintings," she said. "Conversations with these people are almost always followed by them sharing their beliefs with me and me with them. Art can communicate ideas and emotions that can’t be put into words. Art has something to offer that is unique."
"Artful" depicts Barney in her element, behind an easel painting the vivid colors and whimsical figures for which her work is known. Inspired by the strength of her signature heroines, Barney describes how painting served as a spiritual comfort in the wake of life’s greatest sadness.
"Artful" premiers April 26 on BYUtv. Tune in for positivity and inspiration and witness a journey filled with faith, divinity and of course, art.
