Drawing in my Bible
About a year or so ago, I stumbled upon this growing community of people who doodle, paint, sticker, and illustrate right in the pages of their Bible. I joined a Facebook group that was filled of people sharing their Biblical art. As I have watched, and attempted to learn myself, I have learned some things and thought I would share them with you.
Bible Journaling is About Expression Not Perfection
Acrylic Paint Scraping and Stickers
So, I'll just say that I am not a very good artist. I can't draw at all. So, I do a lot of tracing and such. As a perfectionist, I love that it isn't about making something perfect, but trying to find ways to express the scripture passage in a way that speaks to me. Sometimes things come out the way they are in my head and sometimes they don't. In the end, it's the interaction with the art and the scripture passage that matter. Art has been used as a form of worship for centuries. This is a new way to take art to a personal level.
I Can't Compare My Art to Someone Else
Stamps and Watercolor Pencils
Worship is between me and God. When I am singing, I can't compare myself to someone else. The same is true when it comes to Biblical art (or any other form of art). The key for something being worship is us doing it for God, not others. As I watched people in the Facebook group I was in, I watched them struggle with not getting caught up with the approval of others. There is a difference in being encouraged by others and seeking people's affirmation. When we worship God, we only seek his affirmation.
It's a Learning Process
Pencil Tracing, Acrylic Paint Scraping, and White Pen
Every page I do is an opportunity to learn. On the last Friday of every month we gather together to learn new ways to interact with art and the scriptures through an instructional video then practice the techniques. When you do something for the first time, you're going to make mistakes. That's ok. It's a learning process. Learning what works for you, what you like, and what you don't like is what make things unique. Everyone has their own style and personality and that come out in art. Click Here to see what we are learning right now.
Vellum Printed by Computer Inserted in Bible
We have created a Navarre Facebook community for sharing and encouraging one another in the journaling of worshiping through Biblical art. If you're interested in getting started, or want to connect with others who love it, then join us. We're small, but everyone is enjoying learning this next form or worship and scripture interaction.
Happy Drawing!
Faith
Faith Parry serves as our Associate Pastor, and has been at the church since 2015. When she's not preaching and teaching, she enjoys documentaries and TV. Read more about Faith here.
