“Art requires much calm and to paint the things of Christ one must live with Christ…” Fra Angelico

Today I discovered a New Zealand artist online. My heart is absolutely warmed by his contemporary art expressions, but not only that, his abiding faith in Christ. Allow me to introduce you to expressionist painter, Cornelis Monsma. When it comes to letting Christ’s life flow through us as artists, writers, and painters, this artist shares simple, yet profound truths:

“Like many other fellow Christians, I started out with a well meaning attitude of “wanting to do my part” for the Christ who gave so much for me. I ended up however, finding “me” wanting, and after nearly a lifetime through trial and error, I found that Christ doing His part Himself through me, was the only fruitful situation to be in. The difference between the two approaches, as I have learned, is as far the west is from the east, resulting in the decrease of the ever domineering “self” in the first instance, to the overwhelming preeminence and presence that Christ has become in my life under the second.

He is allowing and enabling me now to express the very nature of Him and His freeing redemptive work, thereby reducing “me” to the back seat. It is His presence which enables me to do, and produce the work at the intensity of the moment.”

Many focus on doing a work “for” God, but fruitfulness comes as we allow Christ’s life to be formed and expressed through us.

Looking forward to more from this artist!

Read more about the artist here.
Read and rejoice in his inspiration.
See art gallery, scriptural inspirations and thoughts here.