Issue #015
One of the most beautiful things about being an artist is that our work is never just about paint on canvas or clay in our hands—it’s about the connections we create. Art has an incredible way of opening doors, breaking down walls, and inviting people into spaces of honesty, healing, and hope. When we share our art, we’re really offering an invitation: “Come and see what God is doing in me—and maybe in you too.”
This week, we’re leaning into that power of invitation. Proverbs 11:25 reminds us, “The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed.” That’s the heartbeat of a thriving artist: generosity that ripples outward, creating moments of transformation for everyone who encounters our work.
May this week be filled with intentional reflection, creative breakthroughs, and meaningful connection with the Creator who put that beautiful imagination inside you.
I’m cheering you on always!
In His love and creativity,
Matt Tommey
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CONNECT
Scripture: “The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed.” — Proverbs 11:25 (NLT)
Our calling as artists isn’t just to create—it’s to invite. Each piece you make holds the potential to refresh someone’s spirit, to draw them closer to beauty, and ultimately, to the heart of God. When we open ourselves up and share generously, we embody the very nature of Christ, who gave freely and abundantly.
Prayer:
Father, thank You for the creative gifts You’ve entrusted to me. Help me to see my art as an invitation to Your love and goodness. Teach me to be generous with my gifts, knowing that as I refresh others, You will refresh me. May every piece I create carry Your presence and draw hearts closer to You. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.
Spiritual Action Step: Choose one piece of your art this week and intentionally share the story behind it with someone. Let it be a doorway for deeper conversation and connection.
CLARIFY
When you think about your art practice this week, ask yourself: How am I inviting others into connection—both with me and with God? Sometimes we get so focused on finishing pieces or hitting deadlines that we forget the bigger purpose behind our work. It’s not just about completing the next painting or sculpture; it’s about creating spaces where people can feel seen, inspired, and loved.
Take time to clarify your “why” this week. Write it down somewhere you can see it daily—perhaps in your studio or journal. This focus will keep your heart aligned with God’s intentions for your art and your audience.
Practical Action Step: Draft a short “Artist’s Invitation” statement that captures your heart for connection through art. Use it on your website, social media, or even in-person when talking about your work.
CREATE
Artistic practice is at its best when it overflows from a place of authentic connection. Remember, your creative process itself can be an invitation—an open door for the Holy Spirit to move in and through you. As you create this week, consider how each stroke, stitch, or sculpted line is an offering, a gentle “come and see” to those who will encounter it.
Sometimes the most powerful art emerges when we’re not striving for perfection but simply making space for God to speak. Embrace the imperfections, the experiments, and the unexpected moments—they’re all part of the divine conversation unfolding in your hands.
Studio Action Step: Create one new piece this week purely as an act of invitation—no pressure to sell it or make it “perfect.” Focus on the joy of the process and what God might want to reveal through it.
CULTIVATE
Your relationships with collectors, followers, and fellow creatives are fertile ground for connection and growth. People don’t just buy your art; they invest in the story, the heart, and the journey behind it. When you invite others into that journey, you’re building a community around your creative calling.
This week, think about how you can be more intentional in cultivating these connections. Whether through sharing behind-the-scenes glimpses, sending a personal thank-you note, or engaging more deeply on social media, each interaction is an opportunity to sow seeds of trust and encouragement.
Outreach Action Step: Send a handwritten note or a heartfelt email to at least three collectors or followers this week. Thank them for their support and share a little of what’s inspiring you right now.
WATCH
Have you ever felt a deep longing to create — to paint, write, sculpt, sing, or make beautiful things with your hands — but found yourself pushing it aside for more “practical” responsibilities? Feeling restless or unfulfilled? This video explores why you might be experiencing creative resistance and unintentionally missing your divine intervention.
Learn how to step into your creative potential and overcome what’s holding you back from achieving creative success. Discover the joy of pursuing your passions! Maybe you’ve believed that your creative desires were just hobbies or distractions, not worthy of real attention. But what if those very desires are God’s invitation to step into a life of deeper purpose and joy?
In this video, I share my own journey from serving as a worship pastor and prioritizing stability, to finally embracing my love for nature and creating art with my hands. I’ll show you how I discovered that what I thought was a side interest was actually my God-given creative calling — and how you can recognize and embrace yours too.
Together, we’ll explore:
- ✅ How to recognize God’s creative invitation in your life
- ✅ The fears and distractions that keep us from stepping out
- ✅ Biblical truths that set you free to create boldly
- ✅ Practical steps to start living your calling today
If you’re ready to move from frustration to freedom and discover the joy of creating with God, this video is for you.
TECH TIP FOR THRIVING
Platform: MailerLite
MailerLite makes email marketing simple and approachable—perfect for artists who want to build deeper connections without getting overwhelmed by tech jargon. With its easy drag-and-drop interface, you can create beautiful emails that share your story, highlight new collections, and invite collectors into your world.
Tip: Create a simple three-part welcome sequence to nurture new subscribers:
- About Me: Share your heart, your journey, and why you create.
- My Art Story: Introduce your artistic process and what makes your work unique.
- Current Collection: Highlight your latest pieces and invite them to explore.
Sign up for MailerLite and start turning casual followers into devoted collectors.
INSPIRE
Wabi-Sabi Blooms: Reviving San Antonio’s Forgotten Corners
I recently came across a truly uplifting story about Albert Gonzales, a San Antonio artist transforming neglected spaces with his Wabi-Sabi Blooms project. He’s committed to painting large, vibrant flower murals in every zip code of San Antonio—27 neighborhoods so far!
Leaving his corporate job in 2014 to pursue art full-time, Albert started small and faithful. His mission isn’t just about beautifying walls but inviting people into a moment of wonder and connection with their community. He’s even covering all expenses himself because he believes everyone deserves a moment of beauty each day.
Albert’s story challenges us: How might you bring unexpected joy and connection into your community? Maybe through a free art giveaway, a shared mural, or mentoring another creative soul. Let’s keep spreading God’s love and beauty everywhere we go. Read more here.
LISTEN
Creating Sacred Connections Through Art
What truly sets thriving artists apart? It’s not just talent or hustle—it’s their ability to create intentional connections through their art, process, and story.
When you generously share your journey, you’re living out Proverbs 11:25: “A generous person will prosper. Whoever refreshes others will himself be refreshed.” Your openness becomes a magnet for authentic relationships and growth—both spiritual and professional.
Remember: holding back often says, “I don’t trust God in me.” Freedom comes when you offer your best and trust Him to multiply it.
Ready to start inviting others into your creative world?
WORSHIP
This powerful song is a beautiful reminder of what it means to be fully available to God and others. As you listen, let the lyrics become a prayer of surrender and invitation. Allow it to refocus your heart on being open, generous, and ready to share your gifts with the world.
FEATURED ARTIST: Cheryl Wilson
Layers of Emotion, Depth, and Divine Connection
📍 Website | 📱 Instagram
For Cheryl Wilson, painting isn’t just an act of creativity—it’s an act of deep spiritual surrender and transformation. Through her abstract paintings, Cheryl channels emotion, movement, and texture in ways that words can’t capture, creating pieces that speak to the soul.
Her artistic journey took a profound turn when she joined the Created to Thrive Artist Mentoring Program.
“Even in a short time, this program has been transformative,” she shares. “It awakened a deeper knowledge of my worth as a Christian woman, deepened my faith, and gave me confidence to embrace my artistic voice. Only an awesome God can do this in me!”
Cheryl works primarily in abstract painting, exploring layers of transparency, chaotic lines that resolve, and thick textures that express her curiosity and search for meaning. Her TORN Series, originally inspired by aging in her 60s, has evolved into a lifelong narrative of growth and healing.
“When I let go of trying to direct the process and allowed the paintings to happen, it felt like God was speaking to me through each brushstroke,” she explains. “It was sometimes painful and uncertain, but the growth has been incredible—and still continues.”
Two standout pieces from this journey include “Broken Wings” and “Emotional Layering,” each capturing the raw process of breaking and mending that mirrors her spiritual walk.
An introvert and empath, Cheryl often processes her emotions through her art rather than words. “Painting is where I find peace, healing, and a deeper connection with God,” she says. “It allows me to connect with others in ways I never could otherwise, and it opens the door to conversations I used to fear.”
A pivotal breakthrough came when she committed to painting 100 small works in one week—a bold act of surrender and trust. By allowing God to guide each brushstroke, Cheryl discovered her unique artistic voice and found freedom beyond expectations and trends. “Through that practice of releasing control, my true artistic path emerged—one rooted in faith and authenticity.”
Cheryl’s journey has also included opening up to her husband about the profound meaning art holds in her life, which has deepened their bond and encouraged her to step fully into her purpose. God continues to surprise her with blessings—honorable mentions in shows, new gallery opportunities, and growing confidence in her calling.
Her creative habits are anchored in prayer and quiet reflection before every studio session, inviting God into each moment. She documents her journey on her blog, Ruby Prose, and shares her process openly on social media and YouTube, creating a beautiful community of faith-filled creatives.
Her encouragement to fellow artists?
🎨 “Trust the process—both creatively and spiritually. Keep showing up, even when it feels hard. God will guide your journey and reveal your voice in His perfect timing. You can’t outgive God!”
Today, Cheryl is seeing incredible growth in her willingness to share her story and art boldly. Through authentic connection and community, she’s experiencing more sales, collectors, and unexpected doors opening. And through it all, she’s learning to trust more deeply, create more freely, and celebrate each step as a divine gift.
Apply to Be a Featured Artist
Would you like to be considered for one of our artist features? We love sharing the work from our friends around the world who create unique, beautiful and inspired art, regardless of creative medium. And just a reminder, your work does NOT have to be overtly faith-based to be considered. Interested? Just complete this application: https://forms.gle/vmtyk6wg3hSuUAhi9
This Issue Sponsored by The Created to Thrive Foundations Course
Are you feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure of how to step fully into your creative calling? Maybe you’ve been waiting for the “perfect moment” to start—but let me tell you, there’s no better time than right now to take that first step.
The Created to Thrive Foundations Course is your roadmap to transformation—spiritually, creatively, and professionally. Through powerful teachings, practical strategies, and faith-filled encouragement, you’ll learn how to overcome fear, break free from limiting mindsets, and align your creative life with God’s divine design for you.
I’ve seen hundreds of artists move from confusion and frustration to clarity and freedom by diving into these foundational truths—and I know you can too.
🎉 Special Offer for Weekly Subscribers: Use coupon code WEEKLY75 and get 75% off your enrollment today!
Resources for Christian Artists
If you’re ready to grow as an artist in your faith, art and even business, then check out these affordable resources for artists just like you.
