I keep a sticker on my bulletin board above my desk that says “artist and maker, not content creator.” When I get energetically clogged up bc the attention economy demands you feed it with the next, greatest piece of content for views that lasts 2.5 seconds…that saying reminds me to create and make art bc it’s who I am. It’s in me. Like you said, I can’t not do it.
I got hacked and my new card is in the mail. The INSTANT I get funds back I will upgrade to paid. I love your work! I love that you name-checked Buecher, L'Engle, Dickinson, and Baldwin. Swoon...
Thanks, Bron! And I've learned that dropping names for attribution is an act of hospitality (something I think Lore Wilbert writes on a ton and I appreciate it)!
This article made my day. What an encouragement to be prophetic with our art. Even if this pushes us to write about someone's penis being eaten by the snake of judgement.
This was a cool post (and not too long for email, Substack — let artists art!)
It has me thinking about the truth I try to tell (slant). I think the subversive truth I’m trying to convey in my writing/art is that acting like I understand God, the world, the big questions of life, and especially other people’s lives is bullsh*+. The truth is found in the interplay. In the exchange. In the engagement. In the middle of the interaction. That’s the only real place to find God’s revelation. Or maybe not — but that’s what it looks like from my angle.
I absolutely loved reading this, Jenai. There's something (many somethings) so beautiful and intriguing about the way you weave all these things together. I am encouraged coming away from this, and a little giddy knowing some of your humor and silliness. Thank you, thank you!
"Making art is a part of my holy alignment." This is sticking with me. Chewing on it and breathing it in. I needed this reminder. Thank you.
I live to be as petty as this
I’m here for ALL. OF. THISSSSS.🔥🔥🔥
I keep a sticker on my bulletin board above my desk that says “artist and maker, not content creator.” When I get energetically clogged up bc the attention economy demands you feed it with the next, greatest piece of content for views that lasts 2.5 seconds…that saying reminds me to create and make art bc it’s who I am. It’s in me. Like you said, I can’t not do it.
I got hacked and my new card is in the mail. The INSTANT I get funds back I will upgrade to paid. I love your work! I love that you name-checked Buecher, L'Engle, Dickinson, and Baldwin. Swoon...
Thanks, Bron! And I've learned that dropping names for attribution is an act of hospitality (something I think Lore Wilbert writes on a ton and I appreciate it)!
Absolute gold! Thank you so much, Jenai! Love this historical analogy and the freedom it empowers.
I will take more art deep dives any day, especially if they have this much drama. 👀😂
This article made my day. What an encouragement to be prophetic with our art. Even if this pushes us to write about someone's penis being eaten by the snake of judgement.
This was a cool post (and not too long for email, Substack — let artists art!)
It has me thinking about the truth I try to tell (slant). I think the subversive truth I’m trying to convey in my writing/art is that acting like I understand God, the world, the big questions of life, and especially other people’s lives is bullsh*+. The truth is found in the interplay. In the exchange. In the engagement. In the middle of the interaction. That’s the only real place to find God’s revelation. Or maybe not — but that’s what it looks like from my angle.
Thanks for this. And cheers to Michelangelo!
I absolutely loved reading this, Jenai. There's something (many somethings) so beautiful and intriguing about the way you weave all these things together. I am encouraged coming away from this, and a little giddy knowing some of your humor and silliness. Thank you, thank you!
"Making art is a part of my holy alignment." This is sticking with me. Chewing on it and breathing it in. I needed this reminder. Thank you.
Priceless. Thank you!
Isn't this just the best? 😆
Slam. Dunk.
This is an extra good one, friend.
Thank you Jenn! I've had this one in my backpocket for a while. When I started writing yesterday, I realized it was ready and I needed to hit send.
Also evidently this is Jenai Auman Day: on my way to the doctor, your interview with Jon Pyle came on my podcasts.
That's a good feeling. I'm glad you did. Also, it's fun going back and forth like this while we're simultaneously in the same zoom. 😂
You were right - I needed this one. Grateful for you.