Today, on The Artistic Vision we welcome poet and professor Benjamin Myers to continue our series of talks related to the aesthetic life. In this episode, Ben discusses the significance of poetry in cultivating attention and contemplation. He emphasizes the role of beauty, metaphor, and sound in enhancing the poetic experience. The discussion also touches on the sacramental nature of poetry, as well as the challenges of teaching poetry in a way that respects its artistic integrity while providing necessary context.

Benjamin Myers was the 2015-2016 Poet Laureate of the State of Oklahoma and is the author of four books of poetry, of one book on poetics, and of numerous articles, essays, and reviews. He is a frequent speaker at conferences and literary festivals around the country. Myers is a professor of literature at Oklahoma Baptist University, where he directs the Great Books Honors Program.

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Today, on The Artistic Vision we begin of a series of talks related to the aesthetic life. On this episode, our very own Alex Sosler explores the significance of beauty in the Christian life, emphasizing its role in shaping our life in Christ. He discusses the concept of an obedience to an aesthetic life, which encourages us to engage with beauty in art and culture, and how this engagement can lead to deeper insights and a more fulfilling existence. The conversation also touches on the Christian approach to the challenges of modern entertainment.

Alex Sosler is Associate Professor of Bible and Ministry at Montreat College where he teaches practical theology, education, and issues related to church and culture. He also serves as Assisting Priest at Redeemer Anglican Church in Asheville, North Carolina.

He received his M.Div. and Ed.D. from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. His dissertation was on the aims and purposes of Christian Higher Education.

His writing has appeared in Christianity Today, Plough, Fathom Magazine, Front Porch Republic, Christ and Pop Culture, Mockingbird, Fare Forward, and Gospel-Centered Discipleship.

He is the author of Learning to Love: Christian Education as Pilgrimage and A Short Guide to Spiritual Formation, as well as editor of Theology and the Avett Brothers, and co-author of The Artistic Vision with Gary Ball. He also is a contributor to several books: Theology and Tolkein, Theology and Breaking Bad, and Theology and the Blues.

Prior to academia, Dr. Sosler served as a pastoral assistant near Cleveland, Ohio, and as an associate pastor in Austin, Texas.

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In this episode of The Artistic Vision, poet and writer Paul Pastor joins us to talk about his new poetry collection, The Locust Years, which explores the beautiful irrationality of hope amid loss. Listen to the way he compares hope to a rat! Also, we discuss the meaning and value of “Christian art” and why artists of faith should boldly embrace their spiritual identity, engaging the world through joy, grace, love, and redemption. This inspiring conversation is perfect for Christian artists, poets, and writers seeking to create meaningful work that reflects faith, beauty, and the power of authentic hope.

Paul J. Pastor is a poet, writer, and editor from Oregon. His work uncovers the inner life of the world, as experienced in nature, literature, and the rich traditions of historic Christian spirituality.

Paul is the author of several books, including Bower Lodge: Poems, A Kids Book About God, The Listening Day series, and The Face of the Deep. His work has been widely published in many fine outlets, including Books & Culture, The Los Angeles Review of Books, The Windhover, Christianity Today, Fathom, Ekstasis, Solum Literary Press, and has been anthologized by The New York Quarterly Review.

Paul serves HarperCollins as Executive Editor for Nelson Books, where he publishes authors of significant creative and commercial potential who encourage grounded spiritual renewal for our time of pain and opportunity.

Paul has lived for years in Oregon’s Columbia River Gorge, where he wanders the woods with his wife Emily, a classically-trained fine artist, and their three children.

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https://www.amazon.com/Artistic-Vision-Cultivating-Sacramental-Imagination/dp/1666760137/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=se&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.gTOsrim0XMSOuyLOeIeqJHvXQlDWGE8BqOmNzY_TR90uoCegHsEhJBG77UwllpmqLDWKth27lBsmET7L6zvc7ICCVdmkwI33_NEQ_nhHaDv93pdCdMGQIktvJfX8bLqO7YjU6aVmNrGphfVU5ueCV0eG_qJJa9dRQBoebI1YbmZHOhyO178tlKdGbg4x2bjfLI0onx9-uhqzoCsc3lK_qwFOZDjVQwfqxeG4uzRbEpQ.yXgwTDxpCvj4B59DJmY1tcOwV7D8tMdtxas0EndXMCY&qid=1745002821&sr=8-1

In this episode of The Artistic Vision, filmmaker Josh David Jordan shares powerful insights on storytelling and unique way that cinema includes the audience as participants in art. We explore how great films invite observers to believe in an imagined world—and how staying one step ahead keeps them captivated. Josh unpacks the mystery behind visual storytelling and the role of imagination in filmmaking. We also discuss his bold new film, El Tonto Pro Christo—a black-and-white, European-style movie about Orthodox monks. Perfect for creatives, filmmakers, and anyone seeking deeper meaning through faith, art, and cinematic storytelling.

www.joshdavidjordan.com
"Starting as an actor, I appeared in several feature films and the sitcom SCRUBS. I began to transition behind the lens slowly. I've worked on MTV featured music videos for The Polyphonic Spree, Rhett Miller of the Old 97's, Joshua Ray Walker, and many more.

After premiering my short, SAM AND GUS, and winning several film festival awards, along with audience awards, I decided to write and direct my first full-length feature film; THIS WORLD WON'T BREAK.

TWWB, "the little film that could," was self-funded for a whopping 36K, won worldwide awards, and can now be streamed on most platforms, including Amazon Prime.

I'm currently working on two new pictures, and I'd love for you to be a part of this process with me. "

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Buy the Artistic Vision book here!
https://wipfandstock.com/9781666760132/the-artistic-vision/
https://www.amazon.com/Artistic-Vision-Cultivating-Sacramental-Imagination/dp/1666760137/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=se&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.gTOsrim0XMSOuyLOeIeqJHvXQlDWGE8BqOmNzY_TR90uoCegHsEhJBG77UwllpmqLDWKth27lBsmET7L6zvc7ICCVdmkwI33_NEQ_nhHaDv93pdCdMGQIktvJfX8bLqO7YjU6aVmNrGphfVU5ueCV0eG_qJJa9dRQBoebI1YbmZHOhyO178tlKdGbg4x2bjfLI0onx9-uhqzoCsc3lK_qwFOZDjVQwfqxeG4uzRbEpQ.yXgwTDxpCvj4B59DJmY1tcOwV7D8tMdtxas0EndXMCY&qid=1745002821&sr=8-1

In this episode of The Artistic Vision, poet and director arts ministry Chelsea Fraser shares her journey of wrestling with her artistic calling, creativity, and faith. We dive into her new poetry collection, The Mother Tree, and explore how poetry can reveal truth rather than obscure it. Chelsea also gives a behind-the-scenes look at leading an arts ministry in a local church—curating gallery shows, hosting concerts, and nurturing artists in community. This conversation is a rich resource for poets, creatives, and church leaders seeking to integrate art, vocation, and spiritual life in meaningful and lasting ways.

Chelsea Fraser is a poet and the director of a Fine Arts program at First Presbyerian Church, in downtown in Greenville, SC

Buy Chelsea's Book Here!
https://www.amazon.com/Mother-Tree-Chelsea-Fraser/dp/B0F4T84MC2/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2DB3JAYWGX8KC&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.-Y5Evebr2XNpxiMdXe2-OhwHbYG-fi-DwFfQBc8GJm8.dXTbAgGv5RC1adX_VEr6ul3HEEsuuaAwnLun7Y1U_HE&dib_tag=se&keywords=the+mother+tree+chelsea+fraser&qid=1749499770&sprefix=the+mother+tree%2Caps%2C308&sr=8-1

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https://www.amazon.com/Artistic-Vision-Cultivating-Sacramental-Imagination/dp/1666760137/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=se&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.gTOsrim0XMSOuyLOeIeqJHvXQlDWGE8BqOmNzY_TR90uoCegHsEhJBG77UwllpmqLDWKth27lBsmET7L6zvc7ICCVdmkwI33_NEQ_nhHaDv93pdCdMGQIktvJfX8bLqO7YjU6aVmNrGphfVU5ueCV0eG_qJJa9dRQBoebI1YbmZHOhyO178tlKdGbg4x2bjfLI0onx9-uhqzoCsc3lK_qwFOZDjVQwfqxeG4uzRbEpQ.yXgwTDxpCvj4B59DJmY1tcOwV7D8tMdtxas0EndXMCY&qid=1745002821&sr=8-1

In this episode of The Artistic Vision, we’re joined by artist, theologian and author Jonathan A. Anderson to explore the intersection of contemporary art and theology. Drawing from his latest book, The Invisibility of Religion in Contemporary Art, we discuss the increased interest, but still underdeveloped scholarship around contemporary art. Jonathan unpacks how art can be a powerful way of thinking and asking deep theological questions. We dive into the role of beauty—its mystery, and its unpredictability. This conversation is perfect for artists, thinkers, and creatives interested in faith, modern art, and the deeper meaning behind visual expression.

Jonathan A. Anderson is the Eugene and Jan Peterson Associate Professor of Theology and the Arts at Regent College (Vancouver, BC). His scholarship explores the interrelations of art history, theology, and religious studies, with a particular focus on modern and contemporary art. He is the author of The Invisibility of Religion in Contemporary Art (2025), Modern Art and the Life of a Culture: The Religious Impulses of Modernism (with William Dyrness, 2016), and many articles and book chapters on related topics, including “Modern Art” in The Oxford Research Encyclopedia of Religion (2021). Trained as an artist, art critic, and theologian, Anderson has a PhD from King’s College London and an MFA from California State University Long Beach. Prior to his chair at Regent College, he was the postdoctoral associate of theology and the visual arts at Duke University (Durham, NC) and an associate professor of art at Biola University (La Mirada, CA).

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https://wipfandstock.com/9781666760132/the-artistic-vision/
https://www.amazon.com/Artistic-Vision-Cultivating-Sacramental-Imagination/dp/1666760137/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=se&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.gTOsrim0XMSOuyLOeIeqJHvXQlDWGE8BqOmNzY_TR90uoCegHsEhJBG77UwllpmqLDWKth27lBsmET7L6zvc7ICCVdmkwI33_NEQ_nhHaDv93pdCdMGQIktvJfX8bLqO7YjU6aVmNrGphfVU5ueCV0eG_qJJa9dRQBoebI1YbmZHOhyO178tlKdGbg4x2bjfLI0onx9-uhqzoCsc3lK_qwFOZDjVQwfqxeG4uzRbEpQ.yXgwTDxpCvj4B59DJmY1tcOwV7D8tMdtxas0EndXMCY&qid=1745002821&sr=8-1

In this episode of The Artistic Vision, we talk with artist Amy Grimes, known for her enchanting “story paintings” that spark imagination. Amy shares how artists can reclaim a childlike sense of wonder by holding onto fairytales, forests, and the beauty of mystery. We discuss how to stay encouraged when facing critique and discouragement, and why authenticity and truth-telling matter in art. Amy urges Christian artists to invite God into the creative process and to simply tell the story they've been given. A must-listen for anyone seeking inspiration, artistic clarity, and hope through creativity.

Amy Grimes is a storyteller at heart, weaving tales of wonder and hope through her luminous artwork. From a young age, she was captivated by fairy tales and fantastical illustrations—sparks that ignited a lifelong passion for visual storytelling. Today, her signature “story paintings” emerge from the narratives she writes, serving as imaginative windows that invite viewers into mysterious, light-filled worlds. Amy lives a peaceful life with her husband and two daughters in a home brimming with books and color, creating art that reflects beauty, mystery, and the quiet magic of everyday life.

Find her work at www.storypaintings.net

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https://wipfandstock.com/9781666760132/the-artistic-vision/
https://www.amazon.com/Artistic-Vision-Cultivating-Sacramental-Imagination/dp/1666760137/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=se&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.gTOsrim0XMSOuyLOeIeqJHvXQlDWGE8BqOmNzY_TR90uoCegHsEhJBG77UwllpmqLDWKth27lBsmET7L6zvc7ICCVdmkwI33_NEQ_nhHaDv93pdCdMGQIktvJfX8bLqO7YjU6aVmNrGphfVU5ueCV0eG_qJJa9dRQBoebI1YbmZHOhyO178tlKdGbg4x2bjfLI0onx9-uhqzoCsc3lK_qwFOZDjVQwfqxeG4uzRbEpQ.yXgwTDxpCvj4B59DJmY1tcOwV7D8tMdtxas0EndXMCY&qid=1745002821&sr=8-1

In this episode of The Artistic Vision, theologian and artist, Chris Green discusses the sacred calling of artists, reminding us to think about the human vocation as priestly and the way artists offer their work as a spiritual offering. We consider whether art is useful or useless, and to resist approaching the world as drained of mystery. This show is perfect for creatives, faith-based artists, and anyone seeking meaning through art and theology. Subscribe now for more conversations on art, beauty, faith, and creative purpose.

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Buy the Artistic Vision book here!
https://wipfandstock.com/9781666760132/the-artistic-vision/
https://www.amazon.com/Artistic-Vision-Cultivating-Sacramental-Imagination/dp/1666760137/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=se&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.gTOsrim0XMSOuyLOeIeqJHvXQlDWGE8BqOmNzY_TR90uoCegHsEhJBG77UwllpmqLDWKth27lBsmET7L6zvc7ICCVdmkwI33_NEQ_nhHaDv93pdCdMGQIktvJfX8bLqO7YjU6aVmNrGphfVU5ueCV0eG_qJJa9dRQBoebI1YbmZHOhyO178tlKdGbg4x2bjfLI0onx9-uhqzoCsc3lK_qwFOZDjVQwfqxeG4uzRbEpQ.yXgwTDxpCvj4B59DJmY1tcOwV7D8tMdtxas0EndXMCY&qid=1745002821&sr=8-1