The Theology of Making with Makoto Fujimura

Makoto Fujimura meditates on the psalms and the sacredness of materiality as part of the Brehm|Fujimura Studio at Fuller Seminary in 2019.

In the video, Makoto Fujimura talks about how creating art can be a way to connect with God and the world around us. He describes the process of making art with pigments and oyster shells, meditating on the Psalms while she works. He also says that the Psalms help us to enter into the unknown and the mystery of God, and that creating art is a way to engage with the world somatically, rather than just intellectually.

Fujimura also talks about how creating art is a way to learn about the materials we work with. We can learn about the materials by making things with them, and this is different from learning about them in a classroom setting. He says that his hands tell him things about the materials that he could not learn any other way.

Finally, the Fujimura says that God wants us to create art and tell our stories. This is a way to co-create the future and to heal from the traumas of our past.

I found this video to be very inspiring. It is a reminder that art can be a powerful tool for spiritual growth and self-expression. I also found it interesting to learn about the Fujimura’s process of creating art. He uses a variety of materials and techniques, and he is clearly very passionate about his work.

In addition to the above, I would also like to add the following:

  • Fujimura mentions that he is inspired by the work of the artist Richard Serra. Serra's work is often large and abstract, and it is often made from industrial materials. He says that Serra's work is a reminder that art can be a powerful tool for social and political change.

  • Fujimura also mentions that he is inspired by the natural world. He says that nature is a source of inspiration for his art, and that it is a reminder of the beauty and complexity of the universe.

  • Fujimura’s work is often about themes of identity, spirituality, and social justice. He is particularly interested in the experiences of women and marginalized communities.

  • Fujimura’s work also has been exhibited in galleries and museums around the world. He has also received numerous awards for his art.

You can watch the full video below made by Fuller Studio with Makoto Fujimura. Is your creative discipline a reflection about how you think about God and your faith?

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