Courage to Create

Book excerpt: You know God is urging you to use your creative gifts for his kingdom. But in a world that quantifies “success” by the fame and fortune that few artists achieve, how do you own your identity as an artist for Christ? In Courage to Create, host of Catholic TV’s “The Renaissance Room” Clare McCallan and her artist friends share their wisdom for overcoming common obstacles in the creative life to help you fulfill your artistic calling and truly serve the Lord. Poet and performing artist Clare McCallan arrived in New York City determined to be one of the artists who “makes it.” She soon discovered, however, that there were hundreds of others just like her: eager, gifted, and broke. As she continued to ask God to help her become the writer she knew she could be, she noticed that her prayers were answered by other artists who started showing up in her life. Together, they created a supportive community for each other’s artistic vocations by transforming a dilapidated convent into the St. Joseph Home for Artisans. Through this experience, McCallan realized that what the world calls an artist and what God calls an artist are two different things. In Courage to Create, McCallan and other Catholic artists highlight the crucial lessons they learned to help other aspiring Catholic creatives step into their birthright as artists made in the image of the Creator. McCallan weaves personal experiences and interviews to identify important principles that will help you create a satisfying life of creativity, community, and joy while bringing goodness, truth, and beauty into the world. Each chapter introduces you to a member of her creative community with diverse artistic talents and backgrounds. Their stories serve as a source of hard-earned wisdom from people who have been where you are now, including Connecticut House Representative and actress Treneé McGee, who discusses bringing the gift of truth to build bridges within your community Tanzanian journalist, producer, and TED Talk personality Queen Carberry Banda, who encourages you to unleash your inner child's freedom to move and play Oil painter and muralist Adam Moniz, who highlights the empowering effect of physical space in an artist's life Writer, abuse survivor, and Spirit Fire advocate Teresa Pitt Green, who explores the connection between art and restorative justice Designer and songwriter Molly Broekman, who shares the benefits of collaboration and mentorship Throughout these chapters, you’ll also find “Artist Moments,” which offer space for personal reflection on your own creative journey. By connecting your story with those who have walked before you, Courage to Create helps you to take courage and find solidarity in the growing movement of young people betting it all on their faith, gifts, and vocation.