Art has been described as poetry without words.

Lots of stuff can be expressed with words. Words are very useful, and put together well, words can be stunningly beautiful. But words can only go so far. Painting, drawing, and many other forms of art can express a thought or a feeling in a completely different way. I deeply love communicating with words and I deeply love communicating with images or in music. And in one way or another, I’ve been doing just that for as long as I’ve been on the earth.

My mom tells of my asking, at an early age, for a coloring book without the pictures. Apparently I hadn’t heard of a sketchbook yet! Nevertheless, I’ve been filling up these new fangled books for a few decades now with all sorts of images and words. Who knew it could be so much fun… Thanks mom!

I made my living as a watercolor artist, instructor and graphic designer for quite a few years, both in Oregon and Minnesota. And eventually it became a decent living as people graciously began to collect my paintings. Along the way I also constantly found myself engaged in helping to begin new churches. I had studied theology and pastoral ministry before heading off the the American Academy of Art to be immersed in watercolor, studying with Irving Shapiro. What do those things have in common, you may wonder. I know I wondered that for quite a few years. Well, that’s what this little blog is all about. Thanks for stopping by.

Today, along with a team of amazing people, I pastor a wonderful Vineyard church in Duluth, Minnesota with my wonderful wife, Brenda, and I still love to paint, play a little music, and even make things out of leather.

Peace!
Michael