LET THERE BE LIGHT (STORIES, THAT IS [LOL])

Doesn't a Mormon artist have the same challenges and opportunities as others? Yeah, it is easier to produce films, articles, paintings, etc. for the Church when you are a member of said church. And it makes a lot more sense for someone who has had the unique experience of growing up in a family of the LDS faith, or being converted to Mormonism. Those are unique experiences that could be seen as advantages from an artistic vantage point. But that's true for plenty of folks, right? The circumstances in which you are raised, especially your religion, make you well-equipped to tell stories that others simply can't. Or don't want to. Don't forget that option. Maybe the stories that require yr personal history are sucky. I am just joshing you, reader. U R GR8.

What I am laying down here is that as Mormon artists, we can create art steeped in LDS culture, or can incorporate our faith and spiritual perspective into our work. But guess what? That is not the only thing we have to make. We have been given the tools to do so through life experience, but that doesn't mean it is mandatory to make all that you have reek (blasphemous verb? you decide) of Mormonism. Spiritual, stirring work doesn't require theological specificity. You can paint deeply religious ideas in broad strokes, or at least with a brush that wasn't purchased from Deseret Book. There are opportunities that come from being Mormon, but they don't have to lead to work that is by-the-saints, for-the-saints/for-folks-we-can-convert-to-be-saints.

The challenges a Mormon artist are the same as every artist. "OH NOOOO HOW CAN I BE IN THE MOOOOOVIES IF I DON'T WANT TO DRIIIIIIINK?!?!?!" People of all sorts of religions have made all sorts of art. And guess what? All of them have principles as well, sweetheart. Maybe not ones as tangible as "I am not going to partake in the marijuana cigarettes", but everyone has ideals and ideologies that they intend to stand by. And guess what else? Sometimes they don't! Sometimes Mormon kids break the Word of Wisdom; sometimes individuals raised in a household of integrity auction away their self-worth; sometimes people dip beneath their standards so they can have work and feed themselves and others. People don't act the way they believe is right. People often make mistakes. The challenges that it seems like a lot of people think are "Mormon-specific" apply to a lot of people. They are the trials that come with being a human being. Surprise! The only thing that changes is the minutia of your life and the things you hold to be true. Whether or not you will stand firm is entirely up to you, but that doesn't make you a victim. You are just a person.

I think stories of light are any that teach you lessons that can make you a better version of yourself. Maybe not directly, and not always in a didactic, moral-focused manner. This means that stories of light can be dark (duh-huh-huh) or foreboding or angry or so on. The important distinction we need to make as an audience is why the artist is showing us things that may be unsavory in nature. If the intent is to instruct, to warn, or to bring us to a greater understanding, we seek these things! If they are rubbing our faces in the mud, or showing us with disdain how they feel about people, it might be better to avoid it. As consenting adults, it is essential that we learn the difference between these two methods of operation. Stories of light! Yeah!