Challenges and opportunities that confront Mormon artist are often just the same as those that non-members encounter; both believers and non-believers have to struggle to portray truth (as they see it), to portray their emotions, and connect with audiences. That being said, Mormon artists face certain challenges and have opportunities that non-Mormons do not. I think one of those challenges is an inherent responsibility to stand up for the Gospel and its related standards, especially against those who would otherwise tear them down. Having a religious belief set that is so fundamental to every aspect of our lives, we as Mormons—if we truly believe the things we’re taught—have a duty to pass on the Gospel message to everyone.
This does not mean that every Mormon artist has to paint scenes from the life of the Savior or make movies about His ministry, but Mormon artists should be able to convey truth in whatever medium they use; they should also always seek to communicate through the Spirit, no matter the subject they are portraying. If a piece of art does not allow the audience to feel the Spirit, I think the artist has failed to be true to a fundamental aspect of his or her identity. If we as members of the Church should avoid anything that drives away the Spirit, then creating art that is not conducive to the Spirit is in opposition to our purpose as Mormon artists.
Again, this isn’t to say that as filmmakers we ought never to explore serious, complex issues—on the contrary, the Spirit can help untangle many of these issues. But if we have testimonies of the restored Gospel of Jesus Christ, and we reject aspects of that Gospel while creating our art, or in the subject matter we portray, or in our manner or tone, then I think we cast aside the opportunity we have to make a serious difference in the world.
I think compelling stories of light are all around us; the day-to-day struggles that we face as members of the Church, as we try to live the Gospel, are stories of light, and many of them are compelling—and unexplored. The struggles of good people everywhere, in and out of the Church, are worthwhile stories of light. Weakness and error do not make people evil, and stories about humanity and persevering against tribulation are stories of light. Such narratives can be found in every part of the world. The scriptures are full of interesting stories (the Book of Judges, anyone?), but are sometimes difficult to relate to. Plenty of noble, upstanding stories unrelated to Mormonism portray important truths and espouse goodness and compassion. Having the Spirit with us can help us see these truths and learn from worthwhile art, no matter its origin.
I really like this post. I agree with you Sterling, I don't think that a Mormon artist needs to clearly show the Savior in order for the audience to feel the spirit.
ReplyDeleteI loved it how you explained not so much the difference between those of our faith and those who are not, but the similarities. We all as artist face challenges that will help us grow. However, with those challenges we should embrace them and see how we can portray our art in a way that can help others who have faced similar tribulation.
I think its interesting how much people who are members of the church try and segregate themselves from those not of our faith in terms of art portrayal. They think that just because a fellow artist does not share the same standards they will portray their art in a way that is maybe immoral, because that is what the world wants to see. However I believe that we as Mormon artist can learn a lot from those not of our faith. There are hundreds of inspiring films out there that have helped me feel the spirit which were made by non Mormons. They too have some interesting ideas that we can use and combine to form a work of art that can inspire, motivate and not limit the audience to those of the Mormon faith. And we can do it without say losing our soul
However, with those challenges we should embrace them and see how we can portray our art in a way that can help others who have faced similar tribulation.