In this episode of The Artistic Vision, poet and writer Paul Pastor joins us to talk about his new poetry collection, The Locust Years, which explores the beautiful irrationality of hope amid loss. Listen to the way he compares hope to a rat! Also, we discuss the meaning and value of “Christian art” and why artists of faith should boldly embrace their spiritual identity, engaging the world through joy, grace, love, and redemption. This inspiring conversation is perfect for Christian artists, poets, and writers seeking to create meaningful work that reflects faith, beauty, and the power of authentic hope.

Paul J. Pastor is a poet, writer, and editor from Oregon. His work uncovers the inner life of the world, as experienced in nature, literature, and the rich traditions of historic Christian spirituality.

Paul is the author of several books, including Bower Lodge: Poems, A Kids Book About God, The Listening Day series, and The Face of the Deep. His work has been widely published in many fine outlets, including Books & Culture, The Los Angeles Review of Books, The Windhover, Christianity Today, Fathom, Ekstasis, Solum Literary Press, and has been anthologized by The New York Quarterly Review.

Paul serves HarperCollins as Executive Editor for Nelson Books, where he publishes authors of significant creative and commercial potential who encourage grounded spiritual renewal for our time of pain and opportunity.

Paul has lived for years in Oregon’s Columbia River Gorge, where he wanders the woods with his wife Emily, a classically-trained fine artist, and their three children.

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https://wipfandstock.com/9781666760132/the-artistic-vision/
https://www.amazon.com/Artistic-Vision-Cultivating-Sacramental-Imagination/dp/1666760137/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=se&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.gTOsrim0XMSOuyLOeIeqJHvXQlDWGE8BqOmNzY_TR90uoCegHsEhJBG77UwllpmqLDWKth27lBsmET7L6zvc7ICCVdmkwI33_NEQ_nhHaDv93pdCdMGQIktvJfX8bLqO7YjU6aVmNrGphfVU5ueCV0eG_qJJa9dRQBoebI1YbmZHOhyO178tlKdGbg4x2bjfLI0onx9-uhqzoCsc3lK_qwFOZDjVQwfqxeG4uzRbEpQ.yXgwTDxpCvj4B59DJmY1tcOwV7D8tMdtxas0EndXMCY&qid=1745002821&sr=8-1

In this episode of The Artistic Vision, filmmaker Josh David Jordan shares powerful insights on storytelling and unique way that cinema includes the audience as participants in art. We explore how great films invite observers to believe in an imagined world—and how staying one step ahead keeps them captivated. Josh unpacks the mystery behind visual storytelling and the role of imagination in filmmaking. We also discuss his bold new film, El Tonto Pro Christo—a black-and-white, European-style movie about Orthodox monks. Perfect for creatives, filmmakers, and anyone seeking deeper meaning through faith, art, and cinematic storytelling.

www.joshdavidjordan.com
"Starting as an actor, I appeared in several feature films and the sitcom SCRUBS. I began to transition behind the lens slowly. I've worked on MTV featured music videos for The Polyphonic Spree, Rhett Miller of the Old 97's, Joshua Ray Walker, and many more.

After premiering my short, SAM AND GUS, and winning several film festival awards, along with audience awards, I decided to write and direct my first full-length feature film; THIS WORLD WON'T BREAK.

TWWB, "the little film that could," was self-funded for a whopping 36K, won worldwide awards, and can now be streamed on most platforms, including Amazon Prime.

I'm currently working on two new pictures, and I'd love for you to be a part of this process with me. "

Follow us on Instagram:
@theartisticvisionpodcast
@g_ball2
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Check out CREO Arts: https://www.creoarts.org
@creoarts.community

Buy the Artistic Vision book here!
https://wipfandstock.com/9781666760132/the-artistic-vision/
https://www.amazon.com/Artistic-Vision-Cultivating-Sacramental-Imagination/dp/1666760137/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=se&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.gTOsrim0XMSOuyLOeIeqJHvXQlDWGE8BqOmNzY_TR90uoCegHsEhJBG77UwllpmqLDWKth27lBsmET7L6zvc7ICCVdmkwI33_NEQ_nhHaDv93pdCdMGQIktvJfX8bLqO7YjU6aVmNrGphfVU5ueCV0eG_qJJa9dRQBoebI1YbmZHOhyO178tlKdGbg4x2bjfLI0onx9-uhqzoCsc3lK_qwFOZDjVQwfqxeG4uzRbEpQ.yXgwTDxpCvj4B59DJmY1tcOwV7D8tMdtxas0EndXMCY&qid=1745002821&sr=8-1

In this episode of The Artistic Vision, poet and director arts ministry Chelsea Fraser shares her journey of wrestling with her artistic calling, creativity, and faith. We dive into her new poetry collection, The Mother Tree, and explore how poetry can reveal truth rather than obscure it. Chelsea also gives a behind-the-scenes look at leading an arts ministry in a local church—curating gallery shows, hosting concerts, and nurturing artists in community. This conversation is a rich resource for poets, creatives, and church leaders seeking to integrate art, vocation, and spiritual life in meaningful and lasting ways.

Chelsea Fraser is a poet and the director of a Fine Arts program at First Presbyerian Church, in downtown in Greenville, SC

Buy Chelsea's Book Here!
https://www.amazon.com/Mother-Tree-Chelsea-Fraser/dp/B0F4T84MC2/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2DB3JAYWGX8KC&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.-Y5Evebr2XNpxiMdXe2-OhwHbYG-fi-DwFfQBc8GJm8.dXTbAgGv5RC1adX_VEr6ul3HEEsuuaAwnLun7Y1U_HE&dib_tag=se&keywords=the+mother+tree+chelsea+fraser&qid=1749499770&sprefix=the+mother+tree%2Caps%2C308&sr=8-1

Follow us on Instagram:
@theartisticvisionpodcast
@g_ball2
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Check out CREO Arts: https://www.creoarts.org
@creoarts.community

Buy the Artistic Vision book here!
https://wipfandstock.com/9781666760132/the-artistic-vision/
https://www.amazon.com/Artistic-Vision-Cultivating-Sacramental-Imagination/dp/1666760137/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=se&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.gTOsrim0XMSOuyLOeIeqJHvXQlDWGE8BqOmNzY_TR90uoCegHsEhJBG77UwllpmqLDWKth27lBsmET7L6zvc7ICCVdmkwI33_NEQ_nhHaDv93pdCdMGQIktvJfX8bLqO7YjU6aVmNrGphfVU5ueCV0eG_qJJa9dRQBoebI1YbmZHOhyO178tlKdGbg4x2bjfLI0onx9-uhqzoCsc3lK_qwFOZDjVQwfqxeG4uzRbEpQ.yXgwTDxpCvj4B59DJmY1tcOwV7D8tMdtxas0EndXMCY&qid=1745002821&sr=8-1