Awhile back I mentioned starting a Christian Art Carnival, to be posted December 28th. I suppose if I got out of my theological ghetto more often, I'd have known that there are Christian art contests already. Thanks to the kind people who pointed me the right direction. Along the way I made some good discoveries -- not the least of which is that artists are more likely to insist on being paid than bloggers -- but the better finds were in the artwork.
Christian Art Contest
Artists for God already has an art competition which would make a mere carnival superfluous. Some of my personal favorites are 0 A.D. by Isaac Waupio and The Invisible Kingdom by Jason Roberts. You have to click the "Close up" button above the pictures to get a decent view. And IMHO they missed the best pick for winner in Camille Barnes' entry.
But there was more good stuff than just the art competition. I've divided up my finds into popular iconography, noteworthy amateurs, professionals, and miscellany.
Popular Iconography
Besides my own roundup, Matt Stone has been doing a roundup for awhile. He has collections of African icons, Asian icons, Native American icons and a few other categories if you have the time. My favorite of them all was a Madonna and Child by Gary Chu in Hong Kong. This Asian resurrection icon by He Qi is a close second.
I should note that, if you really want African Christian art, nobody beats Vie de Jesus Mafa. The cover page is an African rendition of the Lord's Supper. In honor of Christmas, I'd like to highlight one of the Nativity pictures. Their whole collection is well worth the time.
Noteworthy Amateurs
The blogger Alexandra at All Things Beautiful has a gorgeous original graphic to head her open-thread conversation on the Trinity. It makes my little candle look like my children's fridge art.
Poyema has a modernist / symbolic style.
Those into synergism and symbolism will enjoy Messiah Song over at BAMGallery.
Yvonne Bell also does a fresh take on icons, of which my favorite is "He Took the Cup". She might possibly belong in the professionals category ...
Professionals
Eldona Hamel does some very impressive bronze sculptures.
David Hetland has a beautiful collection of murals with a liturgical emphasis.
John August Swanson's style is more of a nouveau icon approach.
Miscellany
For those who want to bring the art home, Domestic Church has a do-it-yourself Christmas triptych for crayons, children, and the art's ultimate home on your refrigerator. (You have to click on page 1, page 2, and page 3 separately to get the full picture of the triptych.)
For other modern uses of art, there are clipart galleries such as Watton on the Web.
And that's it
If you know of other good sites and artists, please drop me a note.
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