Refractions

A Journey of Faith, Art, and Culture

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$Refractions by Makoto Fujimura$

Explore how the arts and faith live together and how you can bring healing to a hurting world through your own creation.

Description: A collection of essays, thoughts, and prayers from award-winning artist Makoto Fujimura, Refractions brings people of all backgrounds together in conversation and meditation on culture, art, and humanity.

Inspirational, Refreshing

I cannot even begin to describe how refreshing this book has been to my soul.The author is an artist, husband and father, and devoted follower of Christ. This book is a series of essays, each one leaves you pondering life, beauty, creation, culture, and the God who is at work through it all. I have learned to appreciate some Scriptures from an artists point of view that did not quite make sense before--such as the description of pure translucent gold in Revelation 21:18. He emphasizes throughout the artists task of not merely self expression, but expressing truth and hope, and glorifying God (not self). This is one book that will don my shelf for years to come, being displayed on my coffee table from time to time. The essays are complimented by beautiful artwork, some of it original to Makoto Fujimura, and some of the pieces from artists he has known, studied under, or been influenced by. Artists and non artists alike will enjoy this book, and be challenged to let art once again speak into their worldview, something we humans should steward well. Fujimura writes from personal experience, with the perspective of one saturated with many cultures, living through 9/11 and painting before and after such a tragedy, and believing that God sanctifies our artistic efforts. He asks good questions, and will challenge the reader to rethink faith and culture, with hope in the God of reconciliation and redemption. _________________________________________________________________________________________ Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from NavPress Publishers as part of their Blogger Review Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commision's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."
Posted by Emily Darnell on 9/23/2010 7:00:19 AM

Wanted to be impressed

I wanted to like this book—I really did. The book’s subtitle indicates a promising combination of faith, art, and culture. Though this series of blog postings indeed focuses on the intersection of all three, it simply bored me. The writing exudes grace and the visual artwork intrigues, but felt largely bland. I was expecting the author to be sort of like Henri Nouwen (if he had been a Japanese-American visual artist), or this work to be a more contemporary version of Madeline L’Engle’s Walking on Water, and I suppose that is why I am disappointed. Peace-making and community-building are recurring themes in Fujimura’s writing, and I think they should be more emphasized in the subtitle so that someone interested in these subjects would be more likely to pick up this book. I do not consider myself a visual artist, and so perhaps I missed a lot of the richness of this text because of my ignorance. The book is beautifully presented, and I suspect there’s more substance than I was able to appreciate. Anyone who wants to join Fujimura in working as a quiet activist for peace, hope and beauty through the arts will likely be inspired by his writing. However, as an educated layperson inclined to be interested, I was unmoved.
Posted by Michelle Young on 6/14/2009 9:18:53 PM

Refracting hope

Refractions: A Journey of Faith, Art, and Culture collects essays written by Makoto Fujimura to artists from 2004 to 2006. Living in post-9/11 New York City, Fujimura challenges artists: How does your art recognize the brokenness around you? How does your art offer hope and redemption in the midst of it? I began this book months ago. The essays demand to be read contemplatively, even devotionally. I savored it morsel by morsel, letting each piece roll on my tongue, slide down my throat. As I digested it, it became part of me and part of my art. Makoto leads artists toward art that recovers dignity and beauty without becoming sentimental or ignoring the hurt and brokeness of the world. In fact, the path toward beauty moves through brokenness. He encourages artists to take the long view of their art in a time when fifteen minutes of fame, instant recognition, and "[peddling] our goods to find significance and survival" rule the art world. "Artists who labor to develop their craft, artists who are committed to a longer view of their art, suffer" (p. 142). But our art isn't for fame, recognition or even significance. It's to glorify God and offer a sacrament to this world. It is to bring God's power of resurrection to the dead. To do this, artists need the Church to invest in them spiritually and artistically. They need the Church to walk alongside them, to hold them up, even, to support them (emotionally, spiritually, and financially). Fujimura calls for an expanded role for the Church--not just appreciating the arts and using them in their worship (although these things are good), but to train artists and encourage them. Fujimura's writing awakens hope for the discouraged artist. And who among us is not or has not been discouraged? I read this at a time where I realized I had a choice: to take the easier (although not easy) and marketable road of art or to take the longer, sufferable road. I chose the longer road.
Posted by Heather A. Goodman on 6/3/2009 9:42:05 AM

Refractions, by Makoto Fujimura

This contemplative book is written from the introspective viewpoint of an artist, Makoto Fujimura, as a man who survived 911 and lives only a few blocks from Ground Zero in New York City. His heartfelt desire is to encourage artists to "wrestle with the deep questions of art, faith, and humanity in order to inspire the creative community to engage the culture that is and create the world that ought to be." Mr. Fujimura shows some of his accomplishments as an artist, using essay to demonstrate his skills and thinking in the creative process of developing artwork. In Refractions, Mr. Fujimura addresses such topics as: *911 *the National Council on the Arts *teens with regressive behaviors *tensions between the "old" and the "new" culture in China *the collision of art and democracy *sharing the true meaning of Christmas through art *dance - the gift of physical grace *the purpose of art *and more. While this book was more of an ethereal series of essays, thoughts, and prayers than I am used to reading, it made me think...a lot. I realize that my view of life is far different, maybe not theologically, but in my awareness of all that is around me. This was an interesting book that I prefered to read in bits and pieces, one chapter at a time. Whether you are an artist or not, I think you will enjoy this deeper philosophical book.
Posted by Julieanne on 5/16/2009 1:53:24 AM

Talk of art and more

Because I do crafts which involve creativity, I suspected that I could take away some helpful insight from Makoto Fujimura’s book since he is an artist and someone who understands the creative process. He certainly does know art, but he offers much more. I enjoy learning new information as well, so it was pleasing to come away with more knowledge than I had before. A good deal of wisdom about faith and art can be found among the collection of essays which make up this book. The author writes as beautifully as is his artwork, which makes it a bit intimidating for an average reader like me to dare comment about his writing! Take my word for it, readers will feel that they have become more cultured by exposing themselves to his thoughts presented in such an ethereal writing style. Mr. Fujimura lives with his family in the Ground Zero area of New York City and most of the essays shared were written between 2001 through 2006. As one can imagine, the events of September 11, 2001 had a life-changing impact on him and it is apparent that he has reflected on that day often. No doubt that there will be a few essays that readers will find especially moving to them, as I did. One note of advice I would like to give is that if a reader is unfamiliar with the definition of the word “refraction,” then look up its meaning. It is a word that the author uses about once per essay, so it bodes well to know what it means in order to understand its context as the book is read. See, even before readers open the book there is potential to learn something from the title alone!
Posted by Tracy on 5/14/2009 1:37:49 PM

Refractions

Mako, as Tim Keller lovingly refers to him, had been in and around my family of faith in NYC, yet I've never met him. Through this book, a series of essays, I feel as if we've now met. And I feel as if it's been long overdue. Though I am not an artist, my soul slowly dies without beauty of all sorts. And though I hate to admit this, paintings are one of the least refreshing to my soul, I think because I understand their messages the least. But through Fujimura's book, I now feel as if I have a much deeper understanding of artists and what their paintings are saying. Although Fujimura must have a different perspective than most artists due to his faith, it is a perspective I prefer. I was literally brought to tears reading some of his essays. I was reminded, and will continue to remember when I see his paintings, to look upward. I now clearly see how Fujimura's paintings are prayers to God--prayers of gratitude, grief, and hope. This book will be affirming to artists, challenging to those who think God is not glorified in the pursuit of the arts, and enlightening to those of us who connect to God through the arts.
Posted by Laura on 5/7/2009 8:54:53 PM

Lovely Book!

This book is amazing, i love it, and i’ll tell you why, ’cause that’s what reviews do. I love art, both visual and lyrical. I don’t pretend to be good at either, but i enjoy each immensely. Art is hard to describe in words but I think this author stated it best in the opening chapter. Art is beauty, justice and freedom. To borrow from the book (which quotes Tolstoy) Art “should cause violence to be set aside”(What is Art and Essays on Art By Leo Tolstoy) Everything about this book is absolutely beautiful! From the actual design of the book to the pictures of art inside. Makoto Fujimura is brilliant writer as well as an incredible artist. Each and every chapter is well written, and the message is meaningful to the reader. This book and Makoto Fujimura’s words will stick with me for a long time to come. He is definitely one talented guy! If you’re looking for a book to meditate on, learn from, and open your eyes to the beauty around you, this is it!
Posted by Sarah Katie on 4/26/2009 5:00:45 PM

unique...and valuable

Makoto Fujimura is a contemporary artist whose home and studio are near Ground Zero. Out of a response to the attacks on 9/11, he began to set aside time every Saturday to write. This was a time to process and reflect on the emotions and changes in his life and city. The result of these writings is this beautifully crafted book. In recent years, we have seen a renewed interest in the relationship between art and theology, and Fujimura offers a significant voice in that conversation. The book is a collection of essays loosely joined by the topics of faith, art, and culture, as the title suggests. While some books seem redundant after the first few chapters, the unique subject and fresh thoughts of each essay pulled me forward into every page turn. What I appreciate most is the awareness that Fujimura displays of his soul and surroundings. He describes this awareness in the book’s first essay: "The process of creating renews my spirit, and I find myself attuned to the details of life rather than being stressed by being overwhelmed. I find myself listening rather than shouting into the void. Creating art opens my heart to see and listen to the world around me, opening a new vista of experience. This is the gift of the ’second wind.’ Such a state taps into what I now call eternal timefullness." While I was able to engage and be shaped by his thoughts throughout, it was this awareness that challenged me the most. After finishing the final chapter yesterday, I closed the book and opened my journal. With infinite access to information and social connection, all of us would do well to be a little more connected to our own selves.
Posted by John Chandler on 4/16/2009 5:55:47 PM

unique...and important

Makoto Fujimura is a contemporary artist whose home and studio are near Ground Zero. Out of a response to the attacks on 9/11, he began to set aside time every Saturday to write. This was a time to process and reflect on the emotions and changes in his life and city. The result of these writings is this beautifully crafted book. In recent years, we have seen a renewed interest in the relationship between art and theology, and Fujimura offers a significant voice in that conversation. The book is a collection of essays loosely joined by the topics of faith, art, and culture, as the title suggests. While some books seem redundant after the first few chapters, the unique subject and fresh thoughts of each essay pulled me forward into every page turn. What I appreciate most is the awareness that Fujimura displays of his soul and surroundings. He describes this awareness in the book's first essay: "The process of creating renews my spirit, and I find myself attuned to the details of life rather than being stressed by being overwhelmed. I find myself listening rather than shouting into the void. Creating art opens my heart to see and listen to the world around me, opening a new vista of experience. This is the gift of the 'second wind.' Such a state taps into what I now call eternal timefullness." While I was able to engage and be shaped by his thoughts throughout, it was this awareness that challenged me the most. After finishing the final chapter yesterday, I closed the book and opened my journal. With infinite access to information and social connection, all of us would do well to be a little more connected to our own selves.
Posted by John Chandler on 4/15/2009 11:02:27 AM

A Book to Read and ReRead

There are few books by Christians that articulate the importance of the arts, especially for Christians. In Refractions, globally renowned artist Makoto Fujimura presents an articulate, compelling, and beautiful case for the arts in our world and in Christian communities. Some readers, especially non-artists, may balk at his grand philosophical visions for the arts, and his seeming overstatements about the actual process of painting (does he really think about everything he claims to think about when he picks up a brush or mixes his colors). However, these speed bumps for some give way to a rich series of stories and reflections that are not only profound and relevant, but worth pondering and rethinking. I suggest that this book, like good art, demands a slow, careful reading, rereading, and reevaluating. We may not be able to relate to Fujimura’s painting process on the first read, but as we enmesh ourselves in his ideas and vision for art, we begin to see the significance of every act for an artist, the power of creating, and the need for this kind of careful reflection and refraction in our everyday lives.
Posted by Ed Cyzewski on 4/4/2009 11:25:53 AM

A Book to Read and ReRead

There are few books by Christians that articulate the importance of the arts, especially for Christians. In Refractions, globally renowned artist Makoto Fujimura presents an articulate, compelling, and beautiful case for the arts in our world and in Christian communities. Some readers, especially non-artists, may balk at his grand philosophical visions for the arts, and his seeming overstatements about the actual process of painting (does he really think about everything he claims to think about when he picks up a brush or mixes his colors). However, these speed bumps for some give way to a rich series of stories and reflections that are not only profound and relevant, but worth pondering and rethinking. I suggest that this book, like good art, demands a slow, careful reading, rereading, and reevaluating. We may not be able to relate to Fujimura’s painting process on the first read, but as we enmesh ourselves in his ideas and vision for art, we begin to see the significance of every act for an artist, the power of creating, and the need for this kind of careful reflection and refraction in our everyday lives.
Posted by Ed Cyzewski on 4/4/2009 11:25:48 AM

Refractions

“The Creator God has given us creativity and the arts so that we may “name” experiences, just as God commissioned Adam to name the animals in the Garden” (page 39). How true is that statement? Art plays a very important role in our world whether we are the creator of art or the appreciator. I am not an artist, I’m not even very creative, however, I do have a strong appreciation for the arts. I have a very sensitive side, so I tend to have strong reactions to art, not just paintings, but also music, sculpture, and other mediums that artists use for their creative outlets. Much more than just an art book, this deeply personal memoir lets us see inside the author’s life and his faith. He tells of his influences, his creative process and inspirations. He was living just three blocks from Ground Zero on September 11, 2001. The events of that day had a profound impact on his faith and his art. The author states “Art offers the power to pause and the potential to find healing in the remembrance of things past”. He was able to find hope and healing after 9/11 through his art. It continues to be an integral part of his work and his inspiration. I highly recommend Mr. Fujimura’s book as a way to get in touch with your creativity and as a way to get in touch with the One who gave you that creativity.
Posted by Carly Kendall on 3/26/2009 12:57:28 PM

Powerful and Thought-provoking

Makoto Fujimura's Refractions: A Journey of Faith, Art, and Culture is a thoughtful and powerful collection of essays exploring the possibility of creating redemptive art in a conflicted and distracted culture. The well written essays challenge the reader to consider art's impact on society, a Christian's place in the art world, and a Christian response to good art. I was interested to read about Fujimura's creative process, and intrigued by his art and his reflections on its meaning and purpose. I was fascinated by the materials and methods Fujimura uses to explore ideas like the City of God, grace, and redemption, and appreciated how much his discussion added to my enjoyment of the art prints placed throughout the volume. Fujimura writes beautifully and expressively and his book was a joy to read. I highly recommend this book to anyone with even the slightest interest in art and culture.
Posted by Catherine Gillespie on 3/18/2009 6:20:12 PM

Makoto Fujimura's refractions Is A Beautiful Read

Makoto Fujimura was appointed by President Bush in 2003 to the National Council on The Arts. He is a visual artist who works with light, prism and minerals to create refractions of art. After reading refractions, I am fully convinced of Fujimura's ability as an artist and am certain of his dedication to art. This book was a remarkable look into a creative mind that longs to capture the attention of the world through art, and yet bring glory to God. Every chapter (or essay) reads like a devotion. I found myself repeatedly sharing pieces from each chapter with my husband because it was so rich and deep that I couldn't keep it to myself. refractions is an insightful and beautiful read. The writing is outstanding and the thoughts he shares are inspiring and intelligent. I loved reading this book. Usually when I read a book and see references to other writings or resources I just ignore them, but after reading Chapter 5, I was drawn to my computer to hear the music of William Basinski's Disintegration Loops. Wow! Again and again I was inspired to know more about the artists and ideas he conveyed. He gave insight and depth to art and faith that I would have naively passed over. I loved Chapter Three about Bert's Disappearing Weather Maps. I laughed and learned simultaneously. On page 96 he writes " The Greek word in the New Testament for "believe" is pisteuo, which suggests belief not as a sheer intellectual exercise of having "blind faith" or to imagine and will us into irrational faith but belief as a relational axis of trust. Good acting and good art moves one to a place of trust. What inspires us, after all is not being force-fed to believe in belief itself but to be moved to desire belief and expose our deep need for trust in each other." Fujimura is a powerful writer who eloquently conveys how to have an eternal impact on our world through faith displayed in art. He is gentle with his Christian beliefs and doors are opened up to him because of it. I pray that many artists would read this book and capture a vision for the potential they could have to truly impact our world for Christ in the subtle, but heartfelt actions of creativity. I am thankful for the opportunity to read and learn from his beautiful example of faith and art in action. I highly recommend this book.
Posted by Heather Randall on 3/3/2009 6:46:55 PM

refractions

Often the internal life of an artist is not easily accessible and yet Makoto Fujimura in Refractions allows us to meet him in a very intimate way. I have followed his blog for a while and this book is a gem. He is an artist working in the space between the East and the West and working with mineral pigments, which catch the light and bend it in many ways, just like the essays in this book. Makoto Fujimura is one of those one in a million people. As a visual artist, as Japanese American, as someone living in the shadow of Ground Zero, as man of faith and committed to community and culture, it is possible find at last someone, something authentic. One small flash of that authenticity is “Art cannot be divorced from faith, for to do so is to literally close our eyes to that beauty of the dying sun setting all around us”. Refractions is not something you read through and feel you’ve done the book. It is not a work of fiction nor is it a textbook about faith, religion or art. It is about the internal spiritual journey, seeing, thinking, reflecting and refracting.
Posted by Tony Lai on 2/25/2009 10:51:19 AM

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Inspirational, Refreshing

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Refractions, by Makoto Fujimura

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A Book to Read and ReRead

Refractions

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