Book: Passing the Colors: Engaging Visual Culture in the 21st Century

Chris Stoffel Overvoorde. Grand Rapids, Mich.: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 2002. 800-253-7521. 210 pp. ISBN 0-8028-3953-3. $20.00.

In this book, Chris Stoffel Overvoorde traces his spiritual journey as an artist and suggests avenues for other Christian artists to follow. Overvoorde, professor of art emeritus at Calvin College, addresses challenges faced by artists who long to remain in the church. However, he does not allow disenchantment to become an excuse. On the contrary, Overvoorde calls artists to greater responsibility, reminding them of their obligation to serve God and their neighbor. Whether through liturgical art, fine art, or visual design, Overvoorde shows how images can foster greater devotion and build closer communities. Although directed primarily toward artists, Passing the Colors may also prove to be a valuable text for church leaders and other viewers. All of us are affected by what we see, and Overvoorde's book can guide us to discover ways of seeing and making art. In addition, the book includes many fine photographs of his art, both black/white and color.

Emily R. Brink was a Senior Research Fellow for the Calvin Institute of Christian Worship and former editor of Reformed Worship.

 

Reformed Worship 67 © March 2003, Calvin Institute of Christian Worship. Used by permission.