Thomas Kinkade goes to the movies

Yes, he’s the “Painter of Light™”, but did you also know he has created a film based on his artwork? Vanity Fair gives it a thorough drubbing, not just for the topic (a heart-warming semi-autobiographical family film) or for casting “Dean” from the Gilmore Girls* as (presumably) someone named “Dean**”, but for the 16 Guidelines Kinkade put together for the crew. How else can they be expected to meet Kinkade’s rigorous creative standards? Among them: 15) Nostalgia, 8) Atmospheric effects, 16) Love (Note: this is also the 5th Element).

Meanwhile Kinkade’s merits as an artist are called into question, the “E” word is thrown around, and we learn his empire has made over $4 billion “pandering”. That’s billion, with a “b”. Kinkade has often been vilified as the poster child for all that is wrong with “christian” art and christian contributions to popular culture in general. I think that’s fair. However, art is self-expression so it’s beyond the types of quality judgments we make about things like fresh fruit or drywall seams, isn’t it? Does he have a gift from God to paint, as he has so often said? And should christians even be involved in the sort of consumerist art markets that Kinkade has built to generate his billions? So many questions.

*Note he also starred as Clay MacGyver in the pilot for “Young MacGyver”

**Note his name is “Thomas” as in “Young Thomas Kinkade”

Eating Local for the Holidays

The Shepherd Express gives a short list of local food stuffs for the Xmas season. Beyond buying your food locally, some of this stuff could be good to give as gifts to your out-of-state friends and family who are longing for some sweet Wisconsin cheese.

Buy Handmade this Xmas

As always we’re trying to figure out how much to buy this year during the holidays – not for economic reasons, but for ethical reasons. At buyhandmade.org they’re urging everyone to only buy handmade stuff. Handmade stuff can be more expensive certainly, but it is also a lot more interesting. If you’re looking for a place to get started, I can’t do much better than pointing you to etsy. (These crazy string dolls from Thailand are also fun.) Just make sure wherever you buy from (internationally) that it’s Fair Trade.

If money is an issue, try making things for people. Buying nothing is even better than buying handmade. Add your own favorite Handmade or Homemade links below.

Handmade:

• The Hunger Site Artisan Village
• WorldStock
• Elsewares

Homemade (DIY):

• Instructables

Giving Circles

Rather than sending a check off to a deserving organization, Giving Circles give out micro-grants to local recipients. Generally the idea is to pool your money through an annual “membership” fee with friends and family, then collectively decide where the money will go in their community. The goal is to help fund small, local efforts that may not otherwise receive much funding or attention.

• The Giving Forum sets up 10 steps to starting your own Giving Circle
• The Giving Circles Network has some great tips on wise giving
• The Cleveland Colectivo has an amazing list of grantees they have helped over the last three year. Their mission statement reads: Strengthening our community through collective investments in innovative projects

Seems like an interesting way to give money to your neighborhood. As the holidays approach let’s think creatively about how we can share our wealth with others.

The Culture Wars Are Over?

The wags over at Catalyst are proclaiming it: The culture wars are over; christians lost. But with all the losing going on, can something positive come from it? Jud Wilhite argues the American evangelical church can finally give up its aggressive posturing and live in grace, truth and love. And he’s got some powerful anecdotes to back it up. Meanwhile someone please call Worldview Weekend and let them know. Post-post-script: the mainstream media (ie. Big Media) disagrees.