FI MessiahLifeways UnscriptedMagazine Fall2024 - Flipbook - Page 39
FINDING GOD &
BEAUTY IN THE MESSY
“
O
ur human nature can lead us to be quick
“She would ask me, ‘How would you like to talk to
to forget God’s goodness—forget God's
God today?’” Aletheia remembers. “And then as we’d
faithfulness in our lives—but the practice of art making
answered that question, we’d paint—but also dip it
has helped me reconnect with God and see him in
in water, tear it to pieces, share the pieces with a
new ways,” said Aletheia Mellott, an avid creator and
friend, blow dry it, and do all sorts of out-of-the-box
Christian-based Creative Arts Clinician, who teaches
things. What we were left with was something entirely
a workshop for Pathways Institute for Lifelong
different than what we started with, and that lack of
Learning titled Beautiful Mess.
control was refreshing.”
Aletheia actually used to avoid art, as she grew up
Through this evocative process, art evolved to be
surrounded by highly creative people, and—due to
about exploration for Aletheia, not perfection.
the thief of comparison—didn’t see herself as talented
enough to create. However, her perspective shifted
after taking an art therapy class several years ago
with a passionate professor.
In her "Beautiful Mess" workshop, she often asks
participants that same God-centered question—
letting them artistically meander with their answers.
How would you like to talk to God today?
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