In this episode of The Artistic Vision, author Mitali Perkins shares her remarkable journey from her Bengali roots to becoming a beloved Christian author of children’s and young adult books.

Mitali opens up about her creative struggles—battling self-doubt, confronting the inner critic that whispers, “I suck, my work sucks,”—and learning to listen for God’s encouragement to “Keep going.”

We discuss the spiritual adventure of art-making, the myth that art can exist without message, and how artists can balance truth-telling with leaving room for mystery and meaning in their work.

Whether you’re a Christian artist, writer, or creative thinker, Mitali’s wisdom will inspire you to keep creating with courage, humility, and faith.

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https://www.mitaliperkins.com

https://www.instagram.com/mitaliperkins/

https://x.com/MitaliPerkins

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https://www.amazon.com/Artistic-Vision-Cultivating-Sacramental-Imagination/dp/1666760137/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=se&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.gTOsrim0XMSOuyLOeIeqJHvXQlDWGE8BqOmNzY_TR90uoCegHsEhJBG77UwllpmqLDWKth27lBsmET7L6zvc7ICCVdmkwI33_NEQ_nhHaDv93pdCdMGQIktvJfX8bLqO7YjU6aVmNrGphfVU5ueCV0eG_qJJa9dRQBoebI1YbmZHOhyO178tlKdGbg4x2bjfLI0onx9-uhqzoCsc3lK_qwFOZDjVQwfqxeG4uzRbEpQ.yXgwTDxpCvj4B59DJmY1tcOwV7D8tMdtxas0EndXMCY&qid=1745002821&sr=8-1

In this episode of The Artistic Vision, we welcome artist and professor Duncan Simcoe, who offers a rich framework for understanding Christian art through the categories of prophetic and devotional expression. Simcoe reflects on whether art can truly be taught and explores the artist’s journey from imitation to originality. He shares the story behind his compelling series Black Drawings—a body of work that began, as he puts it, by “making the right mistake.” Using humble materials like tar paper, Simcoe demonstrates how ordinary things can become vessels of transcendence, revealing deep spiritual truths through the material world. This conversation invites artists and viewers alike to see how creativity participates in divine revelation and how faithful art can both speak truth and offer devotion. Tune in for an inspiring exploration of the sacred dimensions of artistic practice.

https://www.duncansimcoeart.com/

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Buy the Artistic Vision book here!
https://wipfandstock.com/9781666760132/the-artistic-vision/
https://www.amazon.com/Artistic-Vision-Cultivating-Sacramental-Imagination/dp/1666760137/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=se&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.gTOsrim0XMSOuyLOeIeqJHvXQlDWGE8BqOmNzY_TR90uoCegHsEhJBG77UwllpmqLDWKth27lBsmET7L6zvc7ICCVdmkwI33_NEQ_nhHaDv93pdCdMGQIktvJfX8bLqO7YjU6aVmNrGphfVU5ueCV0eG_qJJa9dRQBoebI1YbmZHOhyO178tlKdGbg4x2bjfLI0onx9-uhqzoCsc3lK_qwFOZDjVQwfqxeG4uzRbEpQ.yXgwTDxpCvj4B59DJmY1tcOwV7D8tMdtxas0EndXMCY&qid=1745002821&sr=8-1

In this episode of The Artistic Vision, Lanta Davis joins us to answer the question: can images shape belief? We dive into the role of the imagination in transforming our spiritual lives. Lanta discusses practical ways we exercise our imagination and expand our vision. Discover how images and stories help us see God’s beauty, awaken creativity, and renew our sense of wonder in the world.

If you’re a Christian artist, creative, or storyteller, this conversation will inspire you to see your imagination as a sacred gift — one that can deepen your faith and sense of purpose. Join us as we explore the spiritual power of creativity and learn how to live with a richer, more intentional vision of life.

Lanta Davis teaches Rhetoric and the Sacramental Imagination, What Is Beauty?, and Great Texts for the JWHC. She believes education is learning—over and over—the gift of wonder. Both outside and inside the classroom, she aims to help others see the world for the wild, wonderful, strange thing that it is.

Her book, Becoming by Beholding, considers the role of the imagination in spiritual and character formation. How do we become the person we are called to become? How do we align our emotions with our beliefs? How might beauty help persuade the heart to do what we ought to do?

She has written for publications such as Christianity Today, Smithsonian Magazine, National Geographic, Plough, Parabola, Christian Century, Christ and Pop Culture, Christian Scholar’s Review, International Journal for Christianity and Education, Religions, and Renascence.

Official website: lantadavis.com
Buy Becoming By Beholding HERE

Follow us on Instagram:
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Buy the Artistic Vision book here!
https://wipfandstock.com/9781666760132/the-artistic-vision/
https://www.amazon.com/Artistic-Vision-Cultivating-Sacramental-Imagination/dp/1666760137/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=se&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.gTOsrim0XMSOuyLOeIeqJHvXQlDWGE8BqOmNzY_TR90uoCegHsEhJBG77UwllpmqLDWKth27lBsmET7L6zvc7ICCVdmkwI33_NEQ_nhHaDv93pdCdMGQIktvJfX8bLqO7YjU6aVmNrGphfVU5ueCV0eG_qJJa9dRQBoebI1YbmZHOhyO178tlKdGbg4x2bjfLI0onx9-uhqzoCsc3lK_qwFOZDjVQwfqxeG4uzRbEpQ.yXgwTDxpCvj4B59DJmY1tcOwV7D8tMdtxas0EndXMCY&qid=1745002821&sr=8-1