Calling All Artists! A Podcast with Joel Clarkson...

“Beauty is the battlefield where God and Satan contend with each other for the hearts of men.”

— Fyodor Dostoyevski, The Brothers Karamazov









































































In a world where only the things that can be counted, quantified, and commodified are valued, it is hard to be an artist.

As a society, we’ve given ourselves over to a utilitarian mindset. We may enjoy a beautiful painting when we see it, or feel heartened by a piece of music, but we prefer to place our value in productivity, efficiency, and financial stability. When we meet someone who claims to be an artist, some will wonder alloud why they didn’t choose to do something that is actually important. Most artists won’t “make it” anyway. What’s the point?

But all this is nonsense.

The world needs artists, craftsmen and women, workers of wonder and beauty.

So, today I talked with my brother Joel, a composer, author, and audiobook reader about the calling of the artist in the modern world. We talked about

why the world needs artists

how we should redefine what it means to be a “successful” artist

practical tips for cultivating your soul in seasons where your creativity is dry

how to create art that will enrich your community

This podcast is full of practical wisdom and heartfelt encouragement for anyone who feels called to be an artist. I hope you love it.

Hiking Arthur’s seat. Love this fella!

Joel Clarkson….

Is a composer, author, and all-around artistic handyman. Joel has provided original award-winning music for numerous feature and short films, and has also received high praise as a concert composer and orchestrator. His love for creative writing led him into Christian publishing, where he has co-authored two books, The Lifegiving Home Experience, and A Different Kind of Hero (both with Tyndale Momentum), and has a third in the works with NavPress, on encountering Jesus through the world of our five senses, scheduled for 2021. He has also delved into audiobook narration, where his work on the beloved children’s fantasy The Green Ember was nominated in Audible’s ‘Best of 2015.’ He is pursuing a doctorate in theology at University of St Andrews in Scotland, where he researches the interplay between sacred music and sacramental spirituality. 

Find out more about Joel here!
Fun Fact: I often listen to Joel’s music while I study or write…














Music for the Lifegiving Home

Joel Clarkson

Joel is literally the best read-aloud-er. And Audible actually agrees.

The Green Ember

By S. D. Smith

When I asked Joel to send me pictures of the two of us, he also included this picture of our dog Darcy, just for giggles and grins. I though you all might like to see her too. She is such a Good Girl.

See you all next week!

p.s. you can listen to all of my talks from the Girls’ Club Getaways on my patreon over the next month!

I’ve already uploaded two of the talks and will upload more soon. The first one is the pre-conference round table chat with me, my mom, and my sister about why we wrote the book and our hopes and dreams for the conference.  The second is my talk titled "You Can Go a Little Further" about how the women in my life have called out strength in me that I didn't know I possessed.

In case you don’t know what it is… Patreon is where you can support me through my Phd ($2 or $10 a month), and, as a thank you, get access to extra content. I love doing it, and I’m so thankful for so many people’s support.

Find out more about Patreon here!