Shows
The Thriving Christian ArtistHow Nature, Faith & Art Bring Healing and Hope - An Interview with Nancy ThygesenSend a textIn this episode, I sit down with Nancy Thygesen, a cold wax and oil painter whose atmospheric landscapes and new ventures into equine art reflect a deep connection with God’s creation. From the rugged beauty of British Columbia to her experiences as an art therapist, Nancy shares how her creative journey has been intertwined with personal healing, spiritual growth, and a desire to reveal God’s presence through her work.We talk about the courage it takes to evolve artistically, the balance between sharing your faith and letti...
2025-11-2134 minThe Thriving Christian ArtistTextile Artist Creates Works that Inspire Connection: An Interview with Pamela LoewenSend a textIn this episode, I talk with Pamela Loewen, a gifted textile artist and gallery owner whose work blends modern design with timeless craftsmanship. From contemporary art quilting that breaks free from “grandma’s quilt” stereotypes to running a vibrant gallery space, Pamela has embraced creativity as both a personal calling and a ministry.Her journey weaves together deep faith, innovative artistry, and a commitment to fostering beauty in her community. We explore how she discovered her unique creative voice, the courage it takes to step beyond tradition, and the inc...
2025-11-1430 minThe Thriving Christian ArtistUnlock the Secrets of Your Right Brain: An Interview with Karen DeLoachSend a textIn this inspiring conversation, I sit down with my longtime friend Karen DeLoach—a multi-disciplinary artist, teacher, filmmaker, and creativity specialist who has spent decades championing the role of the arts in culture and the Kingdom. From her early days in sculpture and ceramics to her passion for painting and equipping others to express Holy Spirit inspiration, Karen’s story is a rich tapestry of creative calling and resilience.We explore the importance of engaging the right brain in our creative and spiritual lives, the challenges artists face in a...
2025-11-0730 minThe Thriving Christian ArtistWestern Landscape Artist Paints God's Glory in the Sky: An Interview with Phil Bob BormanSend a textIn this inspiring episode of The Thriving Christian Artist Podcast, I sit down with my friend Phil Bob Borman—a premier Western artist celebrated for his breathtaking skyscapes and deep love for both art and the Lord. From his early days as a sculptor and cowboy to becoming one of the country’s most recognized Western painters, Phil Bob’s story is one of following God’s leading through unexpected transitions.We talk about the unique aesthetic of Western art, the discipline required to master large-scale skyscapes, and how Phil Bob has...
2025-10-3138 minThe Thriving Christian ArtistWhat Feels Like Delay May Be Divine DirectionSend a textWhat if you’re not behind at all—but right on time for what you were made to carry? We take a hard look at slow seasons and flip the script: delay isn’t punishment, it’s purposeful formation. Through real stories, scripture, and practical reflection, we explore four hidden purposes behind God’s timing that build resilient, joy-filled creative lives.First, we talk about capacity. Strength comes before spotlight, and endurance widens the heart to hold influence, relationships, and resources without cracking under pressure. James 1 becomes a lens for growth that happens on...
2025-10-2821 minThe Thriving Christian ArtistFrom Pain to Purpose through Creative Healing: An Interview with Karen BulbukSend a textIn this heartfelt episode of The Thriving Christian Artist Podcast, I talk with multi-talented creative Karen Bulbuk, whose artistic journey has spanned fine art, graphic design, music, photography, and more. From her small-town Massachusetts roots to her current home in Michigan, Karen shares how her creativity has been a constant companion—even during seasons of caregiving, transition, and uncertainty.We discuss the unique challenges of pursuing art alongside other life responsibilities, the powerful ways God has spoken to her about the purpose of her art, and how she’s lea...
2025-10-2436 minThe Thriving Christian ArtistArtist Reveals Secrets to Creating with Purpose in Multiple Genres: An Interview with Rob DinwoodieSend a textIn this engaging episode of The Thriving Christian Artist Podcast, I talk with multi-talented Canadian creative Rob Dinwoodie—a visual artist, musician, and entrepreneur whose life blends artistry, faith, and purpose. From his roots in British Columbia to his work as a performer and creator, Rob shares how he’s embraced creativity as a lifelong pursuit without letting the pressure of monetization steal the joy.We discuss the value of formative years spent honing your craft, the freedom that comes from knowing your identity in Christ, and the impor...
2025-10-1733 minThe Thriving Christian ArtistOvercoming Self-Doubt & Finding Confidence in God: An Interview with Denise Clark WestonSend a textIn this joyful and inspiring episode of The Thriving Christian Artist Podcast, I talk with long-time friend and mentoring program member Denise Clark Weston. A multi-talented creative with deep family roots in the arts, Denise shares her story of growing up surrounded by creativity, navigating seasons of self-doubt, and discovering her confidence and artistic voice through persistence and faith.From her Pacific Northwest studio, Denise paints stunning oil landscapes that reflect both the beauty of nature and the resilience of a heart rooted in God’s goodness. In our conversation, sh...
2025-10-1034 minThe Thriving Christian ArtistDiscover How Passion & Patience Help You Create Art that Connects: An Interview with Denis Mayer Jr.Send a textIn this captivating episode of The Thriving Christian Artist Podcast, I sit down with internationally recognized wildlife artist Denis Mayer Jr. to hear the story behind his incredible mastery of realism and the journey that led him from a teenage sign painter in Montreal to one of Canada’s most respected fine artists.Denis shares how early influences from his father, architectural rendering skills, and years in commercial art all shaped his signature style. We talk about the discipline required to reach mastery, how to adapt when the industry changes, an...
2025-09-2637 minThe Thriving Christian ArtistDiscovering Your Artistic SuperpowerSend a textRomans 12:6 (NLT) says, “In His grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well.” As artists, those gifts show up in our creativity, imagination, and the unique ways God has wired us to bring beauty into the world.In this episode of the Thriving Christian Artist Podcast, Matt Tommey unpacks how to:✅ Recognize the whisper of your creative soul✅ Decode your unique artistic DNA✅ Cultivate your God-given gifts over time✅ Share your art to create a ripple effect of impactWhether you’re just starti...
2025-09-2337 minThe Thriving Christian ArtistCreative Couple Uses Art to Equip, Heal & Inspire: An Interview with Stephen & Tricia PrestonSend a textIn this powerful episode of The Thriving Christian Artist Podcast, I sit down with long-time friends Stephen and Tricia Preston, a creative couple whose lives are a beautiful example of artistry, ministry, and Kingdom impact working hand-in-hand. From running multiple creative ventures to hosting a thriving conference for artists in their church community, the Prestons have spent decades inspiring and equipping others to step boldly into their God-given creativity.We talk about the joys and challenges of being a married creative team, how God has provided and guided their steps...
2025-09-1938 minThe Thriving Christian ArtistDiscover Why Timing Matters in Every Artist's Journey: An Interview with Debbie GalleraniSend a textIn this heartfelt episode of The Thriving Christian Artist Podcast, I sit down with Tucson-based artist Debbie Gallerani, whose work spans whimsical sculpture, mixed media, and a rich background as a professional cartoonist. From her charming bed and breakfast, La Casa Del Artista, to art shows across the country, Debbie’s life is a colorful blend of creativity, hospitality, and ministry.Debbie opens up about her early dreams of becoming a syndicated cartoonist, the setbacks and detours she faced along the way, and how God’s faithfulness has carried her thro...
2025-09-1242 minThe Thriving Christian ArtistIs Your Desire for Community a SECRET Sign to Start an Art Group?Send a textThat burning desire for artistic community you've been feeling? It might be more than just a personal longing—it could be a divine calling on your life.In this heart-stirring episode, Matt Tommey challenges listeners to consider a revolutionary idea: the very community you've been searching for might be the one God is calling you to create. Rather than waiting for an invitation or disqualifying yourself with excuses about lack of expertise or resources, what if your burden for connection is actually evidence of a calling?Drawing from powerful biblical ex...
2025-09-0929 minThe Thriving Christian ArtistSaying YES to God Transformed This Artist's Life & Community: An Interview with Wendy Michelle DavisSend a textIn this inspiring episode of The Thriving Christian Artist Podcast, I sit down with Texas-based artist Wendy Michelle Davis, whose creativity flows from her deep faith and her love for building authentic community among artists. From her booth at the Cottonwood Festival to the vibrant art scene in Waco, Wendy shares her journey of discovering her artistic voice, overcoming challenges, and stepping into her God-given calling.We explore how she integrates her walk with the Lord into every piece she creates, why she’s passionate about helping other artists thrive, an...
2025-09-0532 minThe Thriving Christian ArtistBoundaries: The Secret to Creative FlowSend a textReady to transform your creative process? Discover the counterintuitive truth that boundaries—far from stifling your artistry—actually amplify and accelerate your creative anointing. As artists, we often resist structure, clinging to the romantic notion that true creativity requires absolute freedom. Yet this episode reveals how sacred guardrails around your creative practice can channel your artistic energy into its most powerful expression.Matt Tommey draws from 30+ years of artistic experience and scriptural wisdom to explain how boundaries concentrate rather than constrain your creative potential. "If your creative calling was important enough for God...
2025-08-2631 minThe Thriving Christian ArtistBreaking Through Creative BlocksSend a textThe frustrating wall of creative emptiness hits every artist at some point - that moment when you walk into your studio excited to create, only to find nothing comes. But what if these creative blocks aren't random? What if they're signaling something deeper happening within you?Drawing from over three decades of artistic experience and mentoring countless creatives, Matt Tommey unpacks the three primary sources of creative blocks: spiritual issues, internal mental clutter, and practical inspiration deficits. He reveals how feelings of fear, anxiety, doubt and inadequacy often mask spiritual lies that...
2025-06-1016 minThe Thriving Christian ArtistExploring Prophetic CreativitySend a textThe creative process isn't just something artists do on the side—it's the fundamental mechanism through which the kingdom of God operates. In this profound exploration of prophetic creativity, Matt Tommey shares revelatory insights from his 30+ years as both a professional artist and worship leader.Matt unpacks a transformative understanding of creativity as "seeing and agreeing"—perceiving what God is doing through the Holy Spirit and aligning our hearts with that movement. This process becomes the channel through which heaven literally enters earth, whether through music, visual art, business, or any creative expr...
2025-04-0836 minThe Thriving Christian ArtistBreaking Free from Sin ConsciousnessSend a textWhat's holding you back as a Christian artist? For many believers, the greatest barrier isn't lack of skill or opportunity—it's an internal battle between what Matt Tommey calls "sin consciousness" and "sonship consciousness."Drawing from the transformative work happening in the Foundations course, Matt explores how our internal focus shapes everything in our lives. When we fixate on our failures, shortcomings, and perceived inadequacies, we create a world of limitation. But when we shift our focus to our identity as beloved children of God, everything changes—including our art.Thro...
2025-03-2515 minThe Thriving Christian ArtistWhy Simply Creating Is EnoughSend a textHave you ever thought about the deeper purpose behind your art? This week on the Thriving Christian Artist podcast, I explore the profound intersection of creativity and spirituality inspired by a question from a student grappling with finding meaning in their artistic journey. Drawing from my 30-plus years of crafting baskets from natural materials, I share how the simple act of creating can be a form of glorifying God. Join me, Matt Tommey, as we reflect on the role and process of prophetic art and the transformative power of engaging the Holy Spirit in...
2025-02-0412 minThe Thriving Christian ArtistGetting More Out of the Time You HaveSend a textEver found yourself struggling with the balance between creative passion and practical pursuits? Join me, Matt Tommey, as we embark on a journey of artistic transformation, inspired by my recent adventure in Asheville, North Carolina. This episode is a heartfelt invitation to Christian artists everywhere, offering strategies to harness your creativity and align it with your God-given purpose. Let’s tackle the hurdles of self-doubt, fear, and perfectionism together, while setting clear visions and priorities that truly matter for your art business.As we wrap up, I want to express my deep gr...
2025-01-0714 minThe Thriving Christian ArtistEmbracing the Unpredictable in Art & LifeSend a textEver found yourself at a crossroads in your creative journey, only to discover that the unexpected detour led to a masterpiece? Join me, Matt Tommey, as I invite you into my studio for a candid glimpse into my latest project—a series of nature-inspired reliquaries. While working on these intricate pieces, designed to inspire serenity and peace, I encountered a creative snag that transformed into a serendipitous opportunity for growth. What began as a botched glaze coat turned into a catalyst for a new color scheme, pushing me to embrace the beauty of the un...
2024-12-3112 minThe Thriving Christian ArtistNavigating Grief and Loss as an ArtistSend a textAfter experiencing the loss of a loved one, how do you find the strength to keep your creative passion alive? Join me, Matt Tommey, as I share personal stories of navigating grief and life’s toughest seasons, inspired by a touching journey from our Created to Thrive Artist Mentoring Program. A participant faced the heartbreaking loss of her husband, echoing my own experiences with my mother's illness and passing. Through these stories, we highlight the crucial need to embrace change, seek support, and adjust our creative rhythms, rather than succumbing to the facade of no...
2024-12-1721 minThe Thriving Christian ArtistCreating with God: Being Led by the SpiritSend a textWhat if the key to unlocking your creative potential lies not in seeking inspiration, but in recognizing God's presence that's already living within you? Join me, Matt Tommey, as I share my transformation journey from complicating the artistic process to experiencing pure joy and freedom by walking in harmony with God. We'll explore the significance of tuning into His voice, shedding the paralyzing fear of mistakes, and embracing a perceptive mindset that transforms creation into a life-giving endeavor. Together, we'll uncover the diverse ways God communicates, guiding us through the sparks of creativity that...
2024-12-1017 minThe Thriving Christian ArtistIs Social Media Killing Your Art Business?Send a textCould social media be sabotaging your art practice? Join me, Matt Tommey, as I explore how platforms like Facebook and Instagram might be draining your creative energy and disrupting your artistic flow. I discuss the hidden pitfalls of mindless scrolling, which can create a false sense of productivity that detracts from genuine art-making and spiritual fulfillment. By understanding the impact of social media on your brain's reward system and recognizing the distractions it causes, you can reclaim your focus and foster a more rewarding and intentional artistic journey.As someone who knows...
2024-12-0317 minThe Thriving Christian ArtistThe Top 4 Myths Holding Back ArtistsSend a textUnlock the key to artistic success beyond mere talent as we shatter myths holding artists back with insights from my own 30-year journey. What if your mindset and heart are the true determinants of your creative success, not your skill alone? Join me, Matt Tommey, as I guide you through a transformative episode of the Thriving Christian Artist Podcast. We'll break down myths, such as the belief that extraordinary talent is essential for success, and replace them with truths about the power of consistent effort, learning, and growth. By embracing personal development and seeking...
2024-11-2616 min