Shows
The Color of Dust50. A Defense of GratuitousnessWe continue to dig into the life and art of David Jones, exploring how his experiences in World War I influenced his artistic expression. We highlight the significance of an encounter he had on the front lines, the protective relationships in his life, and the reconciliation of chaos and peace in his work. We touch on modernism, the concepts of utility versus gratuity in art, and the transitive/intransitive nature of artistic expression, culminating in an appreciation for Jones' calligraphy as a profound representation of his artistic vision. Experiencing Jones’s art is a slow, contemplative process that defies qu...2025-05-071h 16
The Color of Dust49. The Search for David JonesDavid Jones (1895-1974) was a British soldier, engraver, artist, and poet. T.S. Eliot said of Jones: “Of major importance…One of the most distinguished writers of my generation.” He was also praised by Igor Stravinsky and Seamus Heany. W.H. Auden celebrated “In Parenthesis” as a masterpiece and the greatest book about the First World War. This is our first episode exploring the life and faith of David Jones. Thomas Dilworth wrote a wonderful biography on Jones, which you can find here. We also mention two other books by David Jones, “The Anathemata” and “Epoch and Artist.” Here are the vid...2025-04-301h 22
The Color of Dust48. There's Blood Everywhere“We’re missing something—maybe it’s the beauty of those feet,” Jack suggests, referring to the grotesque, mangled feet of Christ depicted in the Isenheim Altarpiece. He asks, “What happens if we stay in that brokenness?” This is what we explore in this special “reprise” of episode 6 (The Isenheim Effect); this is the second half of that episode, beginning right when Jack started telling stories about sheep. This is one of our favorite episodes, and we thought it appropriate to share (again) right after Easter. Also, Seth reads the wonderful poem “April Prelude” by Maya Venters (be sure to check out her Subst...2025-04-2345 min
The Color of DustEntering 'The Sacrifice' by George HerbertWe participate in Good Friday by entering “The Sacrifice” by George Herbert. If you are able, spend some time with this poem and feel its truths. It’s truths are music, beauty, emotion, and faith, coalescing in the present—where we all can meet together at the beautiful, broken feet of Christ, our Deliverer. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit colorofdust.substack.com2025-04-1817 min
The Color of DustProcession (Anathema Maranatha)Procession (Anathema Maranatha)
Route 66/Interstate 40, Groom, Texas, pop. 549
Once or twice each March and April, this mist
marches into the roadside town of Groom
where stands in steel the nineteen-story
monument the Cross of Our Lord Jesus Christ.
On usual clear plain days, the cross looms—
a white obelisk with an obelisk beam—
against a sky the painters call bice blue.
For nearly thirty years, one saw it first
driving West—the long shadow dialing East
like a Roman clock. America’s mother
road prostrate below the corpseless cross, alone.
The level grasslands stretched far away.
For the last three ye...2025-04-1702 min
The Color of Dust47. The Hidden Journey of ChristWe continue our discussion of the sixteenth century Flemish painter Pieter Bruegel the Elder and his painting “The Procession to Calvary.” Throughout, we refer to the 2011 movie “The Mill and the Cross.” As you tend to your heart this Holy Week, we invite you to meditate on this painting, along with our (fumbling) discussion. Also, we finish reciting the poem “The Sacrifice” by George Herbert. Be sure to watch the video of this episode to view the painting as we talk about it. ChaptersExploring George Herbert's 'The Sacrifice'
Discussion on Bruegel's 'Christ on the Way to Calva...2025-04-161h 14
The Color of Dust46. The Mill and the CrossToday we discuss the sixteenth century Flemish painter Pieter Bruegel the Elder and his painting “The Procession to Calvary.” No doubt, in this extraordinary masterpiece (redundancy necessary!), which contains more than 500 people, you are likely to find yourself. A listener’s recommendation about the 2011 movie “The Mill and the Cross” prompted this topic. We discuss how time is like a wagon wheel, the cross being its hub. This means we are surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses, both ancient and modern. This is the first of two episodes about this painting; we also continue our reading of “The Sacrifice” b...2025-04-091h 01
The Color of Dust45. The Looming ChristAfter reading a bit from George Herbert’s “The Sacrifice,” we continue our discussion of Salvador Dali’s painting “Christ of Saint John of the Cross” (1951), by comparing it to a sketch by John of the Cross and the Isenheim Altarpiece by Matthias Gruenwald. The interaction of this trio of artworks births a fruitful understanding of the cross. While we start off a bit ‘suspicious’ of Dali’s painting, by the end of our conversation, we unearth the power of the ‘looming’ Christ. Take a look at the three pieces below, as well as the chapter headings. Chapters00:00 E...2025-04-021h 09
The Color of Dust44. The Nuclear Mysticism of Christ of DaliWe begin a two-part series on Salvador Dali and his painting “Christ of St. John of the Cross.” We recognize that Dali was both thorny and mercurial, bringing these aspects of his life into the discussion about his 1951 painting. We also read the first fifteen stanzas of George Herbert’s poem “The Sacrifice.” Take a look at the chapter headings below to see the ground we cover.Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Color of Dust
06:37 Exploring George Herbert's 'The Sacrifice'
12:34 The Role of Poetry in Worship
16:20 Salvador Dali: A Controversial Artist
23:33 Dali's Background and Artistic Journey
31:27 The Inters...2025-03-261h 04
The Color of Dust43. How to Talk about the FractureOur reading of the “The Coming” by R.S. Thomas quickly turns into a barfight, which is par for the course for Thomas. Only after eighteen shots of whiskey—oh wait, wrong Thomas—do we settle into the nadir of the poem, discovering our lives in relationship to God, despite the fracture in which we find ourselves. Take a look at the chapter headings below to see the ground we cover. Chapters00:00 The Warmth of Heated Seats and Antifreeze Mishaps
01:54 The Search for Meaning in Poetry
03:29 Navigating the Challenges of Podcasting
06:23 The Intersection of Art and Publ...2025-03-191h 12
The Color of DustHawk Lies Down with RabbitSeveral years ago while I was working on this poem, I was talking to my friend and pastor David about the passage in Isaiah 11 where the lion shall eat straw like the ox. “I don’t know what to make of that kind of heaven,” I said. “Lions aren’t lions if they eat straw.” Now, I know what a metaphor is. Isaiah was speaking of other things. Kingdoms who clashed with other kingdoms suddenly laying down their weapons in peace. But I couldn’t get past the literal image of the lion and the ox. Even if Isaiah was talking ab...2025-03-1401 min
The Color of Dust42. Pothole EschatologyThere are plenty of eschatological systems out there, but most of them, ironically, seem to put the apocalypse out of focus—and out of reach. In this episode, we introduce something we’re calling “pothole eschatology,” which makes the apocalypse as visible and nutrient-dense as the soil beneath your feet. Take a look at the chapter headings below to see the ground we cover.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Personal Updates
03:56 Reflections on Parenting and Independence
06:52 The Kingdom of God: Maturation and Transition
10:04 Eschatology: Understanding the End Times
13:01 The Duality of Destruction and Renewal
16:17 Literalism vs. Metaphor in Scrip...2025-03-121h 01
The Color of Dust41. Experiencing the Apocalypse through ArtIt is easy to get caught-up with analyzing the book of Revelation, or to get sidetracked by the issue of “time.” Jack told us that his goal in painting “His Eyes Are Like a Fiery Flame” (2024) from Revelation 19 was first to create an experience for himself, and then to create an experience for his viewers, as they encounter it. We hope you are helped in both your understanding and experience of the apocalypse through this episode. Take a look at the chapter headings below to see the ground we cover. Chapters00:00 Exploring Apocalyptic Themes
03:25 The Arroganc...2025-03-051h 06
The Color of Dust40. The Manifestation of Eternal Presence in the WorldWe continue our discussion of Jack’s painting “His Eyes Are Like a Fiery Flame” (2024). We add to the conversation Seth’s recent essay “My Own Personal Apocalypse,” which you can read at his Substack In Solitude, For Company. Should we get on board with culture’s current obsession with ‘all things apocalypse?’ Or should we restrict the apocalypse to a one-time event at the end of history? There’s plenty of nuance in this conversation between these extremes. We hope you are prompted to ponder “the manifestation of Eternal Presence in the world.”Take a look at the chapter headings...2025-02-261h 08
The Color of Dust39. Behind the Scenes of CreativityIn this episode, Jack engages Sam and Seth in a candid conversation that was prompted by a listener's question about their lives outside of podcasting. They explore their respective careers, personal interests, and the significance of their creative pursuits. Sam shares insights from his work as a machinist and his passion for poetry, while Seth discusses his journey through various careers, including writing, teaching, and real estate appraisal. The conversation delves into the intersection of art, nature, and vocation, highlighting the importance of routine and the beauty found in everyday experiences.Take a look at the chapter...2025-02-1954 min
The Color of Dust38. What Does It Mean to Change the Dream?/Emilee VerDuinOur very special guest was Emilee VerDuin, aka, MudHut Illustration. Emilee is a Visionary Christian Artist living in Bulgaria. She shares about some of the changes in her life as she moves from the city to the countryside of Bulgaria. This leads us to explore the concept of wilderness and wounding. We look at some of her wonderful art, considering its particular aspects. Emilee raises the question, “What does it mean to change the dream?” Take a look at the chapter headings below to see the ground we cover. And be sure to listen all the way to the end...2025-02-121h 29
The Color of Dust37. Painting the ApocalypseIn this episode, we introduce Jack Baumgartner’s oil painting “His Eyes Are Like a Fiery Flame” (2024). This gets us into the book of Revelation, painting in eternity, a poem by R. S. Thomas, symbolism in art, time and eternity, and God’s love for the land. Jack shares some background to his painting, as well as part of his process when creating. Seth and Sam layer the conversation with their own observations and questions. Check out the chapter headings below to see the ground we cover. Chapters00:00 The Burden of Time and Creativity
09:28 Co-Creation and Arti...2025-02-051h 02
The Color of Dust36. Creativity As Spiritual WarfareThis is an “introduction” to our introduction on Jack Baumgartner’s painting, which is titled “His Eyes Are Like a Fiery Flame” (2024). Thus, we begin to talk about the book of Revelation. Some themes that surface are active sight vs. passive sight, the healing properties of art, and creativity as spiritual warfare. Take a look at the chapter headings below to see the ground we cover.Many thanks to Jack for playing the banjo for us at the beginning! Chapters00:00 Introduction (with some Banjo) and Setting the Scene
03:16 The Role of Art in Theology
0...2025-01-291h 22
The Color of Dust35. Do Not Be Ashamed/Wendell Berry PoemWe take a deep dive into shame through the lens of the poem “Do Not Be Ashamed” by Wendell Berry. Our cover art image—which fits perfectly with this poem—is a 2000 watercolor by Elizabeth Wang called, “I remember being outwardly carefree, but I was inwardly pierced by a shame so intense I could hardly go on, sometimes nearly groaning out loud.” Her title is a good summary of where we go in this personal episode. Take a look at the chapter titles below to see more of the ground we cover. As usual, the music in this episode was written...2025-01-221h 38
The Color of Dust34. Leaves of Healing/Matt MillerTo begin the new year, Dr. Matthew Miller joins us to talk about his new book Leaves of Healing: A Year in the Garden. His book brings together the church calendar with the “garden” calendar. As usual, the fellas have plenty of insights to add. Thank you, Matt, for this delightful conversation! Look at the chapter headings below to see the ground we cover.Matt Miller is a native Nebraskan now living in Branson, Missouri, where he serves as Associate Professor of English at College of the Ozarks. He writes regularly for Front Porch Republic, Fare Forward, The...2025-01-151h 10
The Color of DustTom Brown Talks KahkiI made this little video of my dear friend Tom Brown, who farms and makes hard cider just a few miles from my farm, talking about the origins of Khaki and then veers into describing a very wonderful Erdu saying. It is very in the spirit of the Color of Dust and I love it. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit colorofdust.substack.com2025-01-0307 min
The Color of DustThe Anatomy of a Wound: What I See in “Go On, Wounded Healer”When Jack Baumgartner shared his drawing “Go on, Wounded Healer,” he confessed: “There may be so much I would want to say about this drawing that I must therefore say nothing. Breathing and silence.” This drawing is from a collection of drawings titled “The Diary of a Tree Standing on Its Head.” He also wrote beneath the original pencil sketch, “The wound and the five wounds.”Although Jack is probably wiser than me not to talk about this drawing, I’d like to risk telling you what I see. I don’t pretend to see as deeply as Jack, o...2024-12-2334 min
The Color of Dust33. Stuck at the Volta/Hoofs & HornsWe discuss quite a bit in this lively episode, it’s finally the long-awaited “Hoofs & Horns” conversation we’ve been promising. But before we get there, we talk about (challenge?) the popular idea of enchantment and the Medieval cosmology. Even if we’re struggling to see beauty these days, “Beauty still perceives us,” Jack reminds. We open up Seth’s Poetry Garage, and he allows us to see a Sonnet (not a Sonata) he’s been tinkering on. In turn, Jack shares several meaningful drawings of Walking Man with horns—along with a recent drawing of John Moriarty with cameo of Orion. As u...2024-12-181h 16
The Color of DustWhat I See: Go on Shepherd & Lamb[For your convenience, I’ve provided both an audio and a written format of this article at colorofdust.substack.com.]The artwork of Jack Baumgartner speaks to my heart, and when he shares a piece, I immediately want to start speaking about it, sharing what I see. And then it dawned on me, “Why don’t I?” So, this is my first attempt at sharing “What I see” in Jack’s art.I chose his woodcarving “Go on Shepherd and Lamb.” When he posted this piece, several people suggested he write an essay about it. I’m sorry to disap...2024-12-1319 min
The Color of Dust32. Beauty Matters with Jason BaxterWe were delighted to have Dr. Jason Baxter on the podcast to talk about his latest book, Why Literature Still Matters. Jason is a college professor and author of seven books, including The Medieval Mind of C.S. Lewis and Introduction to Christian Mysticism. He is a medievalis who specialize in Dante and C.S. Lewis, but in his popular writing—which you can find on his brand new Substack Beauty Matters—he explores the intersection of literature and spirituality, technology and the arts, and the relevance of old books.Take a look at the chapter headings belo...2024-12-111h 01
The Color of Dust31. Put Us in the LineThis is our 18th and final episode in the book of Ruth. We cover Ruth 4:13-22. Take a look at the chapter titles below to see the ground we cover.00:00 The Artistic Journey: Time and Process
09:30 Procrastination: The Artist's Dilemma
18:23 Celebrating Life: The Significance of Birth
26:17 Redemption and Community: The Role of Women
31:19 The Significance of Genealogy
37:47 Chiastic Structures and Literary Techniques
44:39 The Genealogy of David
53:56 The Legacy of David and the Kingdom of GodThanks for reading The Color of Dust! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.2024-12-041h 08
The Color of Dust30. We Are WitnessesIn our penultimate episode through the book of Ruth, we explore what it means to be a witness, along the way considering what Jack calls the “broken witness,” as well as how social media can help us. Do you know how to show up in an “active” way in your life? Take a look at the chapters headings below to see the ground we cover. As noted in the introduction, this episode is dedicated to Amelia “Mia” Subich (2017-2024), who was about as genuine of a witness to life as you could hope to find (see the picture belo...2024-11-271h 09
The Color of Dust29. The Symbolism of the SandalIn today’s episode, we discuss Ruth 4:7-10. Take a look at the chapter headings below to see the ground we cover. Thank you for listening and consider leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Context Setting
07:13 The Integrity of Stories: Comedy vs. Tragedy
16:15 The Grand Narrative: Comedy of Redemption
23:30 Symbolism of the Sandal: Authority and Mediation
30:10 Reflections on Land and Personal Connection
39:31 The Role of Women in Redemption
49:11 Community Celebration and Acceptance
53:39 Artistic Integrity in Storytelling
01:00:53 The Cycle of Life and Death in CreativityThanks for re...2024-11-201h 08
The Color of Dust28. Miracles All the Way DownWe are closer to miracles than we realize, seeing them in how God created the world and how we respond to it. What is freedom? Can we affirm God’s goodness in adversity? How do we handle fear? These are a few of the questions we explore in this episode on Ruth 4:5-6. Boaz and Ruth show us a profound way to live. Take a look at the Chapter titles below to see the ground we cover. Chapters00:00 Weather and Welcomes
04:42 Prayer and Reflection
07:22 Ruth and Boaz: A Story of Redemption
10:26 The Role of Ruth: A...2024-11-131h 08
The Color of Dust27. God Bless the AwkwardnessThis is our 14th episode in the book of Ruth (which only has four short chapters)! In this episode, we especially want you to think about hope, the awkwardness of redemption, the importance of land, and the significance of the treasure. Take a look at the chapter titles below to see the ground we cover. Chapters00:00 Introduction and Context Setting
03:45 Exploring Hope and Anti-Hope
06:59 The Role of Awkwardness in Redemption
10:54 Zachariah's Vision and Its Implications
14:55 Boaz as the Kinsman Redeemer
18:57 The Significance of the Town Gate
31:01 Understanding Community Dynamics
34:05 The Significance of Names and Identity
36:33...2024-11-061h 02
The Color of Dust26. At the Feet of HopeAfter discussing their favorite poets, the fellas pick up where they left off in the book of Ruth (3:14-18). Take a look at the chapter headings below to see the ground they cover. Thank you for listening, and if you have a moment, share The Color of Dust with others.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Opening Thoughts
03:54 Favorite Poets and Their Influence
12:52 The Nature of Poetry and Personal Connections
21:51 Exploring the Book of Ruth
31:56 Ruth's Journey and the Role of Boaz
41:45 Clothing as a Symbol in Ruth's Story
42:40 The Symbolism of Clothing and Identity
44:54 Foreshadowing and Redemption...2024-10-301h 24
The Color of Dust25. The Law Not from SpiteSeth says, “Acedia is the cultural air we breathe.” One way to undermine sloth, is to discover the goodness of the law. From the book of Ruth (3:12-13), Boaz will be our guide. Through his life, we apprehend the law as a person—a good person. And we uphold the law not to perform, but to love. So if you want love to become ‘second nature,’ then you’ll enjoy this episode. Then obedience might become gratitude for existence. Check out the chapter headings below see the ground we cover.Chapters00:00 Opening Reflections and Prayer
03:56 Exploring Ru...2024-10-231h 03
The Color of Dust24. Everything Can Be RitualWhat at first appears to be a meandering in the pasture of a Kansas sheepfold, turns into a profound meditation on the presence of God in our daily routines, the people that cross our paths, and our acts done when no one seems to be watching. Our text for the episode is Ruth 3:11, “And now, my daughter, do not fear. I will do for you all that you ask, for all my fellow townsmen know that you are a worthy woman.” From this we discover that everything can be ritual. Please let us know what you think abou...2024-10-161h 06
The Color of Dust23. The Technology of Blessing“Not dying is the terminal thing.” In this episode, we continue our exploration of blessing. Here’s the text we’re ruminating on: “And he said, ‘May you be blessed by the Lord, my daughter. You have made this last kindness greater than the first in that you have not gone after young men, whether poor or rich’” (Ruth 3:10). Thank you for making this journey with us, and take a look at the chapter headings below to see the ground we’ll cover together.The music for this episode was written and produced by Jack Baumgartner.Chapters0...2024-10-091h 07
The Color of Dust22. The Weight of WordsWe consider the power of personal blessing on today’s episode. Perhaps you’ve never been blessed before, or maybe you would like to bless someone, but how do you do it? What does it mean? Ruth's story is set against a backdrop of generational curses. Boaz's blessing to Ruth signifies her worthiness and connection to God. Blessings in the Bible often come with intentionality and purpose. Ruth is unique as the only woman blessed by another person in the Old Testament in the name of the Lord. You will discover that the act of blessin...2024-10-021h 16
The Color of Dust21. Finding Redemption in Everyday LifeEach dialogue we have about the book of Ruth seems even more important than the last. Our passage reads, “Then she came softly and uncovered his feet and lay down. At midnight the man was startled and turned over, and behold, a woman lay at his feet! He said, ‘Who are you?’ And she answered, ‘I am Ruth, your servant. Spread your wings over your servant, for you are a redeemer.’” (Ruth 3:7b-9). In this passage, Boaz and Ruth are at their most intimate. This eternal moment in time helps us to uncover redemption in the day-to-day of our lives. Take...2024-09-251h 10
The Color of Dust20. At the Threshing Floor“God was there first.” The fellas dig deep into this crucial theme of the book of Ruth. We examine Ruth and Boaz at the threshing floor in 3:6-7a—considering both the moral implications and cultural context. We explore the meaning of the grain heap, how to interpret Scripture, the thread of redemption, intimacy, and the nature of goodness itself. Take a look at the chapter headings below to see the ground we cover. The music for this episode was written and recorded by Jack Baumgartner.Chapters00:00 Opening Prayer and Introduction to Ruth
03:31 Exploring Non-Dual Polari...2024-09-181h 08
The Color of DustForbidden PlacesHere is the poem Sam Kee wrote and read for episode 19 “Non-Dual Polarities.” The poem is based on Ruth 2-3. Forbidden PlacesShe dared to breach the vanguards
Of the tall golden garden
Not content with just the corners
She moved away from edge
Closer than the others
Not content to glean the crumbs from table
Closer still
Until she reached the hem of garments
Reached deep into the handfuls
Caught their ears
Whispered her need with tattooed tongue
When he saw her near
His heart went into exile
He commanded harvestmen to let her in
D...2024-09-1304 min
The Color of Dust19. Non-Dual PolaritiesAs we head to the threshing floor, we discuss the upside-down nature of the Kingdom of God. We uncover (no pun intended, Ruth) some of the risky and risqué behaviors our heroine is planning in order to secure a marriage proposal—and ultimately save the world. We end up calling these paradoxes ‘non-dual polarities’ and invite you to wrestle with them as we did. Along the way, Sam reads his poem ‘Forbidden Places.’ Take a look at the chapter titles below to see the ground we cover. As usual, the wonderful music in this episode was written and played by Jack Bau...2024-09-111h 08
The Color of Dust18. The Miracle of Favor & AcceptanceWe have arrived at a turning point for Naomi—she who was empty and bitter is being filled. But how? Today, we talk about the miracle of favor and acceptance. Along the way, Jack describes the agricultural processes of threshing and roasting grain. Take a look at the chapter headings below to see the ground we cover. The music in this episode was written and played by Jack Baumgartner.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Prayer
00:44 Exploring Femininity and Feminine Strength
06:12 The Evolution of Gender Roles
15:37 Hospitality and Abundance: The Communion Meal
26:05 The Miraculous Nature of Favor and Ac...2024-09-041h 08
The Color of Dust17. The Poor and the StrangerWe continue our journey through the book of Ruth. Take a look below at the chapter headings to see the ground we cover. Make some time to sketch, write, compose, bake, or build, as you listen to this episode—and then send us what you created (through Instagram or email)! The music in this episode was written and performed by Jack Baumgartner. Mail all Baby Ruth candy bars to New Boaz Farm in Kansas. Chapters00:00 Introduction and Prayer
03:26 Exploring Audacity and Boldness
08:41 Boaz: A New Adam and a Model of Care
13:00 The Dangers of...2024-08-2857 min
The Color of DustAn Ember in the ArkOn episode 16, we played a song that Jack wrote in response to our series on the book of Ruth. Here is a recording of his song and its lyrics. We’ve also included a picture of Jack playing the song on his harmonium.“Ruth and Boaz”by Jack Baumgartnerdaughter of my dreaming
mother of my homeland
husband of my sorrow
there is famine in our bones
it is hard to understand
it is easy to know it
but it is hard to understand
I stood out on the borders
with a stranger in my...2024-08-2404 min
The Color of Dust16. HarvesttimeBrokenness and bitterness give way to fruit—the harvest. We continue our journey through the book of Ruth with a discussion of chapter 2. Take a look at the headings below to see the ground we cover. Jack plays a very moving new song he wrote this week for the episode.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Prayer
03:28 The Symbolism of the Harvest
21:02 Boaz, a New Adam and a Pillar in the Community
25:46 Caring for Widows and Orphans
28:42 The Role of the Goel in Family and Land
37:29 The Communal Nature of the Harvest
41:32 Engaging in Creative Expression
...2024-08-171h 02
The Color of Dust15. Femininity, Farming, & FriendshipWhere else are you going to hear the book of Ruth—which is an agricultural-themed book—discussed by actual farmers? Only here on The Color of Dust! We make those crucial connections between the land, covenant, and exile, speaking directly to farming, femininity, and friendship. We also explore God’s ‘golden mean,’ which will change the way you perceive your life. Take a look at the chapters below to see the ground we cover and join us for part two of our important series in the book of Ruth. As you’ll see, we are ‘sketching’ our way through Ruth...2024-08-032h 04
The Color of Dust14. The Moabite OptionThe book of Ruth is both a profound love story and a journey of faith. Today we begin our exploration, sharing some art along the way. Take a look at the chapter headings below to see the ground we cover, and devote some time to reading the four chapters of Ruth on your own. We welcome your thoughts, feedback, and questions. Also note that we’re ‘sketching’ our way through Ruth—so feel free to join us!The music for this episode was composed and performed by Jack Baumgartner.**(No goats were harmed during the filming...2024-07-201h 41
The Color of Dust13. The Power of DrawingWith just a few lines, a wizard can cast a spell and make something appear out of nowhere; in the same way, with just a few lines, an artist can drag his magical ‘wand’ across a piece of paper and make something appear out of nowhere. In today’s episode, we consider the power of drawing—it is both a form of listening and spiritual practice. Seth reads his poem ‘Avocation,’ and we consider the recent story about Maurice Ivor Birch, who spent the last 54 years drawing his hometown on a 100-foot-long roll of paper. We take a look at so...2024-07-061h 35
The Color of Dust12. Grab Your Tambourine“Life is always more beautiful when you know the story,” Jack says on today’s episode. Do you know the story of The Color of Dust? Take a look at the chapter headings below to see the territory we cover in this honest episode. We apologize for Sam’s audio—it got corrupted somehow and sounds pretty awful. However, as you’ll learn from the episode, this, too, is a ‘darling’ we need to kill. So, grab your tambourine and let’s get started!(All the music in this episode was written and performed by Jack...2024-06-222h 11
The Color of Dust11. Forever TinkeringWe begin with an original poem from Seth called “Tell Me, Tell Me, Tell Me, Elm!”. We discuss the idea of forever ‘tinkering’ with artistic creations. This leads to trees, sheep, wind, words, and sight. Jack seeks to give you permission to trust the many ways you perceive, including your imagination. It’s a risk, but it’s real. And perhaps gratitude is the best way to develop the spiritual sensorium. The songs in the episode were written and performed by Jack Baumgartner (“Through the Windy” and “Lift Earth Rise”).Chapters00:00
The Ongoing Creation of Creativi...2024-06-082h 03
The Color of Dust10. Beyond the ThunderdomeIn his book A Secular Age, Charles Taylor says it is as if we now live in a closed-system, in which nothing beyond is able to enter. He calls it the “buffered self.” The trouble is, Jack Baumgartner never got the memo. In this conversation, we begin to explore the concepts of imagination and spiritual sensorium. The invitation is to pay attention and have attuned eyes and ears to the language of life.The music on this episode was written and played by Jack Baumgartner: Through the Windy, Harmonic Banjo, and Desert Ladder. Chap...2024-05-251h 51
The Color of Dust9. Saint Paul the HermitFauns…Hippocentaurs…Questing Beasts…Oh my! As we turn to the final panel of Matthias Grunewald’s Isenheim Altarpiece, we discover the Church’s first hermit. Saint Paul the Hermit played a significant role in Jack’s own life, especially when Jack himself was a hermit for four years.In this episode, Jack reads to us from The Golden Legend and John Moriarty; Seth teaches the four-part Medieval hermeneutic; and Sam indulges in a rant or two. We had significant technical difficulties—technical warfare?—but we persevered and managed to cobble together a faun, or fun, and meaningful conve...2024-05-111h 54
The Color of Dust8. The Exorcism of St. AnthonySt. Anthony is depicted on the holymost panel of the Isenheim Altarpiece battling demons. His extraordinary life is a gift not just to those of his time, but to many more future sufferers. Through the spiritual technology of Grunewald's Isenheim, we are invited to witness this other world swirling within our own.We close with a poem by Rilke and a guitar meditation from Jack. This is our third of four episodes on the Isenheim Altarpiece by Matthias Grunewald. One of our goals is to rehabilitate the ancient way of participating in reality through long and steady...2024-04-271h 45
The Color of Dust7. Everything BelongsProbably most today believe that science and psychology offer better solutions to our modern problems than a piece of art or literature. But what if we have misdiagnosed our core problems? What if we are too focused on eliminating what does not belong that we fail to see what does belong—and the great story in which we are participating?Having spoken about the outer panels of The Isenheim Altarpiece, we now turn to the inner panels, which depict the mystery of Christ from Annunciation to Ascension—or Alpha to Omega, as Jack says. These exce...2024-04-131h 59
The Color of Dust6. The Isenheim EffectMatthias Grunewald was one of the greatest painters ever to live, known for his Isenheim Altarpiece. But you may not know that this masterpiece was created for the most broken people of its time. In this special Good Friday episode, we meditate on the cross as a mirror, in what we’re calling The Isenheim Effect. Also in this episode, we present the poem “April Prelude” by Maya Clubine. Now, here is the Scripture Sam prayed at the beginning to fit this episode: For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympath...2024-03-291h 43
The Color of Dust5. Below the BeltIn this episode, Jack, Seth, and Sam explore the concept of failure in art and its role in personal growth. They discuss a central image in Jack’s linocut “The Spiritual Mechanics of Labor and Rest,” which features the crotch. The focus is on the wrinkles and the word 'obedience.' They delve into the idea of risk in art and how it can lead to beauty and transcendence. They also examine the role of the artist in embracing failure and taking risks. They touch on the parable of the talents and the importance of reconciliation and love in...2024-03-161h 47
The Color of Dust4. What Is Art?There are many treasures in this episode. We start by talking about the symbolism of the candle and then explore the definition of art. We discuss the hierarchy of art, the tension between rarity and commonality of art, the role of novelty, and the differences between theological aesthetics and aesthetic theology. Then we go into the power of different art forms, the process of creating art, and participation in beauty. This leads us to art as a path to God, the impact of art on the viewer, and the role of skill. Then we focus on a p...2024-03-021h 41
The Color of Dust3. Outside the Darkened SillSeth begins by reading his poem “More than a Watchman,” while Jack lulls us with his beautiful banjo. Then we talk about hunger for God’s presence and the role of the watchman. Our focus is on the window in the stomach from Jack’s linocut carving “The Spiritual Mechanics of Labor and Rest.” This gets us into coyotes and hunger, the restless heart, the bowels of emotion, and responding to God’s voice. Jack speaks to the importance of discipline and the concept of genius. We talk about the symbolism of the arch form and the tomb as a window. Then...2024-02-171h 16
The Color of Dust2. Hearts on FireAs Jack says, it’s a big deal when your heart’s on fire—and it’s an equally big deal when it is not. In episode 2, Jack, Seth, and Sam focus on the center of Jack’s extraordinary linocut “The Spiritual Mechanics of Labor and Rest.” At the center is the heart on fire. We talk about art and icons of the Northern Renaissance, the intricacy of copper engravings, the difference between the Northern and Italian Renaissance, the transformative power of art, the beauty of engraved lines, the importance of devotional imagery, the struggle of language and communicat...2024-02-031h 18
The Color of Dust1. The Spiritual Mechanics of Labor and RestIn our first episode, we talk about Jack's arresting linocut "The Spiritual Mechanics of Labor and Rest." We discuss the meaning behind some of its captivating images. There is a union between what God has made and your deepest self, and you will be encouraged to renew this fundamental relationship. To learn more about this piece of artwork, go to Jack’s website. If you like what you see, please help us get off the ground—consider telling others about The Color of Dust. We have many special topics and guests in the works to inspire you and...2024-01-201h 19
The Reformed Journal Podcast“Hawk Lies Down With Rabbit” by Seth WieckIn this episode of the Poetry Edition, Rose Postma interviews Seth Wieck about his poem “Hawk Lies Down with Rabbit.” Seth was born in Texas and received his BA in English and philosophy from West Texas A&M University. In 2018, he won the Rash Award in Fiction from the Broad River Review. He lives in Amarillo with his wife and two sons and teaches high school literature.2023-01-3110 min
Hey AmarilloCOVID Chronicles Chapter 2"If you can, you do." This episode features short interviews with Amarillo people about what things look like right now in the city due to the spread of the Coronavirus. Interviews were recorded the afternoon of Sunday, March 22. Things may have changed by the time you listen. Guests are Charles D'Amico (Jimmy John's), Lytton St. Stephen (Panhandle COVID-19 Home Help), Katie & Seth Wieck (Wieck Realty, Boys Ranch), and Robin Brewton (Carson Wealth). This episode is sponsored by Wieck Realty.2020-03-2341 min