the artist's theology

Nikki

Hello everyone!  Thanks for tuning in. My name is Nikki and I am the host of the artist’s theology, a quick, easy dive into the relationship between art and the Christian faith.  I bring a perspective as a multi-faceted actor, writer and educator with a passion for dance and the creative process!  Why not stick around? 

Episodes

  1. 3D AGO

    'Jesus was a dramaturg' | Interview with artist Patrick Bayele | part 2

    Send us Fan Mail Hi everyone,  Welcome back to the artist’s theology, a quick easy dive into the relationship between the arts and the Christian faith.  This is part 2 of my conversation with my friend Patrick Bayele - our first ever guest! We continue briefly our discussion on presence over distraction, and then move swiftly into what I consider to be a deeply profound discussion on acting as a theological craft.  IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:  - Acting is a craft of stepping into transcendence  - Art and Theology: (As actors, we are asked to) ‘Practice the impossible in a manner that has tangible, possible effects on someone. Is that not God?’ - Patrick Bayele  "I think the best thing I can do in a world that is as contentious and as scarred as it is, is to fight for Jesus to at least be at the table." - Patrick Bayele Note: Dramaturgy is the practice of understanding the structure,  characters, theme, language, intended audience and effects, cultural elements and contexts within a dramatic text or performance.  ABOUT OUR GUEST  Patrick Bayele is a British-born Ghanaian performer, writer, theatre-maker and academic, specialising in theology, temporality and African diaspora studies. He trained in acting and theatre-making at the Identity Drama School of Acting and the National Youth Theatre of Great Britain (NYT), and at Royal Central School of Speech and Drama. He has also worked professionally in TV and film, notably in 'Soulmates' for Amazon Prime, which aired in 2021. Check out Patrick's company here: the avieli arthouse.

    48 min
  2. FEB 8

    On Practice: ‘God’s grace is what sustains us’ | Interview with artist Patrick Bayele | part 1

    Send us Fan Mail In our FIRST EVER GUEST INTERVIEW, director, actor, writer and theatre-maker Patrick Bayele joins me to discuss the sacred rhythms of stillness, silence and solitude that align with grace to sustain him as a created being who creates.  (Apologies! I had just recovered from a cold, so you may hear my voice be a little off in today's ep! But this conversation is too good not to share!)  In this episode we discuss:  - The role of Grace  - Daily Practices that help steward our artistic gifts and subsequently, how Patrick avoids "opportunities for dysregulation" - How we can collaborate with Grace in our daily, creative processes.  Check out Patrick's company The Avieli Arthouse here: https://www.theavieliarthouse.co.uk/sogya “Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” - These are the words of Jesus in Matthew 11:28-30 (The Message) * Books/Authors mentioned:  Practicing the Way – John Mark Comer The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry -   John Mark Comer   Slow Productivity - Cal Newport  Various books by Tyler Staton  Additional books I recommend on this topic:  Peace is a Practice – Morgan Harper Nichols  On Rest – Alabaster&co  ** ABOUT OUR GUEST  Patrick Bayele is a British-born Ghanaian performer, writer, theatre-maker and academic, specialising in theology, temporality and African diaspora studies. He trained in acting and theatre-making at the Identity Drama School of Acting and the National Youth Theatre of Great Britain (NYT), and at Royal Central School of Speech and Drama. He has also worked professionally in TV and film, notably in 'Soulmates' for Amazon Prime, which aired in 2021. You can find him making work at his company The Avieli Arthouse: https://www.theavieliarthouse.co.uk/sogya

    48 min
  3. 05/01/2025

    S3 E1: artists! the fruit is not for you (or why art doesn't really matter)

    Send us Fan Mail I have, up until now, lived my life with art almost always at the centre; writing has been one of the art forms that has taken centre stage in my life. Almost every decision has been made, strategically to advance me further in my creative career. I love creating. I love it so much. Has it been an idol? In ways.  In this episode I talk about why the fruit is not really for you, and why art doesn't really matter. (HEAR ME OUT!)  KEY VERSE: “Then God blessed them and said, “Be fruitful and multiply. Fill the earth and govern it. Reign over the fish in the sea, the birds in the sky, and all the animals that scurry along on the ground.” (Genesis 1:28)  * 'Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling,' (Philippians 2:12) * In John 15:5-8, Jesus says: “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. 6 If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. 7 If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.  This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.”  *  “And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin.  Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’  For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. (Matthew 6 28-33)

    19 min

About

Hello everyone!  Thanks for tuning in. My name is Nikki and I am the host of the artist’s theology, a quick, easy dive into the relationship between art and the Christian faith.  I bring a perspective as a multi-faceted actor, writer and educator with a passion for dance and the creative process!  Why not stick around?