Interview with Episcopal artist on coping with grief through art

Roger Hutchison, Director of Christian Formation and Parish Life at Houston’s Palmer Memorial Episcopal Church, is also an artist, and is releasing his third book My Favorite Color is Blue. Sometimes. The book explores art and grief in connection with each other. “Grief is a full-bodied experience. From touch to taste to sound, grief knows no bounds. I also believe that art is a full-bodied experience,” says Hutchison in an interview with The Huffington Post. The full interview can be found here. Hutchison will be releasing a fourth book early in 2018, called Jesus: God Among Us: “Inspired by Presiding Bishop Michael Curry’s powerful statement and call to the Episcopal Church to be the “Jesus Movement” in this world, I created a painting that measures 30” x 40” and illustrates the full life of Christ.” The book will reproduce 16 areas of the painting, and finally the painting in full. Each image is paired with a piece of scripture, and the book will conclude with a reflection and a story. My Favorite Color is Blue. Sometimes. is intentionally not a religious book, as Hutchison wanted it to be available to people from all backgrounds. However, he believes that art and faith are inextricably entwined. “I think we create art out of a hunger and desire for beauty, truth, honesty, and justice. I believe that is the same reason we are people of faith.” Roger Hutchison’s website is here.