And To Some...Were Given the Gift of Art
- An Interview with Illustrator Joseph Witherspoon By Terrence Clark
The Gifts of the Holy Spirit described in 1 Corinthians 12:7-10 are expressions of the Spirit of God given to the Church.
In some denominations, these gifts are categorized as help-like attributes, imparted to individuals, used establish identity in the congregation. In charismatic churches, the Gifts are usually related to supernatural manifestation of God. These manifestations, scripturally described, include supernatural healing, miracles, prophecy, and undeniable feat of faith. Some of these works of the Spirit have been altogether or partially dismissed by others Christian circles, inferred as having been passed away.
The “Anointing”, which is another endowment of the Holy Spirit, is the power of God which rest upon an individual, or an expression of God (song, sermon, ability, etc.), that allows God’s very presence to be revealed and work. And in that revelation of His presence, people are delivered, healed, restored, refreshed, freed (spiritual, mentally, socially, or financially) from oppression in that area. One definition of the anointing is Gods “super” upon what would be just “natural”. The title conferred to Jesus “the Christ” literally means “the Anointed One and His Anointing.”
In some denominations, these gifts are categorized as help-like attributes, imparted to individuals, used establish identity in the congregation. In charismatic churches, the Gifts are usually related to supernatural manifestation of God. These manifestations, scripturally described, include supernatural healing, miracles, prophecy, and undeniable feat of faith. Some of these works of the Spirit have been altogether or partially dismissed by others Christian circles, inferred as having been passed away.
The “Anointing”, which is another endowment of the Holy Spirit, is the power of God which rest upon an individual, or an expression of God (song, sermon, ability, etc.), that allows God’s very presence to be revealed and work. And in that revelation of His presence, people are delivered, healed, restored, refreshed, freed (spiritual, mentally, socially, or financially) from oppression in that area. One definition of the anointing is Gods “super” upon what would be just “natural”. The title conferred to Jesus “the Christ” literally means “the Anointed One and His Anointing.”
Interesting, one of the first individuals revealed as having been anointed (or supernaturally gifted), found in Exodus 31:1-5---is not a prophet, priest, king or great warrior. His name is Bezaleel and he was a craftsman—an artist.
Joseph Witherspoon is not called deacon, elder, pastor or minister at any church. He does serves on the praise team as a mime (dancer). Quite fitting, because this type of creative expression is at the heart of Joes calling. His particular gifting and anointing is not usually embraced in traditional Christian circles as a heavenly attribute. Joe is an Illustrator—an artist.
We interviewed this talented and gifted artist to acknowledge his ministry and inspire others like him.
VoiceCNC: Who is Joe Witherspoon?
JW: I've been trying to answer that question for years. Joe Witherspoon is a unique enigma. He is someone who thinks outside of the box. He is someone that has a lot to offer but seems to be unnoticed. Joe has a very youthful heart and sees the best in everyone until they show him different. Even with that, he’s easy to forgive, never holds grudges, and will be loyal to know end. Joe is finding his spiritual side. He’s maturing by fulfilling his purpose.
VoiceCNC: When did you start drawing?
JW: I started drawing when I was about five years old. Or should I say, this was when someone told me I could draw. It was in kindergarten. A fireman was the first picture I drew.
Joseph Witherspoon is not called deacon, elder, pastor or minister at any church. He does serves on the praise team as a mime (dancer). Quite fitting, because this type of creative expression is at the heart of Joes calling. His particular gifting and anointing is not usually embraced in traditional Christian circles as a heavenly attribute. Joe is an Illustrator—an artist.
We interviewed this talented and gifted artist to acknowledge his ministry and inspire others like him.
VoiceCNC: Who is Joe Witherspoon?
JW: I've been trying to answer that question for years. Joe Witherspoon is a unique enigma. He is someone who thinks outside of the box. He is someone that has a lot to offer but seems to be unnoticed. Joe has a very youthful heart and sees the best in everyone until they show him different. Even with that, he’s easy to forgive, never holds grudges, and will be loyal to know end. Joe is finding his spiritual side. He’s maturing by fulfilling his purpose.
VoiceCNC: When did you start drawing?
JW: I started drawing when I was about five years old. Or should I say, this was when someone told me I could draw. It was in kindergarten. A fireman was the first picture I drew.
VoiceCNC: How would classify your gift?
JW: I would classify it as a God send. It’s a messenger---fun and creative. VoiceCNC: People call you an Illustrator what is difference between that and a Cartoonist? An Illustrator can create in any medium they are comfortable. They are visionary. A Cartoonist can appeal to both adult and child animation. Don't get me wrong---an Illustrator can do the same. A Cartoonist just prefers to communicate this way. |
VoiceCNC: Does your illustrating and art come out in other areas of your life?
JW: Always. I see things differently than most. I can have the inspiration to draw something, and learn from it as well. Art can be a stress reliever, a focal point, an attention getter, a picture to communicate. It can be a flirtatious expression, political, as well as spiritual. It is also a diary to me a means to present day situations.
VoiceCNC: How is your art use in ministry?
JW: My art is used to inspire---positivity. Like I said before, I think outside the box. I don't see things spiritually as most people do. God is the biggest and best artist there is. There is not one way to express it [art]. So, why is it that we try to depict God in one way, He gave me a gift to create pictures with my hands---dreams. Dreams are a form of worship---appreciation of what he has given me.
If a parent sees a gift in a child (whether it’s drawing, cooking, singing, athletics, music, sewing, technical acuity, above normal Intelligence, etc.) they should cultivate that gift to its fullest. God wants the glory in it. Show how much you appreciate what he has given you.
I know firsthand what it’s like to have something precious, and not do anything with it for a long period of time, hindered because of jealousy and lies from people who say they are of God, but actually wolves in sheep clothing.
My sisters can draw as well. We had parents that were positive influences to us. Still, we were blinded by a serpent at one point in our lives. We were blinded by someone claiming they were of God. You have to know God for yourself---a personal relationship. That’s what my ministry of art is. You’re never too old to get it right---just get it right while you have breath in your body.
VoiceCNC: You did a piece last year that depicted Jesus and Satan a little differently than a lot of artists. Can you explain?
JW: To me, Jesus is not just this fair skinned, blue-eyed, long-haired, white male. I know others have rendered him according to how the bible says---hair as wool and skin of bronze---like a black man. These analogies get us caught up in segregation. Scientifically, if we go by the region where Jesus was born, his human image follows more so the second depiction. Still, that's his earthly house. I'm talking after resurrection---Jesus's color is identifiable to you. That's where we need to begin. He is perfect. He is ‘color.’ He’s a Warrior God---strong as a lion and ferocious. Simultaneous, he's as gentle as a lamb when needed to comfort. In layman words, he's a Bad [Brute] Dude and yet the Perfect Gentleman.
Jesus is not weak or docile in any category. How would a weak feminine looking male attract so many to follow him? His job alone as a carpenter shows he had to use his hands to create another Artist. He’s tough but creative.
Satan is not this grotesque, horned goat-like creature, with a pitchfork and pointed tail---breathing fire. He was once the most beautiful angel in Heaven, as bright as the Morning Star. For him to be the author of temptation, he had to be appealing, to even get anyone’s attention. If he came at you as the horned-one, common sense, anyone would run. But, if he came at you as a beautiful woman to a man and a handsome man to a woman, he would titillate your fancy. He now has your attention enabled to deceive you in other matters. The thought is that no one that looks so fine (and interested in you) will ever lie to you (Hmmm).
Satan is the pied piper. He has the voice and looks of an angel. Behind the fantasy, he’s perverting your mind, using you like a puppet on a string.
VoiceCNC: What is your most favorite thing to draw or paint?
JW: The inner being of a person or thing.
JW: Always. I see things differently than most. I can have the inspiration to draw something, and learn from it as well. Art can be a stress reliever, a focal point, an attention getter, a picture to communicate. It can be a flirtatious expression, political, as well as spiritual. It is also a diary to me a means to present day situations.
VoiceCNC: How is your art use in ministry?
JW: My art is used to inspire---positivity. Like I said before, I think outside the box. I don't see things spiritually as most people do. God is the biggest and best artist there is. There is not one way to express it [art]. So, why is it that we try to depict God in one way, He gave me a gift to create pictures with my hands---dreams. Dreams are a form of worship---appreciation of what he has given me.
If a parent sees a gift in a child (whether it’s drawing, cooking, singing, athletics, music, sewing, technical acuity, above normal Intelligence, etc.) they should cultivate that gift to its fullest. God wants the glory in it. Show how much you appreciate what he has given you.
I know firsthand what it’s like to have something precious, and not do anything with it for a long period of time, hindered because of jealousy and lies from people who say they are of God, but actually wolves in sheep clothing.
My sisters can draw as well. We had parents that were positive influences to us. Still, we were blinded by a serpent at one point in our lives. We were blinded by someone claiming they were of God. You have to know God for yourself---a personal relationship. That’s what my ministry of art is. You’re never too old to get it right---just get it right while you have breath in your body.
VoiceCNC: You did a piece last year that depicted Jesus and Satan a little differently than a lot of artists. Can you explain?
JW: To me, Jesus is not just this fair skinned, blue-eyed, long-haired, white male. I know others have rendered him according to how the bible says---hair as wool and skin of bronze---like a black man. These analogies get us caught up in segregation. Scientifically, if we go by the region where Jesus was born, his human image follows more so the second depiction. Still, that's his earthly house. I'm talking after resurrection---Jesus's color is identifiable to you. That's where we need to begin. He is perfect. He is ‘color.’ He’s a Warrior God---strong as a lion and ferocious. Simultaneous, he's as gentle as a lamb when needed to comfort. In layman words, he's a Bad [Brute] Dude and yet the Perfect Gentleman.
Jesus is not weak or docile in any category. How would a weak feminine looking male attract so many to follow him? His job alone as a carpenter shows he had to use his hands to create another Artist. He’s tough but creative.
Satan is not this grotesque, horned goat-like creature, with a pitchfork and pointed tail---breathing fire. He was once the most beautiful angel in Heaven, as bright as the Morning Star. For him to be the author of temptation, he had to be appealing, to even get anyone’s attention. If he came at you as the horned-one, common sense, anyone would run. But, if he came at you as a beautiful woman to a man and a handsome man to a woman, he would titillate your fancy. He now has your attention enabled to deceive you in other matters. The thought is that no one that looks so fine (and interested in you) will ever lie to you (Hmmm).
Satan is the pied piper. He has the voice and looks of an angel. Behind the fantasy, he’s perverting your mind, using you like a puppet on a string.
VoiceCNC: What is your most favorite thing to draw or paint?
JW: The inner being of a person or thing.
VoiceCNC: What is this superhero project I hear about?
JW: The Superhero project conceptualizes that each person has a hidden Superpower (gift) that needs to be expressed. What I do is talk to an individual, and ask, if they were a superhero who would they be? Some have specific heroes---Ironman, Spiderman, Hulk, etc. Some have ideas of their own of what they want to be. What I see is why they identify to this particular hero. What is appealing to them about that hero? You would be amazed---why? People know that they have a greater purpose and express it in this avatar form of art. It’s an escape, as well as a---What if?
VoiceCNC: How does your art relate to life?
JW: It’s who I am. It always has been. People always knew me as the guy who could draw. I am a visionary with a hidden purpose that is now being exposed.
JW: The Superhero project conceptualizes that each person has a hidden Superpower (gift) that needs to be expressed. What I do is talk to an individual, and ask, if they were a superhero who would they be? Some have specific heroes---Ironman, Spiderman, Hulk, etc. Some have ideas of their own of what they want to be. What I see is why they identify to this particular hero. What is appealing to them about that hero? You would be amazed---why? People know that they have a greater purpose and express it in this avatar form of art. It’s an escape, as well as a---What if?
VoiceCNC: How does your art relate to life?
JW: It’s who I am. It always has been. People always knew me as the guy who could draw. I am a visionary with a hidden purpose that is now being exposed.
VoiceCNC: How does your art relate to life?
JW: It’s who I am. It always has been. People always knew me as the guy who could draw. I am a visionary with a hidden purpose that is now being exposed.
JW: It’s who I am. It always has been. People always knew me as the guy who could draw. I am a visionary with a hidden purpose that is now being exposed.
VoiceCNC: What is your story? How do you want you art and life to be used to reach others?
JW: My story is inspirational, uplifting and glorifying God outside of the box. It’s to have others think bigger than---. VoiceCNC: What is your word to other inspiring artists? JW: Don’t quit, never give up, no matter the circumstances. You can learn from everything you see and from every inspiration. Just because you can’t see the results now doesn’t mean that things aren’t working out in your favor. You are unique, an enigma. There’s no one like you---embrace it. Joe is also an associated artist with The Glory Cloud publications the parent of CLubK4C and Voice of One Christian News & Commentary (VoiceCNC.com) To can connect with Joe “Spoon” Witherspoon at-http://www.chzn1mediacreations.com/ and www.freelance.com |