For many, the words “creativity, beauty, and faith” often evoke images of a distinctly Western-centric theology and aesthetic—Renaissance paintings, stained glass windows, and grand cathedrals. But this perspective is only one part of a larger picture; every culture and community has unique ways of expressing the connection between God and a creative life.
The Asian American experience is no exception. As artists, creatives, makers, and entrepreneurs, we have a distinct role to play in shaping this conversation. As a Chinese American Christian artist, here are a few reflections on how creativity, beauty, and faith intersect in my own journey:
The Creative Process in Community
In Western art history, the image of the artist is often that of a lone genius—Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Pablo Picasso—visionaries whose individual brilliance seemed almost divine. While their contributions were profound, this notion of the solitary artist feels increasingly outdated. Today, in an era of global connection and digital collaboration, creativity is rarely a solitary act.
The Asian American story is deeply rooted in collaboration. Our cultures emphasize community, honor, and interdependence. Creativity, when infused with these values, becomes something powerful. At Alabaster and Ritual Studio, the creative process is never a solo endeavor—it’s a collective process, shaped by a team working in harmony. Creativity flourishes when done together.
Indirectness and the Power of Art to Bring Goodness Into The World
Asian Americans are often characterized by quietness, indirectness, and restraint—traits that are sometimes viewed as barriers to bringing about real change in the world. While it is crucial to speak up for justice, we should also recognize that silence and indirectness have their own forms of power.
Art itself is an indirect form of communication. A truly beautiful work of art invites the viewer to step outside of themselves, centering their experience on something beyond. When art is used to advocate for a better world, it can shape hearts and minds—often serving as the first step toward lasting and meaningful change.
Jesus was an advocate for the marginalized, inviting us to do the same. As Asian American creatives, we can reclaim our cultural strengths, using our unique ways of expression to advocate for change in the world that are deeply resonant and transformative.
Creativity and the “In-Between”
Artists often exist on the edges, navigating between different groups, cultures, and ideas—bridging gaps, reconciling tensions, and bringing the unseen into view.
This mirrors the Asian American experience. We live in the “in-between”: growing up speaking English at school and Chinese at home, blending cultural traditions, and moving fluidly between worlds. This ability to connect across differences is not just a skill—it’s an identity. Jesus himself embodied the “in-between,” bridging divinity and humanity.
Ultimately, the ability to go “in-between” is a form of cultivating empathy. Asian Americans are uniquely positioned to be bridge-builders, revealing glimpses of shalom in the world. And that is a beautiful thing. Amen.
Image credit: Alabaster Co.
Bryan Ye-Chung
Bryan Ye-Chung is the co-founder of Ritual Studio, a design agency that develops genre-defining brands, and Alabaster Co., a company exploring the intersection of creativity, beauty, and faith. View Full Bio
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