Refractions:
A Journey of Faith, Art, and Culture
by Makoto Fujimura

     This contemplative book is written from the introspective viewpoint of an artist, Makoto Fujimura, as a man who survived 911 and lives only a few blocks from Ground Zero in New York City.  His heartfelt desire is to encourage artists to "wrestle with the deep questions of art, faith, and humanity in order to inspire the creative community to engage the culture that is and create the world that ought to be."  Mr. Fujimura shows some of his accomplishments as an artist, using essay to demonstrate his skills and thinking in the creative process of developing artwork. 


In Refractions, Mr. Fujimura addresses such topics as:

• 911
• the National Council on the Arts
• teens with regressive behaviors
• tensions between the "old" and the "new" culture in China
• the collision of art and democracy
• sharing the true meaning of Christmas through art
• dance – the gift of physical grace
• the purpose of art
• and more. 

     While this book was more of an ethereal series of essays, thoughts, and prayers than I am used to reading, it made me think…a lot.  I realize that my view of life is far different, maybe not theologically, but in my awareness of all that is around me.  This was an interesting book that I prefered to read in bits and pieces, one chapter at a time.  Whether you are an artist or not, I think you will enjoy this deeper philosophical book. 

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I was provided with a complimentary copy of Refractions by the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion of the book.  No other compensation was provided.