Dr. Emily H. Bruff explores connections of faith, visual art, creativity, imagination, theology, art history, art making and the Christian experience. As a researcher, artist and ministry consultant, Emily desires to come along side church leaders and ministry groups to demystify our aesthetic theology and create intentional environments and experiences using visual art for spiritual formation.
From my earliest memories, I have been revived by exploring and absorbing God's creation. My young days were spent in the quiet luxury of a rope swing that overlooked a cotton field next to my home in North Alabama. Some of my inspiration as an artist has come from those early days of simple play in my own backyard. More recently, my art has been inspired by my own desperate need for Jesus' unfailing love and healing restoration.
When I am not creating art I am studying art all over the world, in person, as much as possible. There is nothing like stepping in front of something that was created hundreds or even thousands of years before I existed. The vehicle through which I learn about all things is art. Any time I can bring my family along for the ride, the sweeter the experience.
Contemplative art has become a favorite mode of expression, aiding in healing for myself and others and inspired further theological study. I received my Doctor of Ministry from Lipscomb University and my research focused on the use of visual art for spiritual formation. My desire is to help individuals, pastors and churches find ways to engage with visual art as spiritual formation in their lives and ministries.
My little corner of the world is now in Franklin, TN where I enjoy being a mom to 3 and wife to Derek. In my day job I enjoy my work as a marketer for Zondervan Academic.
The views expressed on this site are my personal views and do not necessarily reflect the views of my employer.