Artistic Alchemy

Bazyn's poems seek to encourage Christians of all stripes to present a new song unto the Lord--by actual example and useful advice. All sorts of issues relating to creativity are touched upon, whether theological, psychological, sociological, philosophical, linguistic, or autobiographical.

Among the topics covered: finding your own voice; reading widely and deeply in the classics; being spare, concise in your style; discovering your genuine self beneath its assorted masks; taking occasional flights of fantasy; considering your mind as a house of memory; perfecting your art, even in a miniature way.

Celebrating your mentors--among the authors are Dickinson, Donne, and Hafez; reflecting on your past by looking at old photographs; drawing inspiration from home and family; not allowing overly critical editors to stifle your creativity; recognizing that the artistic life may be a lonely and perilous journey toward fulfillment; seeking after God's will in all that you do; never being afraid to head into deeper waters; acknowledging that we are, at best, half-converted souls.

Black-and-white photos by the author illumine the themes of these pieces. Also, there is a bibliography of recommended readings on creativity. Go, and find your voice; then let it rise up to the Lord night and day.


""I like Bazyn's writing and photography very much indeed. What impresses me most is the imaginative energy that he brings to the task.It is amazing!""
--Leland Ryken, Author ofA Complete Handbook of Literary Forms in the Bible

""I am astonished and delighted at the way Bazyn brings together spirituality, culture, philosophy, myth, and storytelling--along with captivating photos--to light up the meaning of words and phrases, and life itself.""
--Michael Leach, co-editor of The Way of Gratitude: Reflections for a Joyful Life


Ken Bazyn is long-time editorial director of Religious Book Club. He has written The Seven Perennial Sins and Their Offspring and Soul-Wrestling: Meditations in Monochrome. His articles have been published in forty periodicals, from Commonweal to Dialog, and his photographs have appeared in forty-five magazines. Bazyn's two previous books of poetry are Gospel Midrashim: Poems on the Life of Jesus and Jesting Angels: God's Lighter Side; his poems have appeared in sixteen little magazines.