By BRIANNA BOES, The Way
JEFFERSON CITY, Missouri – When God called Rhonda Schrage to leave a traditional career and build a new one where “faith and art are intertwined,” some thought she was crazy, but she moved forward obediently and experienced the Lord with her every step of the way.
In 2015, Schrage became a full-time artist. Although she had long practiced abstract art, she mostly sold paintings of flowers and churches, which “felt safer.” In recent years, however, she has focused more on abstract paintings. “Abstracts are where God works through me,” Schrage says. “(It’s also) where God let me grow through my art… teaching me to be more vulnerable… instead of putting up walls, which is what I was used to.”
Schrage’s abstract paintings usually begin with a Bible text or prayer written in the first few layers of the artwork. These words are painted over, sometimes parts of them shine through, but they remain the inspiration for the painting. Whatever is written on this base layer is also included in a certificate of authenticity. This transition to selling abstract paintings was a “huge milestone,” according to Schrage, as it helped her open up and become vulnerable. It also allowed her to talk to buyers and other artists about the important messages behind her art.
However, when she began taking art classes in high school, Schrage never imagined that one day she would create such meaningful spiritual works.
A high school art teacher was Schrage’s first mentor, who taught her the basics. Although Schrage loved art, it didn’t seem like a viable career path at the time. She ended up working as a mortgage broker. As the years went by, “she had a family and (art) kind of got pushed aside.” Eventually, Schrage wanted to be there more for her children. She reduced her work hours.
Schrage’s salvation story occurred around the same time. Her family was invited to Concord Baptist Church in Jefferson City after her son attended some youth meetings there. The church held a revival meeting, and the sermons brought the gospel to some difficult situations the Schrage family found themselves in.
“I remember (the preacher) … talking about being forgiven,” she says. “There was a long pause, and then he said, ‘Yes, even for that,’ and something very specific went through my mind.” Schrage and her husband felt God speaking to them and could not deny God’s intervention in their lives. They accepted Christ together at the altar and were baptized that same day.
After that, Schrage prayed for guidance. Even after reducing her hours, things still weren’t going well. A few months later, she found a free online course called “Becoming the Unfolder of Yourself.” In the course, Christian creatives from various professions, such as carpenters, painters, and writers, “shared their stories and how they related to their work.” Schrage resonated with these creatives and began painting again. Then she opened an Etsy shop, and a year after switching her day job to part-time, Schrage became a full-time artist.
“I wasn’t selling enough to justify (quitting my job),” Schrage admits. “It wasn’t an easy thing.” She had to make sacrifices to afford the change, and her decision was viewed with skepticism. But God’s calling on her life had become clear; that was enough for her. “It really was about much more than just art. It was incredible… Our family life changed because I was there and more present.”
With God’s help, art became a healing tool in Schrage’s life. It also became a tool for growth. The art world is often hostile to Christianity, but God has given her numerous opportunities to be a light for Him. Schrage prays constantly that she will find more courage and opportunities to share the love of Christ through her art. “This fall I have a show at a gallery in Columbia, and there’s an opening celebration as part of that, so I’m going to… share a little bit about my art and my process,” Schrage says.
For Schrage, it is important that she shares her faith through her art because “art can be used for the kingdom (of God). There are many people in the art world who are very anti-Christian. There are many people who say they are Christians but have many non-Christian ideals. (Those) who… try to be obedient to the Lord can really make a difference through their work and by building those relationships.”
Schrage’s artistic career is growing and thriving, even if it’s challenging. It’s hard work running a creative business. “People have a very romanticized idea of what artists do,” she says. “There are days when I think, ‘I just want to sit behind a desk from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and then go home.'” But the lessons she’s learned about obedience and vulnerability have been worth it.
For Christians who want to pursue a career in the arts and want to know how, Schrage says the answer is “pray…that’s all I’ve done…I’ve prayed and followed what I felt strongly committed to. This isn’t going to be the same for everyone…I know this sounds kind of cheesy or crazy, but pray about it and try to follow what God is doing. Realize that it’s not going to be easy. I’ve always thought that nothing good is easy, and sometimes when I start to get those uncomfortable feelings, I think, ‘This is going to be good because it’s going to challenge me.'”
Schrage hopes to open a retail store one day, but that dream seems far in the future. In the meantime, Schrage says, “I’m going to keep praying that God will show me the way.”
To learn more about her art, visit Schrage’s website at www.rhondaschrage.com and sign up for her newsletter.
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This story was first published by The Pathway.
