Phil Nellis has spent the last four years discovering himself as an artist as well as working for his Master of Divinity degree at Mars Hill Graduate School. This past week, we held an artist reception at the school for Phil’s artwork, now on display in the MHGS lounge.

As we gathered surrounded by Phil’s art, Joshua Longbrake led a conversation with Phil about his creative process stating that “when people are creative, the world get’s put back together.” As an MHGS student, Phil has found new meaning in how we interpret the text of the world. His art is usually created in response, whether it be a letter of Paul, the music of David Bazan, or the stories of Flannery O’Conner that his wife reads aloud while he works, creating an intertextual creation that includes influential voices beyond his own.

“Art has to go through your heart…and then it has to go through your lower intestine.” –Phil Nellis

You can see more of Phil’s artwork off of his site at elnellis.com and read his personal blog here.

Phil’s art exhibit was followed by an intimate performance by David Bazan. Bazan spoke about his own struggle with faith and grappling with the text of Scripture. His music was played acoustically with no microphone, yet the audience was stunned at the music’s ability to fill the room and hearts of everyone present.