Bearing God's Image by creating beautiful things

A Servant in the Court of The King of Kings

It is no longer I who live...

Painter, Writer, Singer, Crafter, Entrepreneur...

Growing up, I believed I needed to follow one specific niche or career choice in order to be successful in this life. Yet with a passion for numerous creative outlets (drawing, painting, singing, writing, crafting, homesteading, gardening, music, video-games, and more…), finding “the right path” that suited me best proved a seemingly impossible task...

The pursuit of happiness through my own gifts and passions proved even more daunting as I found myself in love with things that many folks around me saw as unserious and unrealistic career paths. Though my hobbies were pure and good, I chose to believe the criticisms of those who neither cared for, nor understood the value of true art.

So there I was, many talents yet satisfied with none and left wondering what my purpose was in life.

That was until Jesus Christ, the sinless Son of God who is God, broke through my heart of stone and made me into a new creation. I now understand Jesus as not only my Savior, but my Lord. Realising that Christ is the one who is directing my steps, the path that was once bleak and dark became illuminated and hopeful.

I grew to understand that the labels didn’t matter; the interests I had certainly didn’t matter. I didn’t have to give up any of my passions. Rather, I could embrace them all because everything I do is no longer for myself or for anyone else, but for my God, His glory and for me to enjoy Him and His presence for all eternity.

“Man’s chief end is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever”
-The Westminster Shorter Catechism

All of the talents and passions that I have were given to me by the Lord and these creative outlets I always loved and enjoyed had simply made me an artist.

The Art of Lem is a personal project that aims to glorify God with these gifts, bless others and show them the Savior Jesus through my work, and find joy in this life through creative pursuits. Here, you will find a range of styles and mediums and various forms of art on display, as well as other unique creative projects. Just as God’s own Kingdom and creation is full of diversity and variety, so it is my goal and passion to show that in my own artwork.

...but Christ who lives in me!

"So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God." 1 Cor. 10:31 ESV

Being an artist is a calling from God and when done to the best of one's ability, with full joy in one's heart, it displays the reality that all human beings were created in the image of their awesome Creator. God Himself is the Master Artist of the universe and I hope to bring glory to His name and share the truth of His saving grace by creating my own artwork as well as sharing the love of Jesus Christ and giving back to ministries that are doing good and furthering His Kingdom.

In life, death, the good, the bad, through the calm and the storm, I am called to live my life as before the face of my God because I have been bought with a hefty price. Therefore in everything I do I will do it for His glory and for His kingdom.

What are the values of The Art of Lem?

The Art of Lem values integrity, honesty and quality above all else. As a firm reformed Christian, I do not believe in stealing, cheating or lying about my artwork, projects and especially any products or services I offer. You can expect nothing but above-the-table, straightforward behavior, communication and integrity.

However, though I am a believer with strong principles, that does not mean I am legalistic or even “PG" in my speech and presentation. Blunt, outspoken, political and sometimes disturbing imagery will frequent my work as well as humor or topics that some may deem as “insensitive”.

If you’re expecting a 1950’s style homeschool “soccer mom” blogger with gentle aesthetics and language then my work is probably not for you.

Strict no ai policy

In light of recent developments in the art world in regard to the use of generative AI and all the issues that could potentially arise, The Art of Lem has written an official statement on the topic that you can read below...

This statement is a reflection of my own personal convictions and is the official position on the matter for my own Art business and is in no way, shape or form trying to claim moral superiority or even push and enforce onto others my personal position on the matter.

I care about transparency and want to be upfront about what any viewers, followers and clients can expect from me and my work.

“Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but he who makes his ways crooked will be found out.” Proverbs 10:9 ESV

Official Statement on the use of Generative AI

THE ART OF LEM PROJECT is a multi-platform, multifaceted art project ran by one, real, human person with occasional collaborations with other artists and creatives and is openly opposed to the use, endorsement and promotion of any generative Artificial Intelligence programs. I - the artist and creator of this project - do not use Generative AI (visual, audio, editorial, conceptual) in any part of the creative process in my own work or development of any of my projects or social media accounts. All of the assets and artwork I own are/were made by me without the assistance of any AI program at any point. Any assets I acquired or use that are not my own, I went through the proper means of obtaining permission to use. If any assets, features or functions used in any of my websites, stores or social media contain AI or were created using AI, they were used and obtained on my part with ignorance of that fact and will be promptly removed upon proof of the use of AI. The Art of Lem does not permit any of my art work or videos to be used to train any AI program and the selling or redistributing of my work without previous contract or permissions will be met with legal retaliation. The Art of Lem firmly holds to the above statement based on personal conviction and is by no means claiming or trying to promote superior morality based on these convictions.

Sincerely,

Leslie McKinley | The Art of Lem

What kind of Art do I make?

The Art of Lem is a multifaceted and multifunctional art project that consists of various styles, mediums, genres and outlets.

While my specialty is traditional fine art, I have a strong passion for writing, music, social media content creation, video editing, and even hand-made crafts.

My experience as an artist stretches nearly my whole life starting around 10 years old and includes:

8 years, self taught experience
4 years Art College
6 years post-college Experience
2 years of Private Art Tutoring
and I’ve been doing freelance commission work since 2018.

My Specialties Include:

PHOTOREALISTIC HUMAN PORTRAITURE
ANIMAL PORTRAITURE
CHRISTIAN SURREALISM
REALISTIC & STYLIZED ILLUSTRATION
CHARACTER DESIGN FOR TABLETOP RPGS
ORIGINAL COMICS/GRAPHIC NOVELS
HANDMADE CROCHET & KNIT ITEMS
WRITING
MUSIC & SINGING
VIDEO EDITING & CONTENT CREATION

My favorite art mediums include:

GRAPHITE
PEN & INK
OIL PAINT
COLORED PENCIL
WATERCOLOR
RASTERIZED DIGITAL PAINT
DIGITAL PIXEL ART/ANIMATION

Coram Deo

Before the Face of God