Adorning the Dark is a beautiful book about art (the process of creating and digesting), community, and what it means to create. Like a master weaver, Ander Peterson threads his life story in dispersed images. We get to see a glimpse of the thoughts and processes that Peterson goes through when writing a song or story. In this book, Peterson encourages all people to think critically about art and who we would consider artists. Sure, there are people who are paid to be artists, but all people, in some way, shape, form, or fashion have a level of artistry in their arsenal.
More often than not, this arsenal is never touched because we will never be able to attain the level of greatness that was Rich Mullins, C.S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkien, Anna Akhmantova, Edgar Allen Poe, Makoto Fujimura, and the list goes on. We compare ourselves to the greats and never write that song or story, or paint that picture because “we are unworthy.” Peterson tears down those walls for those who don’t to just get started. At the same time, he encourages those already in the trade to continue to think more critically about their art to do better and to ultimately glorify God.
This was such an encouraging read for me. After finishing it, I turned on Rich Mullins and drank in the depths of the beauty of his music. I’m so thankful for Andrew Peterson taking the time to give us a little peek into his life.
Stephen Archer 