By |

Ok music lovers, art fans and all-around supporters of creativity, times are changing as I’m certain you’ve noticed. Thanks to the web, you can keep up with your favorite artists, their passions, their inspirations and projects as they happen. You can customize your information flow to the odd concert announcement or you can hang on every word…literally EVERY word!

But there’s another shift in interaction that has become invaluable and that’s the transition from “fan” to “supporter” of the arts. While it’s no secret that physical sales for musicians have dramatically decreased and digital theft has been crippling, the up side is that we’ve started to realize that it is difficult to stop human expression and a bit easier to kill commerce. The reality is that if we want to remain inspired by creative expression, then we must find a way to directly financially support our creators. One of the ways this is happening right now is through organizations like Kickstarter.

The concept is simple enough. You pay for your record before it is made, thereby ensuring that the artist will be able to complete the project. I could bore you to tears on how helpful this is when having to manage your craft as a business, but I won’t unless you beg. What I’m guessing you want is more music, more passion, more links to art that inspire your soul.

I’ve been so inspired by watching others create, that I’m starting to get a little itchy. Who knows, maybe I’ll start “kicking it” soon?

XOXO
Jennifer

20120310-144105.jpg
Here are a couple of projects I’ve not only donated my time to, but I’ll also be chipping in a few bucks for the finished work:
20120310-134401.jpg
MERCYLAND: Hymns for the Rest of Us
Produced by Phil Madeira
Featuring: Emmylou Harris, The Civil Wars, Buddy Miller, Matt Kearney and more..
All I can say is if you haven’t met Phil yet, you should and his writing on this project is a great place to start. I don’t know what more I can say except letting the title speak for itself.


20120310-175830.jpg
Let Your Light Shine
Produced by Hancock Productions
Wheaton College alumni Markie Hancock and Stephen Henderson have joined forces to tell the story of what life is like for LGBT students as they funnel through evangelical colleges like their alma mater. For many, the strain of silence was broken when those who braved to stand and tell their story became the voice of OneWheaton.

By |

Available to purchase right here on Jennifer’s website – CD’s, T-Shirts and more Jennifer Knapp merchandise items!  3CD Back Catalog Package Now ON SALE!

 

By |

Today is National Coming Out Day. A day that I find myself reflecting on the last year and a half of living as an “out” public figure.

Far away from the public eye, I long contemplated the importance or significance of this fact being available for public knowledge. People accused, asked, wondered and hoped for a long time whether or not I would ever answer the question: Are you gay?

I seriously considered the idea that it really isn’t anyone’s business. I am who I am. I love who I love. What difference does it make whether or not people know? My partner, friends and family, and my faith have been the backbone to affirming in me a sense of pride, responsibility and compassion that I have always sought to reflect. Still, I can say it’s very strange to consider whether or not to issue a press release regarding my sexual orientation. So the pressing question was: What difference does it make?

For me, the difference maker was one of personal integrity. I am gay and that is the truth. I wanted to honor not only myself, but those who know me best. By believing in my own journey enough to claim it, I found that who I am is not written by the pen of others, but how I personally take responsibility for my life. By speaking aloud that I am gay, I soon began to realize the impact of that truth was not only personal, it has been powerful for others as well.

It is always a test of courage and self-worth to share yourself with another person. Perhaps that is why one of the greatest offenses to the human spirit is silencing the voice of another. Today, you may discover a friend, your child, a fellow church member or co-worker identifies as LGBT. Today, you may be asked to “out” yourself when you reveal how you feel about them. What difference does it make to you?

A cheeky video blog where I drop in on Liberty University