A Conversation on Creative Consciousness
“Those who perceive in themselves this kind of divine spark which is the artistic vocation … feel at the same time the obligation not to waste this talent” (Pope St. John Paul II).
Sometimes, faith and business can collide—but not always. Even when our 9-to-5 is not for a Catholic company, the Holy Spirit can work through us to make an impact. In a conversation with Katy Repetto, creative director at Momeni Rugs, we chatted about creative consciousness and how the Holy Spirit can work through us whether our jobs are faith-focused or not. Here, she shares how even though she does not work for a Catholic company, she calls on God daily; discusses the letter from a pope that inspired her; and gives some advice to all creatives:
Creative Consciousness Is Awareness of the Holy Spirit Working Through Us
To me, [creative consciousness] is the awareness that God is present and I am drawing from His inspirations and guidance to bring something unique and beautiful into the world that is a part of a greater plan. We do not know the big picture of [God's plans], but when we are open to the Holy Spirit using his tools to manifest an idea into the world, we cannot assume to know how it will be used to influence another soul on their journey to Heaven. The desire to be creative is innate in all of us, but I generally use this term in the areas of art and design. It is when we turn our consciousness, awareness, and creativity towards the Heavens and ask God to use us for his greater glory.
Creativity Is God’s Love Language
[God] chose to express his love in the gift of Creation, [and] creation is rooted in His love. God meant for us to enjoy creativity and continue His creative legacy alongside Him. When we are being creative, we are mimicking our Father. In this way, we are so much like children who can’t wait to show our work of art to be praised by our parents. God sees the work of art as a gift. We are his vessel to bring something totally unique and special into the world.
What I find most fascinating is how He invites us to participate in this love language of creativity. He wants to create through us. He wants to reveal more about Himself through creatives. He [wants] us to be conscious and aware that the creative force of the Holy Spirit is moving in [us] to reveal Himself to [us] and to the world.
Jesus Was a Creative
Remember that Jesus was actually a carpenter before He went on His public mission. So, the first 30 years of His life, He was preparing to save the world from sin by making useful things ... out of wood.
This teaches me that he was preparing spiritually through his very material work. The Father was alongside his Son creating things, [and] the Holy Spirit was preparing Him for His mission when the fullness of time was at hand. While He constructed objects for daily use, He was preparing to save us from sin and open wide the gates of heaven.
Jesus was more aware than anyone ... [of] the unity between physical and the spiritual. … He could have chosen any profession in a leadership role, but ... He chose to be a humble carpenter. Our work has tremendous value in the eyes of God, no matter what that work is or how trivial it may seem.
Cultivate a Daily Practice to Stay Faith-centered
Before I start work, every morning, I get on my knees to pray. Next to my monitor is a picture of Our Lady of Guadalupe, a statue of Saint Joseph, and a statue of Saint Gerard. I pray one Hail Mary, and I ask for Mary and the Holy Spirit to help my efficiency, productivity, creativity, and all my work efforts. In my design process, my creative conscience is really quite simple. It’s nothing too deep, and I think that [the more] I approach my design work in [a] childlike way, the more God can really take over.
Nine years ago, I had a newborn baby [and was] living in an apartment, stressed out and selecting a color palette for a rug. I asked my husband for his opinion, and he answered, “Don’t overthink it.” Those three words stick with me every day as I make design decisions. If I overthink it, I get stuck and lean too much on my own human insecurity. … Often, I will feel the voice in my heart telling me that a color doesn’t feel right or [to] go deeper, brighter, tonal, etc. Inspiration can build upon itself little by little.
Greet God Like You Would a Co-worker
Just as you walk into the office and acknowledge your co-workers or greet your family when you walk in the door, acknowledge the presence of the Holy Spirit as you enter into any creative endeavor. The more open you are and aware of the Holy Spirit working through you in the creative process, the more He is able to do in you and through you.
We are creating alongside our maker, and the force of life is what drives us. Whether we realize it or not, He is the source for all creativity and beauty. Learn to love him in the creative process. Learn to allow Him to love you in the creative process.
Understand the Words of Pope St. John Paul II
I highly recommend that everyone [artist or otherwise] read Pope St. John Paull II’s “Letter to Artists.” The depth of his understanding and knowledge regarding God the Father’s creative nature really blew my mind. It opened my eyes to how impactful creatives are on our culture. I read this letter at a time in my life when I was coming to terms with my Catholic faith, and a wealth of grace was pouring into my soul as I was seeking the Truth. In my teenage years, I loved art because it preached self-expression and embraced the weirdness in me. As I grew over the years, I realized that this truly is a gift and not given to me with the intention of making it a self-absorbed practice. This was a vocation, a talent and a path for me to serve.
Your Work Will Provide Light and Hope
The work that only you uniquely will bring into the world is needed for these times, to call our culture to a higher standard of love and respect. Art and design can divide a culture, but we have a great responsibility as designers to unite. Whether it’s on social media, creative marketing, digital content, etc., our abilities have more power than ever to make an impression through creativity.
What are those messages we are choosing to spread? Don’t think for a second that your work does not have an impact. You never know whose eyes are going to land on your masterpiece. … What is your message to humanity going to say? Will it be a message of division, conflict, or discouragement? Or will it be a message of hope, goodness, love, joy, and peace? I don't know much about the man who said this, but I love what he said: “Beauty will save the world” (Fyodor Dostoyevsky, “The Idiot”).
Alexandra Gonzalez Repetto is a native Washingtonian turned New Yorker. A beauty marketer by trade, she has worked at companies such as Unilever and L'Oreal over the last decade. Most recently, she has been working in the beauty start-up space leading marketing and business development. Other than being a beauty junkie by day, her dream is to turn her love of writing into a side hustle as a fiction writer. Until then, between running after her little two girls and work, she finds pockets to write as a volunteer or freelance when she can.