with Amber Knorr
What if creating something beautiful could become a way of praying?
In this episode of The Creative Catholics, Alex sits down with sacred artist and art professor Amber Knorr to talk about beauty, creativity, vocation, and the ways art can lead us into a deeper encounter with God.
Amber shares her journey from studying theology and catechetics at Franciscan University of Steubenville to pursuing a master's degree in sacred art in Florence, Italy. She reflects on how being surrounded by beauty in Florence shaped her understanding of the artist's vocation and why beauty can be such a powerful path to evangelization.
The conversation also explores Amber's monumental sacred artwork, including her work on The Universal Call to Holiness for Franciscan University's Christ the King Chapel. She explains how she approaches the challenge of representing holiness visually—and why holiness can be found not only in the lives of the saints, but in the ordinary vocation of each person.
Amber also pulls back the curtain on the hidden life of the creative process. Much of her work, she explains, happens long before the paintbrush touches the canvas: in prayer, Scripture, adoration, and listening for the images God places on her heart.
Together, Alex and Amber discuss:
Why beauty can open hearts to God
The vocation of the Catholic artist
How sacred art can become a form of evangelization
The connection between beauty, suffering, and sacrifice
What it means to pray while creating
How Scripture can inspire a work of art
Creating art that points beyond the artist to Christ
The San Damiano Cross and Amber's experience teaching sacred art in Austria
Why ordinary creativity can become an offering to God
The importance of creating work that can transcend trends and speak across generations
Whether you're a professional artist, a creative hobbyist, a parent, a teacher, or simply someone who wants to bring more beauty into everyday life, this conversation is an invitation to see creativity differently.
Our creativity doesn't have to be extraordinary to be offered to God. We can make beautiful things—and live beautiful lives—as a gift to Him.
In This Episode
Amber Knorr — Sacred artist and art professor at Franciscan University of Steubenville.
Amber studied theology and catechetics before pursuing sacred art in Florence, Italy. Her work explores the intersection of faith, beauty, Scripture, and the human encounter with Christ.
Mentioned in the Episode
The San Damiano Cross — The crucifix that spoke to St. Francis of Assisi and became a significant part of his conversion and vocation.
The Universal Call to Holiness — Amber's monumental painting for Franciscan University's Christ the King Chapel, depicting people living out their unique vocations alongside the saints in heaven.
Mary Magdalene — One of Amber's paintings inspired by the Gospel account of the woman with the alabaster jar.
Sacred Art School - Classical art school in Florence, Italy
A Question to Take With You
What is one ordinary creative act you could offer to God today?
Thank you for listening to The Creative Catholics. Until next time, stay creative and keep making what matters most.
Connect with Amber Knorr
On Instagram: @amberknorrart
Website: amberknorrart.com
Connect with The Creative Catholics
If this episode encouraged you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with another creative.
Follow @TheCreativeCatholics on Instagram to share your creations and join the community.
Sponsors/Links
A huge thank you to Alto and Ascension Press for sponsoring this episode. Check out Alto - Ascension Press’ New Daily Prayer Companion and use discount code CREATIVE10 for 10% off your subscription
Intro/outro music by Marie Miller
If you’re interested in recording/editing audio files, please check out Riverside
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