1. Who are you and what is your "art"?
Tom "the Bomb" Miyashiro; Author, Radio Personality, Evangelist
2. How long have you been doing what you do? How did you get started?
I went into ministry the same year I got saved... when I was 16, which was nearly 10 years ago!! I went into radio also at 16. I wrote the book by accident... I sent my manuscript to a publisher for feedback just to see if it was any good and ended up with a book deal!
3. How does your art fit into your schedule? When, where do you get it done?
I have been in full time ministry since January of this year. Before then, I spent all my spare time developing my radio program, Real Life Radio. I wrote the bulk of my first book on the plane ride home when we came back to America!!
4. How and where does God fit into your "art"?
God is at the center of all I do. I love to share the gospel with people that don't know Christ using any means, which includes all my talents and skills.
5. Why do you love what you do?
I love sharing the gospel because there is no better thing in life then to know that you have changed someone's forever. I love radio because I love talking and I love entertaining - I have been doing that my whole life! I also find that radio is a great way to proclaim Christ. I love writing because it is like leaving a legacy. When you publish something, it has the potential to outlive you. Writing is better than speaking because you have to spend more time thinking about how you want to communicate something in a way everyone can understand.
6. Do you see your art as being mainly for you, for others, or for God?
I think the cool thing about what I do is that it fills all three needs equally. By doing what God has called me to do, I get to do what I love, which serves others and meets their need, whilst obeying God! What a blessing!!
Do you ever have trouble finding balance between those?
Sometimes one can get so busy doing God stuff that one can miss God in it all. Sadly, this happens to me sometimes so I have to find a balance in coming back to God's throne and renew that personal relationship that God desires to have with all of us...
7. How is what you do "creative"? Do you see it as "art"?
I know that what I do takes a bit of creativity, but on a normal day, I don't really have time to think about it. I just do it.
8. What inspires you?
People who are on fire for God. God's miracles! Encouraging notes when I feel like giving up. Testimonies of people who find Christ in strange places. Stuff like that.
9. Is there an artistic accomplishment you are particularly proud of?
My first book was definitely a big (and unexpected accomplishment). It has been a great experience!
10. What do you find most rewarding about what you do?
I love to see people's lives changed... obviously. I think I already said that?
11. What is most challenging about what you do?
Sometimes it feels as though the world is overcome with sin. Sometimes it seems like what God says is possible is impossible. Yet, God always comes through...
12. Share some of your philosophy about creativity.
I think creativity is something that everyone has to some degree or another. God is a creative being and I think he puts that trait in us - as we are created in his image. As we draw closer to Christ, I believe that we become more creative as individuals because when we hang out with our creator, we start doing stuff we were created to do.
13. If there were no barriers (money/time restraints, location, etc.),what would you love to create?
I would love to create Christian TV to reach more people for Christ. Although Christian programming is getting better, I still find it lacking and I would love to create real innovative material to reach non Christians in a meaningful and modern way.
14. Who are some of your favorite artists?
In radio - a guy named Mike Rimmer. He has a show called Rimmerama in the UK and I learned a lot about interviewing bands by listening to him.
In evangelism- Luis Palau is definitely a hero of faith to me. He has dedicated his life to share the gospel with millions in a clear and relevant way.
In music- my friends, thebandwithnoname. They have found a way to share their faith in a no-compromise kind of way in public schools and still have some of the coolest music on earth!
15. Do you have any advice for aspiring artists?
Be led by God. Jump first, think later.
16. Is there a verse or quote that inspires you?
2 Chron. 7:14 If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.
17. What is your next "Art Project?
I am currently writing a new book, but I can't say much about it right now. All I can say is that Amy and I have been through a lot and we both have much to say about it.
18. How can we pray for you?
Pray that God continues to use me and my ministry -Faith 2 Faith- to reach thousands of young people for Christ!
~ Tom "the Bomb" Miyashiro
