A master
craftsman at work
Bob Cording dedicates
his skill to the kingdom
Whether
directing from behind a movie camera, or composing in oils in front of an easel,
Bob Cording is an artist. In a unique career that has touched four decades, he
has expressed his commitment to Jesus Christ on screen and on canvas. His
talent has taken him around the world, and has returned him to his studio in
Valley Center. Now it has returned him to his roots, in a full-circle sort of
way.
Cording,
who has been an independent film producer for Campus Crusade’s “The
Jesus Film Project,” has recently completed the JFP Inspirational Art
Collection - fine art based on scenes from “The Jesus Film” itself.
“It
has been an interesting creative journey,” he says. “The commission
was really ideal for me because I’ve been close to the Project as a
filmmaker, and it gave me the time and opportunity to develop inspirational
paintings — something that has always been of great interest to me. With
fine arts training at both Wheaton College and the Art Institute of Chicago,
Cording was also the perfect person for the job.
The
true-to-life paintings, available at www.JesusFilmArt.com, depict dramatic
scenes from the life of Christ: “Follow Me” on the Sea of Galilee,
“The Little Children,” “A Light for My Path,” and
various portrait settings. In addition to framed art, the paintings are
available in gift size with scripture references, and as greeting cards.
The
paintings took Cording a year to complete. While the paintings were originally
intended for supporters of “The Jesus Film Project,” they are now
being made available to everyone. The artwork was “inspired out of a
desire to create quality fine art with an eternal purpose,” according to
Paul Eshleman, director of “The Jesus Film Project.”
“It
is our hope and prayer that the paintings will be an inspiring addition to
home, office, and church,” Eshleman said. All revenue generated by the
Jesus Film Art will be used to support “The Jesus Film Project.”
It
will be a source of funding for more translations of the film, and for the
continued distribution of the film worldwide. For Cording the artwork has
brought with it tremendous personal satisfaction. “I started as a fine
artist,” he explains, “and then got into films. Since then
I’ve produced dramas, documentaries and sports films on everything from
16mm to 35mm and high definition.” Asked to compare the creative process
of filmmaking and painting, he mentions Leonardo da Vinci as an example.
“I
think if da Vinci were alive today, he would be a film producer,” Cording
explains.
As
a “Renaissance Man,” his interests and cultural endeavors led him
into a variety of areas including architecture, engineering, sculpture, and, of
course painting. Cinematography, special effects, music, art direction - with
all the dramatic elements and techniques available to film production today, da
Vinci would feel right at home. Perhaps when he was finished, you and I would
respond to his films very much like we respond to his paintings today.”
Cording
describes the process as “very similar to painting” where the story
becomes the picture itself, complete with all the elements of the background
and lighting. Ironically, Cording says that he often has both processes in mind
when he is working. “When I’m on set producing and directing a
movie, I’ll think about how I would capture this scene in the studio.
When painting I’ll think about how I would expand what I’m doing into
a completed film. It is a creative process, one that is very interesting and
motivating.”
Since he began as a filmmaker in the
1970s, Cording’s primary motivation has been ministry. “Most of my
films have been ministry oriented,” he notes. “I’ve been fortunate
that it is something the Lord has opened up for me.” The open door has
led to such projects as ‘The Son Worshipers,’ still considered one
of the most important Christian films ever produced, ‘The Harvest,’
‘The Millennial Tribute’ and a number of other television specials
produced for ‘The Jesus Film Project’ itself. He has produced
nearly 50 films, including two feature-length productions, and received
recognition from the National Association of Television Arts & Sciences,
the Angel Awards, and the Crown Awards. As important as the Jesus Film Art is,
Cording is in the process of completing work at the San Clemente offices of
“The Jesus Film Project” that may have equal significance. Called
the “Wall of Honor,” the project will include the names of men who
have been martyred for showing “The Jesus Film” in their country.
Included in the memorial will be a portrait of each man, painted by Cording,
and a description of the circumstances of his death.
“There
is a similar memorial at the Campus Crusade headquarters in Orlando,”
Cording explains, “and now we will have the same thing here on the West
Coast. It has been a very touching assignment for me to depict someone who has
been willing to minister in dangerous areas and give his life so that others may
know about Jesus.”
On
canvas today, and perhaps on screen soon, Bob Cording continues to devote
himself as a craftsman to the true Master at work.