Ep 113. Turning Creativity Into Prayer with Artist Carla Quigley

What if your creativity could become a conversation with God?

In this episode of Of Sound Mind and Spirit, Shelly and Lisa welcome Catholic artist Carla Quigley for a beautiful conversation about faith, creativity, prayer, and finding God in ordinary moments.

Carla, the artist behind the Of Sound Mind and Spirit logo, shares how she discovered that creating art could become a form of prayer. From paintings filled with hidden symbols of faith to doodling during Eucharistic Adoration, Carla invites us to look at creativity in a new way—not as something reserved for “artists,” but as a gift that can draw us closer to God.

The conversation also explores what happens when our plans go wrong. Carla shares the story behind one of her favorite paintings—a monstrance that began as a mistake—and how God used what she thought was a failure to create something beautiful. It becomes a powerful reminder that God can redeem our mistakes and bring beauty from the messes of our lives.

In This Episode

• How creativity can become a form of prayer
• Why making something beautiful can be an offering to God
• The connection between Catholic art and the domestic church
• How Carla uses Scripture, journaling, and doodling during Adoration
• What a “failed” painting taught Carla about God’s faithfulness
• The wisdom of the saints, including St. Thérèse of Lisieux
• How to persevere through seasons of consolation and desolation
• Finding God in ordinary, creative moments

Your Invitation

You don't have to consider yourself an artist to try this.

Set aside a little time this week to create something with God. Paint, draw, write a letter, journal, bake bread, garden, or simply make something beautiful.

Don't do it for social media. Don't worry about whether it's good enough.

Simply begin with the prayer:

“Lord, may this small act of beauty bring You glory.”

Then pay attention to what happens when creativity becomes a way of noticing God's presence.

Scripture for Reflection

“And we know that in everything God works for good with those who love him.” — Romans 8:28

Find Carla Quigley

Carla Quigley is a Catholic artist whose work combines creativity, faith, Scripture, and storytelling. Find her on social media as Carla Quigley Art and explore her artwork through her Etsy shop.

Carla Quigley Art on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/carlaquigleyart/

Carla Quigley Art on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/CarlaQuigleyArt/

Carla Quigley Art on Etsy - https://www.etsy.com/shop/CarlaQuigleyArt

We’d Love to Hear From You

Have you ever experienced creativity as prayer? We'd love to hear about it.

You don't have to post your creation publicly. Share your experience with us—or with someone you love—and consider how God might be inviting you to bring a little more beauty into the world.

Email us at SoundMindandSpirit@gmail.com

If this episode encouraged you, share it with another woman who could use a reminder that God can work through her creativity, too.