Learning can occur through many different means. In studying epistemology (the study of learning) we find the different methods of evaluating truth, like empiricism, pragmatism, rationalism, etc. All of these are perfectly valid forms of finding truth. But we know, as Christians, that true enlightenment comes through faith in Christ and submitting our will to His. Truly great art is created in such a way that we can enjoy it and draw closer to our God in the process.
As Elder Ballard said, agency allows abuse of creative capacity. We don't necessarily have to work through humility to create great artistic pieces. But I firmly believe that we can always be better if we keep our focus on the Gospel. "[T]he commitment to be a composer or an artist or a poet is no less than the commitment to seek that which is divine."(Also quoted from Elder Ballard's speech) This quote says it much better than I ever could. Art is a search for divinity. What better way to find divinity than to obey God? Living His Gospel can only enrich our understanding and aide us in becoming better creators, closer to His ways. Having all been born with a knowledge of good and evil, all audiences will find a draw to a work that is not only technically noteworthy, but also steeped in Gospel truths.
The web series "Jer3miah" does a great job in exemplifying this. I admit that I don't love every aspect of the show, but I do appreciate very much the goals behind it. Parkin and Cardon intermix Gospel allusions with a fun, contemporary story and gutsy cinematic elements to create a work that is atypical of all genres. They make a conscious effort to stay true to eternal truths while holding themselves from falling prey to classic Mormon cinema cliche scenarios. I think it is a perfect example of what fantastic works Mormon artists can create without being overt in teaching principles. Just sticking close to the standards can sometimes be more powerful than even the sappiest of conversion stories. I say kudos to the team that created the works of "Jer3miah".
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