ABOUT THE ARTIST

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Mebane, NC, United States
My wife Emily and I currently live in Mebane, NC with our son Evan. I am actively accepting commissions at this time. You may request work by contacting me at artisservant@gmail.com. I currently charge $200 for 11x14 drawings and $150 for 8x10s. I sell prints of my work for $25 for 11x14 and $15 for 8x10. I hope that you will enjoy the works here displayed, and that you will contact me with your comments at artisservant@gmail.com - January 5th, 2015

Wednesday, July 18, 2007

A FRIEND OF CHRIST & A FRIEND OF MINE






















"Most High, glorious God,enlighten the darkness of my heart,and give me right faith,certain hope,and perfect charity,wisdom and understanding,Lord, that I may carry out your holy and true command.Amen."
- Prayer of Discernment before a Crucifix, by Saint Francis

My dearest friend among men, Brother Gregory Plow, T.O.R., will take the solemn vows of Poverty, Chastity, and Obedience this weekend, to become a fully professed friar of the Third Order Regular of Saint Francis. This drawing is a small thanks to God for His Benediction, and to my friend for his intense charity, and his "YES!" to God's calling.
Brother Gregory is one of the most incredible human beings that I know, and there is no one else that I know personally who more fully reflects in his own life the charism of Saint Francis. I know no other person who, on reaching Brother Gregory's years, has been able to keep so untarnished a youthful optimism and zeal for life and for others.
As I behold this completed drawing, I think of my friend, who has continued to become more and more the friend of Christ. For me, this drawing speaks to that friendship and intimacy with God that each of us should strive for. I know that Our Blessed Lord, and Gregory's spiritual father, Saint Francis, embrace him today, as he commits himself in a new and profound way to the work and person of Christ.

"The Lord be between me and you forever." - 1 Samuel 20:42
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1 comment:

  1. Fr. Gregory Plow, T.O.R.July 22, 2007

    I am deeply touched, David ... both by your words and by the original work of art that is now in my friary room next to the other original drawing of yours (of St. Francis in prayer). I too, in just as kind words you offered, appreciate our friendship as one given and sustained by the "Most High and Glorious God." THank you (and Emily) again for coming to my solemn vows. It meant so much to have you witness that. God bless you!

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WELCOME!

I appreciate your time and your interest in my work. If you are interested in knowing more about me and my philosophy of art, please feel free to scroll to the bottom of this page. I would rather spare those who have no interest in such things from having to read about me before looking at my work. God bless you :)

The Vocation of the Artist

I firmly believe that art is meant to serve others, especially in lifting the hearts of people, through "ephiphanies of beauty," (John Paul II's letter to artists) to the contemplation and the glory of God. The artist participates in a unique way in the inspiration of the Creator of all things, and knows something of His joy in the act of creation, for "the act of creation is an act of love."(The Agony and the Ecstacy) This act is essentially bound up with the mystery of the Incarnation of Jesus, in which what had been invisible was made visible in His person, His life and work, and finally in His death and resurrection. The artist is exhorted by the very perception of his gift to its service. Art is not merely, nor should it ever be, a vehicle for selfish ends or cheap shock and awe, but it must seek to give joy to the lives of others. The artist is then in the end merely a servant of truth, beauty, and goodness, and his work must serve to convey these to a wider audience. "Nor do men light a lamp and put it under a bushel, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven." (Matthew 15-16)I believe that the artist finds in the lives of Jesus, and of His foster father Joseph, essential role models, especially in their hidden life at Nazareth. Though very little is handed down to us in the Gospels or in tradition illuminating this period in Jesus' life, I believe that this hidden, simple, carpenter's life of "working quietly" (2 Thessalonians 3:11) can be a model for all artists, in which delight is daily sought in the manifestation of beauty in wood, paint, charcoal, dance, the stage, and music. This is a life of humility, where the artist freely accepts that this world, including his own work, "will pass away," (Matt. 24:35) but what it points to never will. Obedience to inspiration, especially as it is inspired by God's Word (itself the revelatory self-expression of God) is the artist's highest calling. This new site is dedicated to this higher calling of the artist, to this challenge.

You will find included in this site examples of my own work, as well as links to other sites which
celebrate the arts, and especially challenge the artist to reach the fullness of his own abilities
in the service of something greater than him or his work. I hope that you will enjoy this site, and
take full advantage of its links, especially the Letter to Artists of our Holy Father (of beloved memory) John Paul II. Thank you for your comments and your consideration of this website.

David Myers