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

Tuesday, September 11, 2007

RAISING OF THE FLAG AT IWO JIMA (completed on September 11th, 2007)

Two dear friends of my wife and I celebrated the birth of their firstborn son this past weekend. The husband teaches and coaches basketball at a local school in Richlands, NC, and his wife is a dentist in the Navy, serving the Marines at Camp Lejeune in Jacksonville, NC. The grandfather of the newborn is an officer in the Marine Corp, and thanks to he and his wife, Emily and I were able to stay in officers quarters at Camp Legeune while visiting the family. We are very appreciative for their hospitality. We are even more thankful for the service that each of them, both as officers and supporting family, give to us as citizens every day.

I had never had the opportunity to be at a military base, and the experience moved me deeply. I have always admired the character, discipline, and structure of the Marine Corp and the virtues it personifies. I drew this copy of the raising of the flag at the battle of Iwo Jima (possibly the most widely viewed photograph of all time) as a thank you to the new grandfather's family for their hospitality. As you probably know, five of the soldiers that were photographed raising our flag were Marines, and the image has been immortalized in the Marine Corp memorial at Arlington National Cemetery.

For me, on this day when we remember those who lost their lives on September 11th, and those who vowed to defend us in the face of terror, it is fitting to complete this drawing. It is truly wonderful when an image so moves and inspires us. May the just cause ever rise in victory over the wreckage of aggression and terror.

"The raising of that flag on Suribachi means a Marine Corps for the next five hundred years."

-James Forrestal, Secretary of the Navy; 23 February 1945

"Some people spend an entire lifetime wondering if they made a difference in the world. But, the Marines don't have that problem."

-Ronald Reagan, President of the United States; 1985

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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