GOOD SAINT JOSEPH
"Joseph was a righteous man..." (Matthew 1:19) This drawing of one of my favorite saints was inspired by a photo of my friend Brad and his youngest boy, Samuel. The photo was taken at Samuel's baptism, and immediately made me think of the Carpenter from Nazareth. The finished drawing could be just at the moment that Saint Joseph brought Jesus to the Temple to be presented to the Lord, so the fact that it was inspired by a photo from a child's baptism is fitting. It is even more fitting that the father in the photo images Saint Joseph more than any other man that I have met: An excellent father, a diligent worker, an artist, a carpenter, a dedicated husband, and a commited man of God. There is nothing that he seems unable to achieve. I am glad to have such a friend, and hope that he does not mind me honoring him in this way. As I know that he draws much inspiration from the example of Saint Joseph, I hope that he will also feel that this image is appropriate. Saint Joseph, pray for us!
Please visit Brad's website, dedicated to the promotion of holy vocations in the Church, by following
this link.
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
"Joseph was a righteous man..." (Matthew 1:19) This drawing of one of my favorite saints was inspired by a photo of my friend Brad and his youngest boy, Samuel. The photo was taken at Samuel's baptism, and immediately made me think of the Carpenter from Nazareth. The finished drawing could be just at the moment that Saint Joseph brought Jesus to the Temple to be presented to the Lord, so the fact that it was inspired by a photo from a child's baptism is fitting. It is even more fitting that the father in the photo images Saint Joseph more than any other man that I have met: An excellent father, a diligent worker, an artist, a carpenter, a dedicated husband, and a commited man of God. There is nothing that he seems unable to achieve. I am glad to have such a friend, and hope that he does not mind me honoring him in this way. As I know that he draws much inspiration from the example of Saint Joseph, I hope that he will also feel that this image is appropriate. Saint Joseph, pray for us!
Dave, I know I say this about every picture you do, but THIS, seriously, is my favorite!!! There is something about a man with a child that is is indescribably moving and who better to exemplify the holy virtues of Christian manhood and father hood than St. Joseph! This one's the BEST!!
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