Our Lady Health of the Sick, Comforter of the Afflicted
This drawing was drawn as a gift for a very dear friend of mine who was recently diagnosed with brain cancer. I have had the idea for this image for a much longer time, and have always loved these three titles of Mary (taken from the Litany of Loretto): "Health of the Sick, Comforter of the Afflicted, and Refuge of Sinners." The image illustrates my experience of faith during my own bout with cancer in the year 2000. My regard for the Blessed Virgin, what we Catholics would call "Devotion," grew as I passed through chemotherapy and surgery towards health. The person who suffers is never alone, and a mother cannot but try to console her children in their pain. I believe that just as Mary stood near the Cross of her son, ever in prayer, so too she stands near our own bed of pain, whatever it may be. "The prayers of a righteous man availeth much." (James 5:16) How much more do the entreaties of a mother move the heart of her son? My prayer for my friend, and for all who experience suffering, is that they may find the strength that comes from the intercession of all those, like the Blessed Mother, who love and cherish them.
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
Great work, one of my favorites :)
ReplyDeleteAlso, I found this collection of articles about art and I thought of you:
http://tinyurl.com/4uf6wy
Pax Christi,
Nick
Thanks for the comment Brotha! I am happy you like the work - it is one I have wanted to do for some time! Those are my favorite titles of Our Lady.
ReplyDeleteI will definitely read the article link you sent - I have been involved in some of your recent polls - was surprised how many people said false to the "Prayer: Battle against yourself?" question. That's my toughest war to wage!
A very good friend of mine, Father Gregory Plow, T.O.R., is going to be assigned after his recent ordination to Steuby - hope you will get the chance to know him. Great man of God and one of my dearest friends. You're a good man, Nick! (I also enjoy "Boom-deyada," especially Bear Grylls' line)