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, April 16, 2008

Pope Benedict Visits the United States: WHO THE POPE IS FOR ME


“I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers." (Luke 22:31-32)

On the occasion of his 81st birthday, and reflecting on his words and his presence here with us in the United States, I thought it would be appropriate to again post this drawing of Pope Benedict XVI. Like President Bush, I am deeply moved that Pope Benedict, a pastor to me and also to billions of Catholics around the world, would choose to spend his birthday here with us. For me, the Pope, or the “Holy Father” as we Catholics affectionately know him, is a welcome voice of clarity in a sea of voices that contradict and mislead. He continues Saint Peter’s mission, given him by Christ, to “strengthen his brethren.” The office of Pope is often misunderstood, but for me and for billions more, it is absolutely essential. The Lord did not leave us orphans, nor did he leave us to our own varied and countless interpretations of what He taught us. No, He promised that His Spirit “will lead you into all truth.” He told Peter “You are Peter, and on this rock I will build my Church.” For 2,000 years Peter and his successors have protected the unity of the faith by executing this office of strengthening and uniting. The Popes throughout history, like St. Peter, have by no means been perfect, sinless men. Yet, again in the footsteps of Peter, when they have shone with the Light and the Wisdom of Christ, they have not been “a stumbling block” but a Rock and a Beacon of truth and goodness. Pope John Paul the Great is such an example. I am deeply grateful for the ministry that Pope Benedict performs for me and for all Catholics, and will be in prayer for him during his time with us. Happy Birthday, Holy Father!
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1 comment:

  1. JeanApril 18, 2008

    Amen and amen!!!
    Not only does the pope rock, but he IS the Rock!
    I love the pope.
    I love the Church.

    ReplyDelete

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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