A Drawing Commemorating the Reception of the Sacrament of Confirmation
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn0lPTeGV-38Lm68ocVVGenfFZZ1uHCT7ahmfx1_xVoNU_pdpAHo0J4UsfaUCRocQhvObsK1KzndsZ-7KK5H8bHEnfy3gViEXmnNXb2aLPixE6h_Fol3-a2cL7m0diYuHK98M0GA/s400/Confirmation+Drawing1wm.jpg)
This drawing, for a young woman who received the Sacrament of Confirmation this past weekend, was actually completed some weeks ago, but saved until after the gift could be given by the person who commissioned it. Each of the two scenes to the left of the image come from this young lady's baptism and her first communion. The First Communion image was especially well suited to be at the center of the composition, given the beautiful statue of Mary that overshadows the communicant. The Holy Spirit's Light shines over the whole scene. This is fitting, given the fact that the Holy Spirit is invoked in a special way in this sacrament, and is also dispenser of all other sacraments. The texts included in this image are taken from each of the Masses/Ceremonies in which these Sacraments are conferred.
"Come Holy Spirit, Fill the Hearts of Thy Faithful. Kindle in them the Fire of Your Love. Send forth Your Spirit, and they shall be created, and You shall Renew the Face of the Earth..."
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
This is absolutely awesome, you are an amazing artist. My daughter is being confirmed this year and I am so impressed, that is an awesome gift.
ReplyDelete