NEW PROJECT TO PROMOTE VOCATIONS TO THE PRIESTHOOD: "SHEPHERDS" (BISHOPS OF RALEIGH AND CHARLOTTE,NC): DRAWING FROM A PHOTOGRAPH BY PAUL TOMAS
I am very excited about this new project, one that I have been thinking about ever since I first saw the incredible
photography of Paul Tomas. Paul is a professional photographer who specializes in the types of things you would expect a photographer to: Weddings, Portraits, special events, etc. and his work, as you can see, is stunning. Paul is unique in the extra category of work on his website entitled "Liturgical." Here Paul has available a gallery of wonderful photographs taken at big Catholic events in the life of our Diocese. (the March for Life, Corpus Christi, Priestly Ordination, etc.) I was especially drawn to Paul's striking portraits of Priests that I know and love. These intimate portraits capture I think the unique character of each of these men of God, and each image seems to speak of the Joy of a Priestly life that is lived well.
From this inspiration I had the idea to propose a collaborative project to Paul for the purpose of promoting vocations to the Priesthood and Religious Life in our Diocese. My proposal was to assemble drawings rendered from Paul's photographs of our Priests, and to produce a poster that highlights the joy of the Priesthood rightly lived. I am delighted that Paul agreed. This drawing of Bishop Michael F. Burbidge (Diocese of Raleigh) and of Bishop Peter J. Jugis (Diocese of Charlotte) is the first of many images that I hope to complete from Paul's work. The photograph was taken at the NC March for Life this past year, and it is simply the best photograph of these two "Shepherds" that I have seen. Below is a very rough prototype of the theme that I have in mind for this project. Many thanks to Paul for his gracious willingness to allow me to benefit from his work in this way. Please visit
http://www.paultomas.com/
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
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