FOR MY GOOD GODDAUGHTER
Although I don't consider this drawing finished just yet, I had to share it after a call from my dear friend today. One of his little girls, Therese, is my Goddaughter. Therese is named for Saint Therese of Lisieux, "The Little Flower." Saint Therese is one of my very favorite saints, and she has, I know, interceded for me so often in my life. Reading her "Story of a Soul" was a huge moment for me in my spiritual journey as a Christian and a Catholic, and I hope that all of you will check out "I Believe in Love," a spiritual retreat based on Saint Therese's spirituality. That book changed my life.
At any rate, I see so much of this great Saint in my little Goddaughter. The brown curly hair, the sweet disposition, the innocence and the beauty of Saint Therese can be seen in this wonderful little girl. More than any of these, however, I would say that little Therese is most like Saint Therese in her prayerfulness and her concern for others. That little girl prays for me every night, and it shows in her excitement when she sees me and in the love that she has for a Godfather who does not make the time that he should to see her more often.
Her father told me today that when praying for me, given my current health situation, Therese became very upset and wept. I haven't cried during any of this, but that made me tear up. When confronted with the loving regard of this little girl who hardly ever sees me, but keeps me in her heart and in her prayers at all times, I ask myself - "What did I do to deserve such love from one who is so good?" It is remarkable to me and I give thanks to God for this sign of His Love. This drawing then is a gift to Therese, who I will see tonight when I visit her family. I am so grateful to be so undeservedly and so magnanimously loved. God love her, and may Saint Therese ever bless her by her prayers and her watchful care. "I shall spend my heaven doing good upon earth." - Saint Therese
I think you will enjoy some of these photos - I am including two images of Saint Therese and Therese (with her Godmother, Jean) so that you can see how I assembled the drawing, and you will also find that Therese's daddy gets pretty serious about costumes for All Saints Day. (Therese is dressed as her patron, and her sister and brother are "The Lilly of the Mohawks" and "Isaac Jogues" - awesome costumes) Also, a beautiful image of my wife and Therese at our wedding, where she was an awesome flower girl.
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
David - Great drawing and assembly of different pictures! It's beautiful. God bless you for your ministry. We're all still praying for you.
ReplyDelete