PERSONAL NEWS ABOUT MY HEALTH (LIMITATIONS ON WORK)
I learned this past week that I have been diagnosed with Renal Cell Carcinoma, that is, Cancer of the Kidney. Some of you are aware that I survived Testicular Cancer in 2000 after 6 rounds of chemotherapy and 2 surgeries at Duke. It is exceedingly rare that someone like myself should in less than a decade have two completely unique cancers that have nothing to do with each other, but here it is nonetheless. I only have one kidney (the other being removed in 2000 with my abdominal tumor) so this limits our options somewhat. We are cautiously optimistic however, as we have caught the cancer very early and whatever treatment we pursue, I should have plenty of kidney left to function as I have without dialysis or transplant. I am hopeful and gratefully aware of how incredibly precious life is, and I am so thankful to God for His manifold gifts, especially that of my wife and our family.
WITH REGARDS TO COMMISSIONED WORK: I will still be trying to complete work, but may have to indefinitely postpone and/or cancel many pieces, and I trust to your patience. Should you wish to withdraw a commission please do not be embarrassed or afraid to do so, as I may very soon be moving completely into drawing only things that I am inspired to do. I am sorry that the circumstances make this necessary for the present, but please know that I would be grateful to have less on my plate and you should not feel bound to continue with a commission that may not be finished in a timely way.
Most of all, I elicit your prayers and thank you from the bottom of my heart for them. Please pray for Emily and I as we travel this road together. The Divine Physician uses very good instruments for his work, especially the physicians that I have the honor to work with at Duke. Thank you for your prayers!
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
I was so saddened to hear of your news. After going through this before I know you know what to expect but this time you have a loving wife to make this journey with you and your love and strength will pull you through. I feel God isn't ready to take you from this earth so fight with all your might and pray, as we are, for a miracle.
ReplyDeleteLove,
Aunt Melinda & Uncle Jimmy
Thank you Melinda! We love you all and are very thankful for your prayers - "Do not be afraid. Have Faith in God, have faith also in Me."
ReplyDeleteYou and Emily are a courageous couple. Our family will be praying for both of you. God Bless
ReplyDeleteBelieve in Miracles. I do and have experienced them in my own life. Call upon the Lord for healing and do not forget your spiritual guides who have been with you since birth. They require your permission to assist you. This also applies to our angels and of course, the Saints. Visualize yourself in a protective cocoon of love with white light. After all, love is all there is.....with help, we can heal ourselves and others. Your work is not done. You are a wonderful artist and your projects reflect your love and concentration. Put it to work on yourself, sweetie. You will be healed! My love, light and blessings for you and your wonderful family. xoxoxox
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