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

Friday, November 07, 2008

FATHER THOMAS FREDERICK PRICE AND "THE STAR OF THE SEA" : Another Story from the Life of the Tarheel Apostle

This drawing is the latest in my ongoing project honoring the life and work of Father Thomas Frederick Price, North Carolina's first native born Priest, whose cause for sainthood is ongoing. The drawing illustrates an event that occurred when young "Freddie" Price was on his way to begin Minor Seminary studies in Baltimore. The drawing, while not historically accurate with regards to the type of vessel involved, hopefully captures the essence of Father Price's experience in some small way. Price travelled aboard the Rebecca Clyde, a steam ship, in the fall of 1876. The ship wrecked in high winds and treacherous waters just off of Ocracoke Inlet. You can read a great article about the wreck, in which Price's name is mentioned along with other survivors, at this site for the New York Times.
By a miracle, Fred (who could not swim) was saved. Later he confided to a friend that the Virgin had appeared to him, helping to ensure his rescue from a watery death. The event is described beautifully in the book Father Price of Maryknoll: The book tells of Price’s inability to swim and of his prayers for the Blessed Virgin’s intercession. The text continues: “At once he seemed lifted up, and as he rose to the surface he grasped a spar that floated near. Another survivor grasped the other end of it and began to curse most horribly. He was ordered [by the young Fred Price] to stop and to thank God for the chance to escape. Clinging to the plank, the two drifted for several hours. Then, when almost overcome with exhaustion, they were picked up. Young Price was believed to be dead, but restoratives brought him to, and he was able the next day to return to Wilmington and his family. The Star of the Sea, so fervently addressed in that hour of anguish, had come to the rescue of her loving son.”

The drawing depicts the young Price gratefully gazing heavenward, to his Heavenly Mother and intercessor. (As a rule, Father Price very rarely – if at all – spoke of this incident in his life, but he did confide to a friend in another account of the tale that he in fact saw the Blessed Mother, or at the very least believed that he did) This work is especially dedicated to my friend, Philip Gerard Johnson, whose devotion to Father Price has been strong from his youth. My prayer for him and for all who face dark times is that, as they are cast about in the violent sea of life, they may be able to gaze heavenward, and find that same providential care (and peace!) that young Freddie Price experienced on that fateful day in September of 1876.

2 comments:

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  2. Sorry, about that first one, oopsie!

    I LOVE your work, it is really amazing!

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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