PREVIEW: CHRIST IN THE DESERT
This is only a very little progress on a much larger drawing I am undertaking as a Lenten meditation of my own for this year, but may not complete before Easter. The scene is Christ seated on a rock alone in the wilderness, surrounded by stillness, silence, and the harshness of the wild. The drawing is a copy of the very best painting I have ever seen of this subject, by the great Russian painter of the 19th Century, Ivan Kramskoy. You can see in Christ's eyes the fatigue of the fast and the grim understanding of all that his mission to redeem the world will cost. Christ has his battle face on, because that is why he went out into the desert: "To be tempted by the Devil." He went into the desert to face down every kind of evil the world has known through the weakness and sinfulness of man. Kramskoy's painting captures the seriousness of this moment, and also the paradoxical beauty of the lonely deserted places where we can be quiet, and hear the "still, small voice" of God. I love the ruggedness of the Christ Kramskoy envisions in his masterpiece. Move over Bear Grylls. Hopefully I will be able to complete this work before Lent is over.
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, I love your work. I work for a campus ministry and I received my degree in art, emphasis in drawing and graphic design. I have been commissioned by my boss to do the Stations of the Cross series an a Lenten experience for myself. I was googling pictures when I stumbled across your blog and your work. You have inspired me.
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