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

Tuesday, March 02, 2010

IN MEMORY OF WILLIAM TEACHEY, WHO WAS AND IS MY WIFE'S BEST FRIEND




This is a drawing of William Michael Teachey. He was and is a beloved son, brother, and friend, and he was and is my wife's best friend. Will was so good to my wife in his life that even I wouldn't dare to dispute his claim to the title "best friend." As it turns out, he was also a performer whenever there was a crowd to laugh, and I feel blessed to have been able to experience his humor and his presence.

I have thought of Will even more often than usual of late, and I felt that although I knew it would be hard for Emily, it was high time that we had a special place in our home (besides the many small photographs of him we already have) to honor his memory and the joy and happiness that he brought to so many family and friends. I have long had the idea of this drawing on my heart, and felt that Emily would be ready to receive a new portrait of her friend.

I only met Will a handful of times, but every time we crossed paths I laughed and was quickly able to understand why Emily loves him so much. As I have journeyed with Emily as her husband I feel that I have truly come to know Will from her own precious memories of his friendship. I love Will Teachey for the same reason that I love his whole family and hers - He loves my wife, and he was good to her at the most difficult times of her life. For that I am eternally grateful. We cherish his memory and he will never be forgotten.

This portrait was rendered from a small photograph we have which is very special to Emily, of her "loving on him" before he headed off to the Prom. I have always been drawn to that photo of him. I knew that I wanted to make it the inspiration for this portrait. I hope that it gives some glimmer of the eternal joy that he already shares with Our Heavenly Father.

Many thanks to Will's father and mother, who gave their blessing that this drawing of their beloved son should be shared in this venue. We love you both very much! And by the way, the drawing doesn't do justice to just how good lookin' the dude really was. Many thanks Will! God love and bless you forever.
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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