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

Wednesday, August 27, 2008

A DRAWING TO HONOR THE FAMILY OF STEVEN CURTIS CHAPMAN, IN MEMORY OF MARIA

I began this drawing when I learned of the tragic death of 5 year old Maria Sue Chapman, adopted daughter of Steven Curtis Chapman and his wife Mary Beth. If you do not know of his work, Steven Curtis Chapman is a Christian singer and songwriter, arguably the very best. He is, and has been since I was a little kid, my very favorite Christian musician. His music taught me at a very early age how good it is to Love God and to live a good life that is inspired by that love. Every song is filled with wisdom from Sacred Scripture and Prayer, and Steven has never disappointed me. I find his songs to be as sustaining and nurturing to my faith today as I did at the age of 14 when I first saw him perform at the Dean Smith Center in Chapel Hill.

Steven and his family have inspired me in new ways as I have enjoyed and shared this first year and a half of marriage with my wife. As we have planned for the future and have discussed the possibility of adopting children, the Chapmans have been a shining example to me of the courageous love that risks so much in the way of potential heartbreak, disappointment, or other complications, to offer a family to a child who might otherwise be alone in this world. Steven and Mary Beth have three children and were inspired to adopt three girls from China. The youngest of these was Maria, who tragically was killed in a driveway accident at the family's home.

After hearing the news and having spent a great deal of time researching Steven and Mary Beth's adoption foundation, "
Shaohannah’s Hope," I felt the need to reach out to a family and father who have meant so much to me in my life as a Christian and now as a married man. I chose this image from a photo I found of Steven and one of his little girls, whom I assumed was Maria. I was not aware of the significance of the photo before I began working on it, but the image was apparently taken when Steven was visiting China and he kissed this little girl (Maria) and a photo of the kiss was sent to the Chapmans when they returned home. Steven explained in a recent interview that when he saw that photo he knew that it was an image "of a daddy kissing his little girl," and he and his wife proceeded to pull out all the stops in order to adopt Maria.

I will be sending this drawing to the Chapmans along with a short letter explaining how deeply indebted I am to them and their example, especially in the courageous faith and endurance they are presently showing as a family. Please pray that it may be a comfort to them in their grief. I apologize for the length of this post, but some things are worth taking more time to say - Below are four videos - 1) An interview with the Chapmans on Good Morning America following the tragedy (this one is very moving and if you watch nothing else please watch this) 2) A music video for Steven's song "Cinderella," a song about his daughters which has become so much more poignant in the passing of his youngest little girl. 3) Steven's explanation of the theme of the song "Cinderella" (recorded before the accident - also extremely moving) and 4) A concert performance of possibly my very favorite song by Steven - "Speechless"

TRULY : Steven Curtis Chapman embodies the statement of Saint Augustine: 
"WHEN WE SING TO GOD.... WE PRAY TWICE."







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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