Visionaries

For some time Brandie has admired a painting hanging in the church’s Fireside Room. He was inspired to contact the artist, Stan Miller, a few weeks ago. That date happened to be the anniversary of Martin Luther King’s assassination, April 4th. This is what Brandie learned from Stan Miller about the lovely portrait that hangs above the fireplace in our Fireside Room.

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Brandie Edwards

Nice to hear back from you, it helps me to have a little bit of an idea of whom I’m talking to when I explain what a painting means to me. I think my sister got married in your church, if it’s the one close to downtown — back in the 1970’s.

So the name of this print/painting, is “Visionaries.” 

Martin Luther King (who was killed on this day in 1968), Ghandi and Christ. I used my brother Greg as the model for the Christ face — many people don’t know who this face is, since each sees Christ in their own way. When I was brought up, my Dad’s heroes were these three people. Ghandi chose non-violence to bring about change in India. King was very influenced and inspired by Ghandi’s approach and

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"My color scheme is quite earthy, it's not really colorful, and the way I paint is in a sense of quietness," he says. "The comments I get from people are that my work is quiet, serene, gentle, and familiar, yet original. I try to convey a universal emotion when I paint a portrait."

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used non-violence for his causes. Both were influenced by Christ’s words and instruction to Love God, love each other, love your enemies, overcome evil with good. Those who take the sword, die by the sword. And on the cross he looked down on those who crucified him and said, “Father forgive them, for they know not what they do."

John F. Kennedy said, after WW2, when they were having parades for him and all the soldiers who had fought and died in WW2, “War will exist until that distance time, when the conscientious objector is lifted up and honored as we honor our soldiers today.” That’s the idea behind this painting. Thanks for your interest Brandie, Stan

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Stan is a local award-winning watercolor artist. He was born on a small farm in Southeastern South Dakota in 1949 and eventually moved with his family to Spokane when he was 15. He graduated in 1973 from Spokane Falls Community College with an Applied Arts degree and a Commercial Art degree. Visit Stan’s website to learn more and view some of his amazing art:  Stan Miller