ABIDING FAITH

'THE MARIA EDITION"

THE UNIQUE STORY BEHIND THE OLDEST SURVIVING ORIGINAL OIL PAINTING BY ARTIST BRADLEY J. PARRISH PAINTED OVER FOUR DECADES AGO WHEN THE ARTIST WAS ONLY 15 YEARS OLD

The original painting from which this reproduction was painted by artist Bradley J. Parrish, in 1973, when the artist was 15 years old. Brad had given this original oil painting to his dear friend and classmate Maria Karpfinger in 1974.  Maria traveled throughout Europe after graduating from high school, later calling New York City her new home.  She worked with the Central Park Conservancy, in Central Park, introducing urban children to nature. Then finally moving back home to Milwaukee, Wisconsin where she continued her mission of service to children, nature, and her community.

Over 40 years Maria visited Brad regularly during her trips home, until finally, one afternoon, Maria arrived on Brad’s doorstep. She carried with her this original painting he had given to her all those years ago. Brad had completely forgotten about this piece and was confused when she told him she was returning it to him. Brad could not understand why and told Maria that he did not want it back, that “it was my gift to you”. She told Brad that “this painting has, throughout my life, given me such peace and completeness. It helped me through so many trying times in my life; I can’t find the words to describe what this painting has meant to me. I want you to have it and I won’t take no for an answer”. Brad reluctantly received it back from her. In the days that would follow this visit, Brad would hear from a mutual friend that Maria had tragically passed away.

To this day, Brad thinks about Maria and how she made it a point to return this piece to him. Remembering all that she was sweet, kind, caring, always soft-spoken, always smiling, loved to laugh, loved people almost never talking about herself to others. To pay tribute to Maria and her life cut so short, Brad is releasing this very special edition in her memory and has named this special canvas edition in her honor, calling it “The Maria Edition”.

Brad never titled this painting before he gave it to Maria. He found himself troubled in having to name this piece which is why he ended up painting the scripture 'Luke 4.5" from the Bible in the left bottom corner of the original painting. He painted this piece after reading it back in 1973. Brad has made it a point to have those on Facebook come up with a title for this piece. He deeply felt too many things about this piece to call it just anything. The suggestions began to pour in and one title seemed to just be the right one, and as they say "The Rest is History". Thank you to Ms. Lynette La Rue for coming up with the winning title for this piece "Abiding Faith".  I know too, that Maria would have loved that title as well.  giclée

ABOUT THIS THE FIRST EVER FINE ART CANVAS GICLEE REPRODUCED OF THE ARTISTS WORK

Artist Bradley J. Parrish paintings have, up until now, all been reproduced on four-color commercial presses. This is the first Giclée reproduction ever, of the artist’s work. Brad has held off on using this process of providing almost exact reproductions of his works until Inkjet technology and process have fully matured. After several years and major advancements in the Giclée industry, Brad has determined that the process is now fully capable of providing himself and his collectors the high-quality reproductions, with the truest fidelity to the original works on the market today.  For the very first time, Brad is releasing his first Giclée piece on canvas.

The image reproduced has been printed using archival inks on 100% duck canvas of the highest quality. The canvas adheres to Gator Board™, which is known for being pH neutral, strong, and durable against warping, shrinking or stretching; as opposed to other available mounting methods such as stretching canvas over wood stretching bars. Brad is dedicated to conserving our natural resources and has forgone all use of wooden stretcher bars used in his reproduction pieces being released. The surface of the image has been clear-coat varnished to further protect the image from environmental and UV damage. It can be easily wiped and is Wilhelm rated for 120 years. 

Know that each of the frames available was hand selected by the artist and are of the highest quality. Artist Bradley J. Parrish has signed his name (Parrish) in metallic ink in the lower left-hand corner of the piece. On the original painting, the artist painted a verse from the bible. This verse ‘Luke 4.5” is the inspiration behind this piece as well as the subject of it. The painted verse has been removed for this edition, to allow for the artist signature in the lower left-hand corner. The artist signature on the bottom right is the signature as it appears on the original work and you will notice that following his signature the artist painted a cross.  The artist has personally approved the quality of all workmanship in every step of this production.

Description: Printed Giclee on Canvas and Mounted to Gator Board™

First Produced & Released: 2017

Canvas Size: 14"h x 18"w

Framed Size: 19"h x 23"w