Sophy Brown is a Denver artist. You may be familiar with her work if you have attended the Coors Western Art Exhibit at the National Western Stock Show, which I highly recommend!

Brown holds a BFA from Goldsmiths College, London, and an MFA from the University of Michigan. Her balance of reality and impression is held in her every work. She has written and painted on the wisdom of horses and on grief and loss. Her words on both are profound and seem to inform her loving, respectful representations.

Four Leaving can be seen as a 34”x29.5” horse metaphor. We can admire this piece for its unique perspective and beautiful, somewhat abstracted reality. We can also tell our own stories of the four based on all we bring to seeing them. This can be the place of visual art in all times and places. Our overlayed stories can mirror our present thoughts of despair or hope; plans or the absence of these.

And why not? If you have spent time around these animals as I have, you know the complexity of relating to them. They are powerful and gentle and one can find the whole world in their eyes.

We thank this artist for painting invitations to honor the animals created in God’s love and to walk closely with us now. Maybe you agree. Maybe you do not see this. A trip to the Coors Western Art Exhibit or a stable or ranch might be part of a humble, discerning prayer. One cannot say too many. Amen.

In gratitude, hope and faith,

Sandy Prouty
Minister of Children and Families
Montview Church