Artist Profile: Marlan Yoder

By Ellen Samsell Salas

Raised a Mennonite, Woodstock resident Marlan Yoder struggled to reconcile his faith with his desire to be an artist. Ultimately, he listened to “the small, quiet voice of God, saying ‘Do this’” and embraced his calling while remaining committed to his faith and family.

“I’m first of all a child of God,” said Yoder. “Then I’m a husband to my wife, Cheryl, then a father to my four sons – then an artist.”

Even as a child, Yoder was attracted to drawing and painting, an intuition enhanced when he first experienced Monet’s ability to capture a moment and make it seem alive. Once he began painting in high school, he never stopped, though he did take detours.

A career in advertising, including ownership of his own ad agency and later Yoder Gallery, connected him to art while also supporting his family. In 2011,
he turned to painting full time.

Yoder doesn’t set out to convey a specific message, nor does he have a blueprint for each painting. Rather, he listens for God’s guidance.

“When I’m beginning the next project, I say ‘God, I’m ready when you are.’ My wife refers to it as ‘the download,’” said Yoder, adding that ideas can come from anywhere — seeing graffiti on a train car, listening to a Van Morrison song, or sitting on his deck at night.

Self-taught, Yoder is best known for his Tree of Life paintings, though he didn’t choose the tree as his signature image.

“After the fourth one in 2009, I thought I was done painting them, but they just kept coming,” he said.

The Tree of Life paintings are recognizable for their central subject, the tree, which is a metaphor for God and his sustaining grace and strength. In the paintings, Yoder blends elements of impressionist, surrealist, and abstract styles. Most often done in acrylic on large canvasses, they “have a presence,” which is enhanced by richly hued color and the sparkling movement created by Yoder’s pointillist style.

“I’ve been told they make people feel at peace, that they bring joy. Some make people feel closer to God,” Yoder said. “It’s not about me. It’s to glorify and honor God. That’s the ultimate. He made me do this. When I know a painting is almost done, I get excited. I hold my palette and my brush up to God and thank him. I know it is going to speak to people.”

At 67, Yoder is doing his best work and still putting faith and family first. He leads an art group at His Hands Church and enjoys “the simple life” with his wife, as well as gardening and being with their sons. He’s also writing his third novel.

“I’ll stay true to what I do and follow the process God has given me. I just need to stay out of my own way.” Yoder said. “There’s always a painting on my easel. If not, I’m a miserable human being.”

You can see Yoder’s work at MarlanYoderArt.com, Facebook.com/MarlanYoder, and at Instagram.com/marlanyoder.

Photo courtesy of Cheryl Yoder.