Edward Cline Saffell, Jr.

“Serendipity increases one’s opportunities to become aware of the beauty in life”

This is quote from a private sketch by Edward C Saffell, Jr, 81 of Lutherville, Md who passed away at Gilchrist Hospice in Towson on March 11, 2015. Ed was was born in Front Royal, Va on September 10,1933 to Annie and Edward Saffell.

Ed was a fascinating, complicated, scholar, teacher, husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather, but above all, an artist with an eye for life that will be missed. Ed was once quoted in a magazine,  “All I know is that when I'm drawing, I’m in the Zen of the Buddhist concept of the moment. All my energy is there.  When I draw, I experience a nirvana sort of thing.”  Ed was once told that the name Saffell was sæfogl in Norwegian, or Seabird. This became a recurring private signature in many of his sketches and paintings.

Ed did a stint in the Marine Corps before finishing High School, after which he completed high school at City College night school. He had a passion for knowledge. He went to Towson State College for two years, but “I found myself drawing in class all the time, so I quit”. He began a period of independent study, mostly at the Pratt library. During this time he also taught at Parkville High School. He began substitute teaching at Maryland Institute and was offered a fellowship from Maryland Institute of Art where he got a BFA.  He taught for a brief period in Baltimore County before winning one of ten national fellowships. He then left Baltimore to take a master’s degree from Arizona State and he worked toward a doctorate, majoring in education with a minor in Philosophy at Penn State. He left Penn State and spent a year teaching at the University of Hawaii. The University scene wasn’t for him, so he left Hawaii and returned to the mainland. Upon his return to Maryland, he taught High School art and coached wrestling at Dundalk High and then taught art and photography at Overlea until retiring in1988. He mentored and influenced many students as they developed their talents. He is sought out by many of his former students, who want to share their accomplishments in art and life.

A prolific painter of Baltimore and Maryland themes, in 1974 Ed was commissioned to paint murals for the Patterson Park Recreation Center.  These murals were the subject of an article in the News American on July 21, 1974 by R.P Harris. Ed loved paintings with horses and his life long love of carousel horses were the primary subject of the murals. He also painted murals for the Baybrook Recreation Center in Curtis Bay, with the subject of the Clipper Ship and its place in history of war and commerce.

Ed was a long time friend of the Elkridge-Harford Hunt Club and his paintings of the hunt, horses, hounds, and riders are renowned in that community. He was mentored by prominent figures in the Maryland hunt community, allowing him to develop his passion for hounds and the hunt. Most of his equestrian paintings, sketches and drawings are from the EHHC.

He achieved many accolades for his equestrian art including a Fullbright scholarship where he traveled to the Netherlands to study. His viewpoint was expanded by his travels in Europe and was the inspiration for new pieces of art upon his return.

Three of Ed’s paintings have been used for the cover of The Chronicle of the Horse. The Chronicle of the Horse is an American weekly equestrian magazine. It covers dressage, hunters and jumpers, eventing, fox hunting and steeplechase racing. He was the subject of an article by Regina Welsh  Friday August 21, 2003, where she said..”He’s never ridden, but his work still conveys the spirit of the hunt”. Click here to read a copy of the article .

In 1974, he won the Bodine Award for black and white photography in the category “Baltimore- Why I love it” He photographed Greek dancers at one of the many ethnic festivals that he enjoyed. He said “ the light was perfect”

In his retirement he took up competitive shooting and won many awards for his sharp eye and accuracy. He was a member of the Monumental Rifle and Pistol Club in Marriottsville, Md. A few days before he died, he said “I have an idea for winning a competition without any practice..” planning on using a pistol instead of his rifle.

Ed was a life long student of philosophy and a prolific writer. His correspondence was treasured by family, friends, doctors, colleagues and professional associates. It wasn't unusual for him to send packets of his reflections and drawings to people in his life. From the envelope to the contents, the subject matter represented his art and personal philosophy, inspired by his creative genius.

Ed is survived by Mary Lou Saffell, his wife for 38 years and friend for 63, son Jacques Saffell and daughter in law Atsuko Saffell of Tsukuba City Japan, step daughters Karen Cruz, Cynthia Cruz of Lutherville, MD and Angela Cruz of Manchester, CT ; grandchildren Romany, Brandon, Angelique and Justin Saffell of Japan, step grand daughter Rebecca Derwin and step great grandson Jamie Derwin of Framingham Mass.  He was preceded in death by his son Greg.
A Memorial Luncheon will be held Saturday May 2nd from 3-6pm at 217 Montrose Ave.

From one of his many sketches and meditations… “Serendipity is the ability to make fortunate discoveries by chance.”