This is the beginning. The idea of an art gallery named Savo has been in incubation for many years now. Coming from a long line of Finnish artists, both professional and recreational, this heritage was THE factor that made the name a given.
My father’s mother, Anna, married Paul Miller, a Finn who had changed his name from Paavo Myllynen for simplicity. Could you really get more generic than Miller? Dad was raised in North Dakota, upper Michigan and northern Minnesota where much of the immigrant Finnish communities clustered. When my father, William A. Miller, was 16 years old, the shocking truth was blurted out to him by his best friend. Although raised as Paul’s own, William was actually the illegitimate son of one Kalle Savolainen, another Finn. In turn, this fellow also had modified his name by shortening it to Savo, still a perfectly acceptable Finnish name, and commonly used today. In other words, William was the bastard child of an immigrant man who would never know his son.
As an amateur artist , his works were signed Miller, Bill Miller or, most often, William Miller. He carried on with the name he had always accepted. Dad hadn’t painted for years, so when I prodded him to do an oil painting for me, it took about three years for him to follow through. He sent me a simple painting, done at the age of 75. It was signed SAVO. Wow. How long had that impact been silent?
And thus, to legitimize the illegitimate, here it is.
I miss you ,Dad.
Coming up: He shook his head and said, “Back then, I didn’t know what I was doing.”
Coming very soon: Savogallery.com.
Very touching story and I love the thought of your dad making this painting for you. I can’t wait to read what is “coming soon”!!
I am so excited to see Dad’s paintings and drawings on your blog. I am happy to read about Dad and see his painting for you on this, the 18th anniversary of his passing.
Wow, thanks for sharing this. Lillian, I see where you get your art skills from! He’s very good! Can’t wait to learn more about my Grandpa!
Loved it Lillian!! Cant wait to read more…and…see your art on your website!!
I loved reading about Dad. This painting is different from any I saw him paint or draw.
Thanks for sharing. I LOVE this painting by the way!
What a talented Papa you had Lillian! Now I know where your artistic talent comes from!
I am honored to have the same name as my father. Despite our rough upbringing, probably due to his esteem issues; I choose to remember the good things he gave to me, the work ethic, being accepting of people from many cultures which pretty much embraces the whole world, plus loving languages, music, art in addition to practical learning in gardening, farming, forestry and the like. I am grateful that he married three great mothers that have given me a super family. I weep as a write this. His art mirrors the great endowment that he has given to me and my family. I do miss him and look forward to the day when we will meet again under more ideal conditions.
To be clear, three great mothers, three different marriages. I couldn’t agree more about our father. All fourteen of us would
echo the same appreciation for the values he taught.
I love the inspiration! This is an amazing story (I am surprised that I never heard it before.) I can’t wait to see the website! What great work you are doing Lillian. And what a great family we have.
I wish there was a painting of your dad pulling the row boat, while swimming, with you kids in the boat. Nice site, makes me wish I had that painting of the old house by the river.
I love this. I didn’t know anything about Savo. We really do have the best family.
From what I read, Savo did his greatest work raising a loving family. His art is a treasure.
Thanks, Lillian.
This is cool. You are a good artist! Thanks for sharing, oh and thanks for the poster!!!
This is wonderful! What a great name for the site, and what a meaningful tribute to your dad’s memory!