Art, Faith, and Healing Collide in Keith Merrill’s The Color of Miracles
Written by Kaitlyn Gomez
In the heart of San Francisco, Thomas Hall stands before a blank wall at St. Mark’s Hospital. His task is no simple one: he must create a mural that represents the healing power of miracles. But Thomas is not a man of faith. He is an agnostic artist whose work, steeped in fantasy and vivid color, has always been divorced from religious themes. So how does an artist, skeptical of miracles, approach a project that asks him to depict them?
This is the central question in Keith Merrill’s The Color of Miracles, a novel that examines the tension between belief and doubt, art and healing, in the life of its protagonist, Thomas Hall. The story unfolds through his journey as he is asked to create something deeply personal, while also contending with the expectations of others.
A Muralist Between Two Worlds
Thomas Hall, a muralist best known for his dynamic and imaginative works, finds himself torn between two conflicting commissions. One is from the Pacific Science Museum, where he is tasked with painting a prehistoric mural depicting the evolution of humans. The other is a commission from St. Mark’s Hospital for a mural about miracles, specifically those of Jesus, a theme that challenges Thomas’s agnostic beliefs.In his world of vivid alizarin crimson and cadmium yellow, Thomas has always seen art as a personal expression, far removed from the religious or divine. When he begins working on the hospital mural, he feels the weight of a request he does not understand, let alone believe in. The work seems foreign to him, almost a betrayal of his own artistic integrity. But as the story progresses, Thomas’s skepticism gives way to something unexpected: a gradual understanding that his art might serve a higher purpose.
The Healing Power of Art
The catalyst for Thomas’s shift in perspective is Christina, a young girl who has survived a tragic accident but now faces a long, painful recovery. Christina’s life, once filled with music, is now a journey through physical and emotional healing. Her violin, the only thing she has left from her old life, becomes a symbol of both her trauma and her potential for recovery. Christina’s story becomes inextricably linked to Thomas’s, and through her, he begins to understand the true meaning of healing not as an abstract concept, but as something deeply human.Susan “Cass” Cassidy, the communications professional who champions the mural project, also plays a crucial role in Thomas’s transformation. Cass, who becomes emotionally invested in Christina’s recovery, is driven by a belief in the healing power of beauty and art. She sees the mural as more than just a project; she believes it can provide solace and hope to the children who visit the Healing Place at St. Mark’s Hospital. Through Cass’s steadfast dedication and her connection to Christina, Thomas starts to reconsider his role as an artist. He begins to see that the mural could be a form of healing for both the viewers and himself.
The Conflict Between Science and Faith
As Thomas moves forward with the mural, he faces not only personal doubts but external conflicts as well. Silas Hawker, the new director of the Pacific Science Museum, is a staunch Darwinist who insists that Thomas’s work aligns with scientific principles. Hawker’s rigid scientific worldview challenges Thomas’s artistic approach, pushing him to question the very foundations of his beliefs. Meanwhile, the board at St. Mark’s Hospital is divided over how the mural should be represented. Miss Von Horn, a devout benefactor of the hospital, insists that the mural include a clear depiction of Jesus and his miracles, while others, including Clinton Carver, oppose any religious imagery in a public space.In the midst of these conflicts, Thomas is pulled in different directions: his professional obligations, his personal doubts, and the influence of those around him. But through the process of creating the mural, he finds himself moving closer to an understanding that transcends the dichotomy of science versus faith.
The Role of Community and Redemption
Thomas’s journey is not just one of artistic growth but of personal transformation. His relationship with his estranged father, Alexander, a figure who looms large in his life, also plays a significant role in his emotional journey. As Thomas confronts his past and his unresolved feelings towards his father, he learns the power of forgiveness. Not just for others but for himself.The mural, initially seen as a professional assignment, becomes a symbol of Thomas’s own redemption. His transformation from a man of detached skepticism to one who begins to understand the power of compassion and human connection mirrors the healing process he depicts on the wall. It is through the act of creation through painting that Thomas learns to heal, not just as an artist, but as a person.
A Novel of Human Struggles and Quiet Miracles
The Color of Miracles is a deeply human story, filled with questions that resonate beyond the art. The novel asks: Can we bridge the gap between skepticism and faith? Can art, in its purest form, be a vehicle for healing, redemption, and connection? Keith Merrill’s narrative invites us to reflect on these questions through the lives of Thomas, Cass, Christina, and the other characters who fill the pages with their struggles and triumphs.Merrill’s writing is filled with rich, emotional depth, allowing readers to experience not just the intellectual debates between science and faith, but the personal transformations that occur when art becomes a means of connecting with others and healing wounds, both seen and unseen.
A Legacy of Storytelling
Keith W. Merrill is a filmmaker, writer, producer, and director who has won an Academy Award, boasting a remarkable career in storytelling. A strong supporter of education, he established a private school and remains actively engaged in various church and community projects. Hailing from Farmington, Utah, Merrill embodies a cowboy spirit, cherishing the principles of hard work and family. He has been married to his college sweetheart for 60 years and takes pride in being the father of eight children, the grandfather of 40, and the great-grandfather of nine. His love for film, literature, and education continues to influence his creations, captivating audiences with powerful narratives and cinematic quality.With The Color of Miracles, Merrill brings his expertise of narrative to the page, creating a story that not only entertains but challenges readers to think deeply about the intersection of art, faith, and personal transformation. His background as a storyteller, educator, and advocate for the arts infuses this novel with a sense of authenticity and heart that is rare in contemporary fiction.
Through Thomas’s journey, Merrill explores the universal themes of doubt, belief, healing, and redemption, offering a story that will resonate with anyone who has ever questioned their place in the world or wondered how art can serve a greater purpose. The Color of Miracles invites readers to reflect on the power of art and faith. Available on Amazon and Goodreads, it’s a great read for anyone interested in the intersection of creativity and personal growth.
