Thirty five years ago Time magazine commissioned me to paint a portrait of a man I had never heard of. His name was Darth Vader.

Seven months after my cover appeared on the newsstands (May 19, 1980) a stamped, self addressed envelope arrived at my New York studio. My name was printed by a child’s shaky hand.

The enclosed letter was accompanied by a Polaroid of a young boy. His wish was to grow up and become a Jedi. He requested a small pencil sketch of his new mentor and hero Darth Vader.

I had painted two versions for the Time cover. The portrait not used was sitting in a painting rack in my studio. Rolling up the 2’ x 3’ finished oil painting I sent it off a mailing tube.

In the years that have passed I have, on occasion, wondered if the boy grew up to be a Jedi. Last week I received the following email and photograph.

Mr. Arisman, my name is Kelly Dickerson In 1981 I wrote you a letter

asking for a sketch of Darth Vader , in its place you sent me a full size oil painting of Darth Vader. I have had this painting since 1981 still in the frame my father made for me . I have attached a picture of myself and the painting. To this day everyone just loves it and asks where I got it , and I proceed to tell the story on how I asked for a notebook sketch and received this awesome full size oil painting …. Sorry about the attire I just got home from work ……lol

(May the force be with you always)

Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens is scheduled for release soon. Let us hope it rekindles the child in all of us.