Trust – A drawing by Bobb Vann - Winter 2007 Issue of Horses in Art Magazine

Trust – A drawing

by Bobb Vann, Staff Writer

Bobb Vann presents Birdie with the original Trust pencil drawing he executed for her on the one-year anniversary of receiving her kidney.
The pencil drawing titled Trust by African American artist Bobb Vann has quite a story behind it. It is aptly titled, as trust grows between man and horse – but there are many levels of trust. The original drawing depicts Birdie Stabel, an avid horse rider who became like a sister to Bobb Vann, and is a testament to how the love of people and horses can have a great impact on the lives of others.

Vann needed some help from a friend. Not just to borrow a lawn mower or a cup of sugar. He needed a kidney.

Vann’s local Tubac, Arizona, community heard of his need and over twenty people volunteered. After an extensive screening process, Birdie Stabel was chosen and gladly sacrificed a month or so of riding her horse in order to give Vann one of her kidneys so he could lead a normal life. In an interview in the local Green Valley News Birdie explained, “We’re not wealthy and we can contribute little bits and pieces to this cause and that cause, but it’s just a small amount and it’s only making a small difference. Giving Bobb my kidney is something I can do. I love him and this will make a difference in another human being’s life.” In the same interview, commenting on the fact that she is a Caucasian woman who donated a kidney to an African American male, Birdie stated in the same interview, “It crossed all barriers, and if anyone had any doubts, they should know that we are all basically the same inside.”

The group in the waiting room in the hospital, Bobb’s wife Pat, Birdies’ husband Nick, and several others were anxiously awaiting the outcome of the surgeries. When the surgeon came with the news that all was well, the group hugged and cried happy tears. Bobb Vann commented, “I’ve wished many a time that I could’ve been there to see it." Artist Bobb Vann’s skill in depicting horses was utilized in a commission by the National Guard historians for a series of paintings of black soldiers from the Civil War through the Persian Gulf War. His work is on permanent display at the Pentagon. Visit his web site at www.bobbvann.com

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