BioPortraits
BioPortraits are visual biographical narratives. They tell in images the story of personal or organizational accomplishment, of an event or historical movement, of an individual’s life or career. From the exploits of military heroes and sports celebrities, to seasonal journeys of organizations and personal fields of dreams, SMB BioPortraits are illustrative story celebrations. Check out the gallery. You might run in to someone you know, a story you’ve been a part of, a hero you’ve admired, an achievement you’ve cheered on.
Top of the Mountain
Lou Whitaker is one of the most storied and respected mountain climbers in history. Leader on the
first American summit of the north face of Mt. Everest and numerous other Everest-class summits,
Whitaker trained some of the greatest mountain climbers in the world. One of those is Ed Viesturs
(lower left), the first American to climb all fourteen of the world’s “eighteener” peaks and the
fifth climber to do so without assisted oxygen. Also depicted in this Bio-Portrait is Whitaker’s
long-time climbing partner, Nowang Gombu (upper left), who, as a seventeen-year-old Sherpa served
on Sir Edmond Hillary’s original conquest of Everest and was the first man in history to summit
Everest twice.
The Decade
It was arguably the best first decade of any player to wear the uniform of any team in the
history of Major League Baseball. In each of his first ten seasons Albert Pujols hit at least
30 home runs, drove in at least 100 RBIs, and posted a .300+ batting average. During
those years he also won three Gold Glove awards, was twice named National League
MVP, and led the St. Louis Cardinals to two World Series championships. Recipient of
the Roberto Clemente Award, what Albert accomplished via charitable endeavors off the
field—with his wife, Deidre, and the Pujols Family Foundation—was equally impressive
and of greater lasting impact. This Bio-Portrait tells the story of a truly remarkable
decade.
Cavalryman
Proudly Cavalry, Colonel Robert Young was a scout helicopter pilot in Viet Nam in the
early years of his career as an Army officer. Equally proud of his family, this Bio-Portrait
tells the story of his career years.
Among The Elite
When the New England Patriots and Carolina Panthers met for Super Bowl XXXVIII, no
one could have anticipated the offensive fireworks display that would make it one of the
most exciting games in Super Bowl history. As Tom Brady and Jake Delhome traded
touchdown tosses, the tension rose toward another game-winning field goal by New
England’s kicker, Adam Vinatieri. With the victory, the New England Patriots joined the
elite of the NFL owning multiple Super Bowl championships.
This Bio-Portrait was commissioned by the NFL and auctioned prior to Super Bowl
XXXVIIII as part of an NFL fund raising initiative that provided aid for victims of a
tsunami that devastated Indonesia.
Vanishing Moments
Touching six decades, the Hall of Fame broadcasting career of (the late) Jack
Buck—voice of the St. Louis Cardinals—reported the exploits of many baseball greats.
Representing those six decades in this Bio-Portrait are legendary Cardinals, Stan Musial,
Red Schoeneinst, Bob Gibson, Lou Brock, Ozzie Smith, and Mark McGuire. Depicted at
center broadcasting a game from Busch Memorial Stadium, Jack Buck was the Cardinal
connection for people tuned in overseas via Armed Forces Radio or listening from bass
boats, a fire stations, backyard barbeques, street corners, and just about any walk of life
(conveyed in visual narrative around the border).
But, for Jack Buck, passionate commitment was not limited to baseball. His favorite
charitable organization was The Backstoppers—supporting the families of police officers
and firefighters fallen in the line of duty. One million dollars was raised through this
work of art and presented by Jack Buck to The Backstoppers on Opening Day, 2001.
America's Super Bowl
“Nine-Eleven” is inseparable from remembrance of national tragedy. Destruction of the
Twin towers in New York City and part of the Pentagon in Washington DC, and the loss
of many lives on American soil left the nation stunned. Later that year, as shock waves
continued to ripple across the US and the world, a team identified by an American flag
emblem bore it proudly on an unlikely march to the Super Bowl, where it faced the most
lopsided underdog odds of all. Winning in overtime by a field goal, the red, white, and
blue Patriot’s victory was about more than hoisting the Vince Lombardi Trophy; it was a
statement about rising to a challenge and prevailing. The smoky, blue-gray narrative
border of this Bio-Portrait is memorial to the ominous backdrop of an otherwise trivial
event.
America’s Super Bowl is the collaborative creation of John Deyes and Russell Irwin.
General Stephensen
Whether in military leadership or service as a Whitehouse Fellow, General Richard
Stephensen commanded respect by achievement. This Bio-Portrait is the career story of a
gifted officer and aviator.
General Stewart
Beginning his career as a helicopter pilot for the Army, Gen Robert Stewart was destined
to make his mark on history as a test pilot. First test-piloting the Apache helicopter, he
went on to become a NASA Space Shuttle astronaut and the first person in history to
leave a spacecraft untethered in space, test-piloting the manned robotic space chair.
Legends
Created for the 25th Anniversary of the USGA Senior Open Championship, this Bio-
Portrait celebrates the history of golf champions, recalling famously memorable moments
and highlighting five of the tour’s most successful celebrities—Arnold Palmer, Jack
Nichlaus, Tom Watson, Gary Player, and Hale Irwin. Funds raised through this work of
art supported the ALS Foundation.
Star Quarterbacks
The Dallas Cowboys can boast more superstar quarterbacks than any other team in NFL
history. The narrative of this Bio-Portrait conveys the tradition of star
quarterbacks—Eddie LeBaron, Don Meredith, Craig Morton, Roger Staubach, Danny
White, and Troy Aikman—and the multi-generational excellence of teams proudly
bearing the Silver Star. Proceeds raised through this work of art were distributed to
several charitable youth organizations throughout the Dallas area.
