Towards the end of the crazy 60’s there was a little known movement (at that time) starting to take place. A movement that would forever change lives and churches as people knew it. It was called the Jesus Movement and it was a movement that was forever changing the course of not only music but art as we knew it.

Leonard Knight is a name that stands out in the world of folk art, not just for his creativity, but for his unwavering faith and determination. Born in 1931 on a farm in Vermont, Knight’s early life was marked by hard work and a sense of duty. But it wasn’t until a spiritual awakening in 1967 that he found his true calling—a calling that would lead him to create one of the most remarkable works of art in modern history: Salvation Mountain.

Knight’s journey to becoming an artist was anything but conventional. He didn’t find solace in school, nor did he thrive in the structured environment of the U.S. Army during the Korean War. After his discharge, he drifted from job to job, never quite finding his place until he experienced a profound religious awakening while visiting his sister in San Diego. This newfound faith ignited a fire within him, and Knight decided to spread the message that “God is Love” in a unique way.

Initially, Knight attempted to share his message using a hot air balloon, but when that project failed, he set his sights on something even more ambitious: building a mountain. In 1984, near Slab City in southern California, Knight began constructing Salvation Mountain, a massive structure made of adobe clay, straw, and countless layers of paint. Despite setbacks, including the collapse of his first attempt, Knight persisted. The final structure, standing over 50 feet tall and adorned with biblical quotes and vibrant colors, became a beacon of faith and creativity, attracting admirers from all walks of life.

Knight’s work was more than just an artistic expression; it was a testament to his deep spiritual conviction. As Rebecca Alban-Hoffberger, director of the American Visionary Art Museum, put it, “Leonard Knight is one of the great visionary artists of all time because his work is so palpably spirit-filled. It inspires people with faith and without faith.” Knight’s dedication to his craft and his message continued until his passing in 2014, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire.

As someone who deeply admires Knight for his faith and creativity, especially during the era of the Jesus Movement, I find his story incredibly uplifting. His life and work remind us of the power of faith and perseverance, and how one person’s vision can touch the lives of so many.

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Sources:

1. Tim Brinkhof, Art Net News

https://news.artnet.com/art-world/art-bites-origins-salvation-mountain-2521697