Maury Ornest's life was a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. A talented baseball player whose dreams were derailed by mental illness, Ornest found solace and expression in the vibrant world of art, leaving behind a remarkable legacy that continues to inspire and captivate.

Unlocking the Artistic Genius of a Troubled Soul

A Promising Baseball Career Cut Short

Maury Ornest shared several commonalities with Freddie Freeman, the World Series hero of the Los Angeles Dodgers. Both were born to Canadian parents and grew up in Southern California, their fathers grooming them for baseball success from a young age. Ornest was a promising draft prospect out of Beverly Hills High in 1977, but he opted to pursue a college education at the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB). As a switch-hitter, he compiled an impressive .363 batting average for the Gauchos and was subsequently drafted in the third round by the Milwaukee Brewers in 1980.

The Onset of Mental Illness and a Descent into Darkness

However, Ornest's promising baseball career was derailed by injuries, and he was unable to progress beyond the minor leagues. More tragically, he was soon plunged into a dark abyss of mental illness, a schizoaffective disorder that would affect him for the rest of his life. As his sister, Laura Ornest, recounts, "It was a psychotic break from reality." Ornest's struggle with mental illness was a lifelong battle, marked by periods of medication, therapy, and both good and rough times.

Discovering the Healing Power of Art

In the face of his mental health challenges, Ornest found solace and a means of expression through art. As his sister Laura explains, "A therapist suggested painting to express himself." Ornest's artistic journey became a testament to the transformative power of creativity, as he channeled his inner turmoil into vibrant, life-affirming canvases. "What struck us most of all was the vibrancy, the joy, the love, the humor, the silliness, and whimsy in the paintings," Laura remarked, marveling at her brother's ability to "transfer his inner darkness into vivid, life-affirming colors with passion and energy."

Uncovering a Remarkable Legacy

It was only after Ornest's passing in 2018 that the true extent of his artistic legacy was revealed. When his family went to his house, they were "overwhelmed and surprised by the amount of paintings." Hundreds of canvases, many of them baseball-themed, showcased Ornest's vivid imagination and his ability to transform his personal struggles into captivating works of art. "He left so much, telling us of his sadness, torment, and joy," Laura said, underscoring the profound emotional depth that permeated her brother's artistic expression.

Honoring Maury Ornest's Legacy

Maury Ornest's story is now being shared with the world through a documentary film titled "Outsider," which will be screened at UCSB's intercollegiate athletics building on November 10th. The event will feature a panel discussion with Laura Ornest, UCSB Athletic Director Kelly Barsky, psychology professor Dr. Steve Smith, and art professor Jane Callister. Barsky described the film as "incredibly raw and graceful at the same time," highlighting the power of Ornest's story to inspire and remove the stigma surrounding mental illness.In the wake of this remarkable discovery, an art sale showcasing Ornest's vibrant paintings will follow the screening and discussion. This event, which Ornest himself never had the opportunity to arrange, will allow the public to experience the depth and beauty of his artistic expression. As the world celebrates the resilience and creativity of this remarkable individual, Maury Ornest's legacy continues to inspire and captivate, reminding us of the transformative power of art in the face of adversity.