Tuesday, March 5, 2019
I just found out that my mentor passed away recently. I hadn't seen him in several years and I wish I could change that. When I met Dave twenty plus years ago it was because a friend's mom told how she had taken an art history class and this teacher was amazing. See, I'd given up on the creative path. I had a bad run in with an art teacher after high school and so I decided to find a new path. But she really thought I might like him, so I decided to go ahead and give it try. The crazy part, was I got the names wrong and ended up taking the wrong class. Turned out to be the same teacher I had the bad run in with. But I got through that ok and because the department was only two people, I got to know Dave. The best way to describe him is passion. God that man loved art. And he taught it with the same passion. I remember after lectures he would be exhausted because he taught with his whole body and spirit. Some of the greatest times of my life were in his classes and late nights in the studios working on stuff. He showed me how to put my work ethic into passion of making art. He was friend. A mentor. A second family. And the start of how my life changed. He brought me back to this path. So I blame him now. ;) My Instagram name is because of him. I was a studio painter and needed and email address. I've carried that with me till now and I know I will forever. I'm a different kind of painter now but I still carry the passionate that Dave showed me all those many years ago. Dave taught at a community college but that guy was a fucking artist. And more importantly a Teacher. With a capitol T. He inspired. He challenged. He changed us. Dave the world might not know your art, but your students will carry your legacy for ever. My heart breaks today because of how much you have changed my life. Forever my mentor and my friend.
