Recently, artists JP Morgan and Clement Suave passed away, and I've been reading spending a lot of time on DeviantART reading the journals and comments expressing their condolances. But what keeps catching my attention are the memories that other artists continue to share about him. This really showed me how much of a sense of community the Art Industry- whether it be comics, animation, fine art, graphic design, etc- has built over the years. Even here at Emporia State University, the Art Department takes leaps and bounds forward to bring the entire body of art majors together as one big family. The way that we can all sit together in Art Forum and laugh and socialize, and then the way we all marvel at the works of the various artists who come in to share their work and experiences with us, it makes me realize how much I love what I do, and what I hope to achieve in the future.
I first heard the news from LeSean Thomas on Facebook, and then later I heard it from Alex Garner and comic colorist Blond on DeviantART. It made me realize how often people in this industry whom fans like us often see as simple- yet idolized- individuals have worked together and interacted, even befriended, each other. The Art Industry isn't just about creativity, but about a mutual respect for people who find new and creative ways to do what we do, because it's what we all strive for in everything we do.
Both JP and Clement will be sorely missed, just like figures such as Michael Turner and Mike Weiringo were before them. But I have a feeling in my gut that if they had any inkling about how strong an effect they've had on their peers, and in hopeful young creativists like me, they'll be looking down on us now with pride and fulfillment.
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