Dan Hillier: A Tribute
Artist, Activist and Earth Dweller who loved life.
This week the creative community lost Dan Hillier to Cancer.
This one hit hard.
We met back in 2011.
We were both exhibiting work in the inaugural ‘The Other Art Fair’ in London. It was my first experience of a proper show, and I walked around in awe of the work being exhibited. The stand out star of the show, without a shadow of a doubt, was Dan’s work. Over the course of the set-up of the show, the exhibit days and after, those of us who exhibited were able to connect, chat, share coffees and experiences, sneaking over to ask ‘how’s it been for you?! Any gallery folk come up to chat? Make any sales?’.
Dan’s stall was always PACKED with people. He seemed in his element, always smiling, engaging with people with ease, chatting away. He was one of the handful of artists that I did manage to chat to, and he was kind, generous, incredibly warm and had the ability to make you feel like you were already friends after a 10 minute conversation. He was one of those people that would be fully present and engaged with you, and you’d walk away feeling seen and heard.
After the show was over, I’d occasionally cross paths with him, in the random, surprising way that happens so often in London. Once we both happened to be in the vegetarian cafe in Neal’s Yard, Covent Garden at the same time. By this time, he was already a bit of a superstar. Somehow, he remembered me, and we chatted briefly about how our work was going, how we were. I recall how open he was with everything he learned and he kindly told me I could contact him to chat about it further anytime. I never did, for fear that he was just being polite. But I could feel he meant it. I never forgot the kindness of this exchange.
The years rolled by, I went back to Design, and I saw his work appearing everywhere. It was exhilarating to see his work on everything from album artwork, book covers to sets for live events. I was a bit of a super fan already, but I’d be THAT person that would point to his work and say ‘Oooh that’s a Dan Hillier, I met him - he’s LOVELY’… as though we were friends, when of course we were not. I was so excited for his success, and felt incredibly inspired by him.
From following his work and what he shared online, one could discern that he was a spiritual seeker, an activist, a truth seeker, someone who created work that was deep, work about the human experience. His work felt both ancient, timeless and somehow futuristic all at the same time.
I was struck by these words Dan wrote here:
“…one of the primary reasons I make my work is to encourage quiet, stillness, and imagination in the viewer. I feel that good art should help suspend the moment, and the self, so that something akin to the imagination can be given some room to stretch and move about.”
His passing leaves me so sad for his nearest and dearest, but also so sad for the work we will never see. It had me reflecting on my own practice.
Since we met in 2011, I’ve been stopping and starting with my own work. There’s always been some measure of hesitation, of holding back, of not fully showing up.
What am I waiting for?
Everything we do is about giving something a go. Figuring it out on the fly. So WHAT if no one buys my work? IT DOES NOT MATTER. What matters is GETTING IT OUT THERE. Get the work into the world. Now.
I feel a sense of urgency, as so often happens when we grieve a loss. That reminder that our time is finite, the pure preciousness of it. I’m reminded of the incredible impact that Dan’s work had on the world. The people his work touched, and how much his work was cherished. It matters. It continues to resonate and is deeply felt. It lives and breathes. It is an incredible, beautiful thing.
So come on. Now is the time.
No more delays.
Let’s put our work OUT TO THE WORLD.
This track feels perfect for honouring his memory. I can’t know for sure, but I imagine he would have liked it. Enjoy.
Rest in Power Dan.
I was so sad when I heard the new, what a terrible loss. I came across Dan's work as a student and was instantly hooked by his striking style and the complex ayers of meaning in each image which made them almost puzzle-like. I knew very little about Dan as a person but he clearly touched a lot of people with his warmth and personality, thank you for this moving tribute to him Raj x
I am grateful to you for introducing me to Dan and his work, and so saddened that an artist my age is no longer with us. He was indeed the real deal and can imagine a wonderful person to have known. Deeply moving to see the photos of him shared on his website and very strange to discover him and his awe-inspiring work for the first time. We all must pursue creativity and not let self-doubt and fear get in the way of that, because it can so easily be taken away from us altogether. Some people like Dan, no matter how brief the encounter, can change your life, and light up your soul and heart, seems like he left an engraving on yours and so many others. It is a strong reminder that life is fleeting and too short to not create work that enables you to connect to another soul and celebrate the life we get to live. I am listening to your recommendation, and am now an instant fan of Dan, he lives on, thank you, Raj, and cheers to Dan x