Remembering Nace
-by Zephyr
This morning I received the horrible news that my friend Nace was killed in Ohio. Last night, Sunday, August 12, 2001, at approximately 7:00 pm, a drunk driver claimed his life and injured several other artists--all of whom were attending this year's Scribble Jam. When I heard that John was gone--so suddenly, violently and pointlessly--I broke down and cried like a baby. John was way too young, far too sweet and much too talented.

I realize that if I'm fortunate enough to see a ripe old age, I'll inevitably lose my friends, family and loved ones. But even as I've lost too many already (haven't we all?); I'm not prepared for things like this. A tragedy of this proportion just doesn't fit into any kind of rational reality. I simply assumed I'd be friends with John for years to come. I now know that the time I spent with him was a precious gift--one that I'll value until the day I die.

Nace was the most down-to-earth aerosol artist I've ever known, and I've known a few. He was serene, solid and calm. He spoke in careful moderation--a sharp contrast to my irksome chattiness--our personalities were as different as our painting styles. Nace had the most matter-of-fact attitude about things. In a culture full of brash individuals, Nace's low-key posture was just beautiful--a welcome breath of fresh air. His commitment to painting--particularly freights (his real passion)--was second to none, and his process was very personal.

I knew immediately upon meeting him seven years ago that he did what he did just for himself. He was a perfectionist who crafted the tightest, most intricate and interesting pieces. Many nights I watched him grace the sides of rusted-out metal relics with one his hi-tech masterpieces. He was a stickler for can control--something which he possessed in abundance. I never saw him paint any bubble letters. Even his fill-ins were dynamic, streamlined little renderings. I was never embarrassed to ask him to decipher his pieces for me because his work had gotten so evolved I simply couldn't follow all of his futuristic hieroglyphics.

Nonetheless, John and I painted a lot together since we met through our mutual friend, Kaws, back in 1994. Nace was a gentle giant; soft-spoken, polite and kind. He had big bear hands, an even bigger heart and a handshake like a vise. Besides my admiration for the staggering volume of excellent work that John created, I acknowledge him as a true innovator (a term I don't use loosely). Think about it: Innovators are very, very rare in this or any other art movement--most of us tend to follow the lead.

Besides his unique approach to lettering (I've never seen anything comparable), things like his "Star Trek" designs (that's what I always called them) flying through his pieces, leaving trails behind on their astral journeyÖthose little details were just off the hook. His trademark color schemes were drop-dead delirious--he knew just where to put the dark purple and the jungle green. Many a night I had to ask him "Dude, where'd you get that color?"

It's a tired expression --"Only the good die young," but I've been repeating it over and over in my head like a mantra all day to keep myself functioning.

Please light a candle or say a prayer for our beloved brother Nace. The entire community's heartfelt condolences go out to his family and everyone who was blessed with the gift of his friendship. God Bless you John. We love you madly.

Zephyr