Prince - June 7, 1958 - April 21, 2016

 
As an artist, I have been influenced by many. Many visual artists, like Schiele, Klimt, Gwathmey, Arbus, Matisse, Warhol...the list is long, but besides Schiele, the only one who influenced me emotionally in my work is Prince. Not a visual artist, but an amazing writer, musical genius and style guru.

For over 32 years, I obsessed over the man, the music, the image he projected. Many friends, family and colleagues thought of me and reached out in concern when this horrible news of his death was announced. The groupie in me is sad and shocked, and regretful to have never met him and the fan of his music is so sad to know that there will be no more excitement to hear his new music from him. The artist in me is at a loss losing inspiration.

He was a rarity. Influenced so many with his talent. It's a sad sad day. Thank you all for being concerned about me and how I feel about his passing. I cherish all of those amazing concerts I've attended, all of the music I own, memorabilia I saved, videos I have. He was huge in how I lived my life and why I pursued art as a career. He will be with me always.