A Tribute to Larry Jens Anderson {1947 - 2021}
Dick. All I saw was Dick — of Dick and Jane. Except there was no Jane, just Dick. Dick with Fruit, Dick with Vegetables, Dick in schoolhouses that resembled effigies reminiscent of your adolescent days in Randall, Kansas. The artwork was beautifully illustrated mixed media work, sometimes with glitter, sometimes with colored pencil, often starting as graphite drawings elevated into fine art with your deft lines. This is what I remember from our first studio visit.
You loved creating, you loved the act of drawing, you loved exploring mediums — ink to conte, crayon to collage, flocked metallic substrates to watercolors. Your work was singular and outstanding, imbued with layers of history, of experience, of mistakes that became happy moments — skillfully working your way out of the image to create delicately refined, sublimely contemplative, exquisitely beautiful works of art. Throughout your 50+ year career, your artwork now adorn homes, offices, museums and private collections that span 7 countries.
Larry Jens Anderson, you were not only my friend but one of my greatest mentors in this life (and to many others). Because of your kindness, love and dedication to the arts, our lives are enriched and inspired. Thank you for your broad abilities to expand the minds and hand of those you’ve touched. Thank you for your willingness to live your truth and explore conversations of sexuality, of loss, of anger, of religion, of gun violence, of disease, of redemption, of hope, of life’s sweet and bittersweet complexities. You taught us how you live your truth so that those in your sphere are open to live in theirs. You have taught me so much about life and art and for that I’m eternally grateful and forever changed.
Though you’ve left us in this realm, your legacy will live on far beyond. The ripple effect of your life will permeate those who have been touched by your art. I will miss your cheshire grin, I will miss our meals, holidays, celebrations and conversations. I will miss your presence at the gallery, your gentle guidance, and your mindful, magnanimous spirit.
With gratitude,
Yu-Kai Lin