I took my first printmaking class in the late 1990s from a seemingly gruff and intimidating man. That initial impression gave way soon enough as his thoughtful interior emerged. Within the semester, he had me hooked on wood relief and printmaking generally. His passion and knowledge and clear sense of social justice had a way of hooking me into the print as means for serious expression.
I lost touch with him over the years then rekindled a connection later. He was always kind and generous with his thoughts and I respected what he had to say. I consider him a friend and mentor and I will miss him greatly. It turns out, I needed more time with him. He once told me that the important thing about art is that it keeps us balanced throughout life which never stops being difficult. He said that doing one’s work, especially as a reaction to dark forces, keeps one’s integrity intact. That may not seem enough, he said, but it’s important because once the outer world is out of our control, the next step is to surrender internally. I’m in constant need of that reminder. His death is a great loss to Montana, the art community, and the world at large. We lost a good one and for someone who felt the world as deeply as he did, he deserves peace.
Thank you for sharing this Jacob.
Hello Jacob - My name is Joanne Price and I'm a member of the Wood Engravers' Network, which Jim was part of. I'm wondering if we can discuss the possibility of using some of what you have written about Jim Todd for a memorial I'm putting together? You can reach me at joanne@starpointestudio.com