RIP Ian Johnstone

 

... be secret, child be strange: dark, true, impure and dissonant. Cherish our flame. Our dawn shall come. - David Rudkin, Penda's Fen

Ian Johnstone was an artist of unimaginable talent and vision, articulated in his singular and exquisite aesthetic which was manifest in all he touched. Ian worked extremely hard and was uncompromising with his work, he applied loving consideration for every tiny detail and was an extraordinary craftsman. We had the privilege of showing his work and knowing his humanity. We mourn his passing; we will miss his seeking eyes and brimming spirit. Ian was charismatically irreverent, compelling to watch and to listen to and bottomlessly soulful, the world has lost a very special one.

Portrait of the artist by Kerry O'Sullivan