I was greatly saddened to learn that the lovely "Mr. Kissane" is no longer here with us. He was my art teacher at the same time as John Vera who posted some photos, and gave me my very first 'commission' by asking me to do the artwork for the cover of TASIS England's very first yearbook. It was such an honour to be invited to do that, but the honour paled in comparison to the compliment, because the compliment had come from him. That mattered.
Of course he was kind, talented and admirable, but with sides of fun, funny, cool, handsome, insightful, inspiring and clearly unforgettable. My memory is so bad in too many ways, but with him, I've always been able to return to our art room, sit and chat just like it was yesterday. I guess now I'll just have to keep visiting that way until one day when we're both in the same place again. Would feel good to thank him for giving a bit of extraordinary confidence to an ordinary kid - but he was an extraordinary teacher.
The only other thing for now is that in reading others' words, it seems he went through a very hard time before he learned to fly. If he did, I am so very sorry for him, and all of you. I know how hard that is to watch, but glad he had you to help him through. The worst is over now but I bet he isn't resting in peace. He'd be bored to tears...
Looking forward to the next project, Bob. Oh. And a beer.
Andy
Andrea Hall
