I’ve been wanting to post this video by my old buddy Phil Long for a while. It documents the process of making an incredible leather mosaic tribute to his father who was murdered by pirates off the coast of Mexico while attempting to return to Ireland in a boat he had built. It’s a couple of years old but it’s an absolutely timeless example of how to turn the forces of loss and death into inspiration, empowerment and transformation.
Phil is not only one of the nicest, coolest and most upbeat guys I know, but his work with leather is sheer genius. Anytime you add 100% love of and devotion to your craft to ridiculous god-given talent, you’re guaranteed to have your mind blown. But the fact that Phil can make you laugh at him and at yourself all night long just takes it a notch up into sign-me-up-for-the-ride territory. I’m planning a more in-depth profile of Phil in the not so distant future, but I was just feeling really raw and in love with life today, a perfect place to take in the Ascension of John Long.
Check out some more of Phil’s work at his site, and here a few more pictures I took of his work at the reception for his last show at Rhythmix Cultural Works in Alameda, CA:
I’m stunned. His work is glorious. And to honor his father in such a moving way… Thanks for sharing!
Glad you like it, Tracie. Watching that video gives me goosebumps every time…