Muralist Schoonhoven’s Courage, Hard Work

Although it was devastating for me to learn about the passing of artist Terry Schoonhoven, I would like to compliment Times art critic Christopher Knight on the obituary he wrote (Dec. 23). I think it was a fitting send-off for a great artist.

I worked with Terry on several mural projects (including the “St. Charles Painting” in Venice) as a photographer to help him gather visual reference material. Although it was several years ago that I last spoke with him, I was always aware of his work through articles in the newspapers or through information from mutual friends and artists. He was a great draftsman and painter. His work for me is in some ways very spiritual; the irony of a Los Angeles underwater or a scene of Minneapolis with a view of vacant buildings next to a bone-dry Mississippi River (Walker Art Center mural) speaks of change and that “all things must pass.” Outwardly he didn’t seem spiritually inclined, but to me his work is about the impermanence of life on Earth and the importance of being here now. He lived like that; one day at a time. I admire him for that, and for his courage and hard work.

Whenever the comprehensive book on Los Angeles art is written, Terry Schoonhoven should have a chapter all to himself.

Douglas Morgan

San Pedro