MFA Design Co-Chair Steven Heller—who co-wrote SVA’s tribute to the late artist, longtime faculty member and MFA Illustration as Visual Essay Chair Marshall Arisman—has published a personal remembrance of his late friend and colleague for his “Daily Heller” column in Print.

“I’ve attempted to write a conventional, objective obituary about Marshall,” Heller writes, “but it is impossible to detach myself from our long and cherished relationship. To say he altered my existence is made even more vivid—and heartbreaking—by his absence.”

Arisman and Heller first met when the former—who was then the chair of Design and Illustration at SVA—admitted the latter as an illustration student, only to expel him, for poor attendance, shortly thereafter. Regardless, the two soon established a working relationship and several years later, Arisman recruited Heller to the SVA faculty. They went on to enjoy a deep friendship that, as Heller says, profoundly influenced every facet of his life—a common refrain from those who passed through Arisman’s orbit.

“I thought then that Marshall had a divine power and still believe it today,” Heller writes. “He was Puck incarnate: tricky and sensible; inspiring and artful; loyal and compassionate; sly and wily. He added spice to the lives of everyone who loved him, and we all loved him, spice and all.”

To read Heller’s full essay, click here.

Also of interest: Heller has excavated an old interview he conducted with Arisman for the UK illustration journal Varoom, in which the artist talks about his fascination with cave drawings, a memorable editorial assignment and why his rejected cover art for a 1984 issue of Time exemplified his approach as an illustrator.

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The writer and SVA faculty member pays tribute to his longtime friend and colleague in ‘Print’