Mark Curtis Media

(Danville, California)

It was a bittersweet goodbye as a few hundred people gathered at the memorial service Wednesday for Danville Artist Phil Hellsten.

To say Hellsten was eccentric is an understatement. "Phil was quirky; we can say that in church," said Rev. Steve Harms. "He was odd!" The church erupted in laughter.

"He was a free-thinker who made people happy," Rev. Harms added. "He was the last of the Bohemians."

Several people mentioned Phil's love for painting politicians. Since this is a political blog, I have included his version of President Ronald Reagan, in the pixilated, checkerboard style for which Phil was famous. Similar paintings of Governor Schwarzenegger, John Kennedy, Jr., and Elvis were on display.

One artist talked about how Phil would do the political paintings in gray-scale, mixing and using 32 different shades on a spectrum from black to white.

The paintings are remarkable in that if you stand too close, they just look like a bunch of black, white and gray squares, with no discernible pattern. "You have to stand back enough to get the picture," said Phil's close friend John Barry, who said the artist was much like his work.

Another artist noted that Arnold Schwarzenegger was somewhat stunned when he saw his own likeness as created by Phil, but then autographed it!

One of those who spoke read a short note that Phil Hellsten wrote to himself on his birthday six years ago: "I love life. Life loves me. Everything is as it should be!"

Another artist wrote: "Phil is now painting with angels!" And so he is!

For more of Hellsten's artwork and coverage of his funeral, go to the "Danville Weekly" website: http://www.danvilleweekly.com/news/show_story.php?id=1727

(Danville, California)

This is a sad, but joyous day in Danville, California, as the community says goodbye to one of its most treasured friends and artists. Phil Hellsten died in his sleep last week at the age of 57. Phil was seemingly in good health and always in good cheer. None of us saw this coming.

Many in Danville will remember Phil as the bespectacled, eccentric artist with the long white pony tail, who walked the main streets all day and drank coffee endlessly at Peet's and Starbucks.

Many beyond the San Ramon Valley will remember Phil as the renowned artist who painted the large mural known as "Rooftop Jesus" on the roof of the Pioneer Art Gallery. (See the attached video). The rooftop art became a curiosity to local pilots, among others. I eventually helped Phil get some local TV and newspaper coverage, and videos of his work spread across the Internet. Suddenly everyone outside of Danville knew Phil, as well.

"Rooftop Jesus" was conceived in the fall of 2007. Phil's mom died in October, and he told me he wanted to paint the mural as a tribute to her. His intention was to paint St. Jude, the patron saint of lost causes, but those who saw the painting take shape said it was a closer resemblance to Jesus Christ. The mural gave Phil comfort after the loss of his mom, and he dedicated it to the community as a Christmas present.

Four days before Christmas in 2007, my dad died unexpectedly. I was in shock. I went to my church, Community Presbyterian, and prayed. I went to St. Isidore's and lit a candle and prayed and cried some more. I was inconsolable. In the early afternoon, I asked my wife to take a ride with me; and we went to Pioneer, where I knew Phil was hanging out, watching over the gallery and painting something. We climbed a rickety ladder to the roof to see "Rooftop Jesus" up close. It was quite remarkable. Phil reminded us why he painted it, and I told him why I had come. Anyone who has ever lost a parent knows how hard it can be.

Phil loved to paint politicians, as well, in the same black, white and gray checkerboard style as "Rooftop Jesus." First came Governor Schwarzenegger, then Hillary Clinton, and John McCain and Barack Obama and more. Many of their faces--as painted by Phil--now adorn the round heating vents on the roof.

During the Presidential campaign, I featured some of Phil's political artwork on this website:

http://www.markcurtismedia.com/blogs/mark-curtis/2008/sep/25/cool-mccain...

Phil was a big fan of my website and political travels and even tried to hold a book signing for me at the Pioneer Art Gallery. The book signing--I'm sad to say--was canceled; and yesterday I found the autographed copy of my "Age of Obama" book which I had given to Phil. It accidentally wound up back in my possession after the event was suddenly called off. The inscription reads: "Phil- Best wishes and thanks for all you do for the arts!- Mark Curtis." I will make sure the book gets back to his family. He and his artwork were treasures in our town.

For more on the life, death and art of Phil Hellsten, please visit the "Danville Weekly" online. His memorial service is at 3 p.m. Wednesday, July 1, at Peace Lutheran Church in Danville. http://www.danvilleweekly.com/news/show_story.php?id=1698

God Bless you, Phil!

(Photo: Courtesy the "Danville Weekly" & Jackie Fribley)