Sad sad news, I must admit I wasn’t really aware of Dan’s illness, we hadn’t bumped into him for a while, it was always a pleasure when we did, always a pleasure to show alongside his work and to chat about things, which we did, especially in the Vyner Street days. Always great conversations about art and the things that revolved around art, the meaning of his art, the things that informed his creativity. I shall miss bumping into Dan Hillier although he will of course live on through his fine body of rather spiritual rather beautiful work.
This was posted on Dan’s Instagram account last night – “It is with the most tremendous sadness in my heart I announce today that our beloved Dan passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family, on Thursday, 8th February 2024.
Dan had posted regularly about his ongoing health challenges throughout the past six months.
The following are Dan’s words, written last week while he was receiving care at Searle HospiceCare.
“My dear friends, it is with sadness beyond words that I’m making this somewhat earnest post to let you know that after several months of investigations, tests and procedures, I have life-ending cancer, which has spread throughout my body.
I am devastated to be leaving behind friends and family who are so amazing that I find it impossible to fathom; and a world so beautiful and marvellous that it is incomprehensible. I cannot believe it is my time, and I’m praying for a miracle to intervene and make this not so.
I have had a totally wonderful life, and I feel like I’m just getting started, having lately moved to the magical realms of Dartmoor, which has shone a light on how I feel a life can be lived to its fullest amongst the magnificent natural world; brought an incredible array of new people into my life, and served as a new reality checkpoint from which I see the full amazingness of those close friends I’ve been living my life with for years, as well as the loving relationship I have with the miraculous natural world that we have all sprung from.
I truly don’t know what to say, other than I wish to find a way to live through this and emerge on the other side. Words can’t come close to anything at times like this, so I am going to leave this here for now, with no idea of the wisdom of doing so or not.
I love you, I love the world, I love myself.
I love my work, I love those around me, I love all that brings light and life to this existence.
May all beings be free, may all beings know true peace, may all beings live in safety and free from harm, may all beings know true love, and true freedom.”
If you feel moved please donate to The Arts Emergency, a charity very close to Dan’s heart. Link in the post.
Love to one and all , Kirt xxx”
Rest in peace Dan. Our thoughts are with Dan’s friends and family
THE ORGAN 