All of the mountains in the world (for Nick)...

 

(Photo by Sophie de Witte, 2021.)

i.

All of the mountains in the world

were once volcanoes.

It bears repeating.

All of the mountains in the world

they were once,

each and every one of them,

volcanoes.

And all of us here tonight,

we too are mountains.

Each and every one of us.

And here's the secret,

Nick knew it.

And he wanted me to share it 

with all of you.

Underneath our faces and masks

made of rock, ice and snow,

deep down inside...

We are also made 

of magic,

of passion,

of flame,

molten fire.

And it pumps

through our veins,

our very heart and soul.

We are (all of us. Here. Tonight.):

Gifted

with a unique

skill or talent, 

like no other.

And if we find it.

If we bravely follow this

fire/bliss

where it takes us,

we cannot remain

merely

a mountain.

Yes,

all of us.

All of us

are mountains.

But we are

also

volcanoes.

ii.

In late 2013 I traveled to Mexico

to experience firsthand the Day of the Dead.

And each and every family that I met,

they all (in their own unique ways) told me the following...

A man does not die once.

He dies three times.

The first time

is when his heart stops beating

and his brain no longer functions.

The second time

a man dies

is when his body

is buried or cremated.

And the final (third) time

that a man dies...

Is the last time on this earth

that someone

utters his name.

iii.

Nick Knox,

Man / Mountain / Volcano.

I will remember you...

I will tell people about you,

your life and your music...

And I will never stop saying your name.

(c) Brent M Harpur, 2021.

 (For Nick and everyone

  who continues to say your name.)

"We are all asleep on a goldmine, on a wellspring of energy, on a volcano of creativity, on unbelievable reserves of genuine love. Everything is there to form a more human world."

(Andre Rochais)

Footnote: 

This poem was first performed at "Shine On", a Memorial Concert for Nick at 'Bark' (Dog With Two Tails) in Dunedin on the 8th May, 2021. Below is a link to some of the edited highlights of the evening, which recently showed on Channel 39. I perform two poems and my set starts around 30min54sec. BIG thank you to the people who lovingly & delicately captured this very special evening on film. You can view it here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8e-Q_dpbr9o

Recent Testimonials & References...

 

Ko toi te uri o mahara pohewa." [Art is the child of imagination.] 

Quotes from recent clients, students and parents... "We are most grateful for the time, empathy and support we received from Brent during a time of family loss and grief. We asked Brent to involve our grandchildren (and ourselves) in sessions of cartoon creation involving drawing and very importantly the banter and support that Brent brought to the sessions. During these sessions we witnessed the artistic interest in two of our grandchildren and this interest has continued to this day. Brent creates interest and enjoyment in his sessions which are a pleasure to witness." (Richard Openshaw, Timaru.) "I’m pleased to provide this reference for Brent, whom I have known for many years, both personally and professionally. Brent has provided both of my children with lessons many times, both privately and in a group setting. I have always been impressed with his fun (yet professional) manner. And I trust him implicitly! He has been a great mentor and inspiration for my visually-impaired daughter, who is now very keen on becoming a visual artist & animator." (Holly Singline, Timaru.) My wife Ashley Mountfort and I have known Brent for a long time and have hired him for our children’s birthday parties. Kids and adults have loved coming away with his drawings as a party gift. Really amazing, humble guy... Who I highly recommend!" (Peren Mountfort, Dunedin.) "Brent Harpur worked with my 9yr old son Jack. He showed an amazing sense of calmness, softness, kindness and sensitivity. Along with an amazing talent and creative ability. He showed Jack that he CAN draw even though Jack has never seen this talent in himself. Brent guided Jack gently and sincerely to help him discover his creative abilities. Brent is a truly authentic and inspiring man indeed!" (Aaron Kyle, Dunedin.) "We had the pleasure of hosting Brent for our World Fair Trade Day celebrations over two consecutive years. Brent's contribution was fabulous and a real hit with our customers & supporters. His enthusiasm, incredible artistic skills and his rapport with people is so evident from the very first drawing. People left with a personalised work of art to treasure and it was a privilege to have him join us. We cannot recommend Brent enough. He is a caring, generous and creative human being who lives his art." (Dean Griffiths, Manager Trade Aid Dunedin.) "We have met Brent at a kids' birthday party. He was the entertainer for the day. It is really something that just comes natural to him! Children and adults alike seem to just gravitate towards his easy nature and ability to teach so freely and without judgement. It is here that my child's love for drawing just intensified and she had a new found confidence in herself. She had such an awesome time and was so fired up that her sisters (that were not at the party with us) couldn't help but catch on. And couldn't wait to meet Brent and also draw with him!From here a friendship formed and my kids enjoy drawing with Brent and learning from him. I enjoy observing Brent interacting with kids and catching the moments on camera. He truly is an inspiration and an amazing artist and friend." (Leanne Breet, Palmerston.) "Brent Harpur is a brilliant cartoonist and all round lovely person!" (Lorraine Chisholm, client.) "I thoroughly recommend Brent for work with schools, birthday parties and tutorials/holiday programmes. He's worked heaps with my boy and at my school... The kids loved learning with him!!" (Meg Gallagher, Palmerston.) We have had a brilliant morning at the farmers market on Children's Day today! We met an amazing cartoonist Brent. Drawing is one of our son Archie's favourite things to do, but being a very shy and anxious child meeting new people, he held back and didn't want to join the others to learn more. But he really longed to. Brent was amazing and came to Archie and spent some one on one time with him. And together they drew some cartoons. Archie learnt a great deal today from Brent and spent ages drawing with him after that. I am so proud of Archie overcoming his fear of meeting a new person and really embracing the experience. It was a fantastic morning for him!" (Hannah Hill, Oamaru.) "Hi Brent. I just wanted to send you a message to say thank you so much for the cartoons you did for my boys (on Friday) when we bumped into you in Taste Cafe. They were thrilled with them! I have them all framed, ready to be hung on the wall. You have an amazing talent! And I really hope your shop gets the go ahead, as I think you have so much talent to share with others!! Thanks again!" (Christy, Oamaru.) We came to Oamaru for a holiday (from Christchurch) earlier this year. I follow Brent Harpur on Facebook and saw he had moved to Oamaru, so we looked him up. He was super- friendly, met us for a coffee and showed us around the Victorian District. The next day we went to his home studio, where he gave my kids a wonderful cartoon lesson and drew pictures of them all to take home. We all thoroughly enjoyed the experience and can't wait for our next visit to Oamaru!" (Shanna Howden, Christchurch.) "Brent recently ran a three hour cartooning workshop for our group of eleven kids aged 7 – 12 years. He was great with the kids, interacting well with them, with his friendly, easy manner, and good humour, yet still keeping control of the class. He puts everyone at ease, and is both encouraging and enthusiastic. Brent’s demonstrations and instructions were easy to follow, catering for both the very young, but also allowing and encouraging the older children to put their own flair and creativity on their drawings. A fun, inspiring afternoon, which all the kids seemed to enjoy. Thanks Brent!" (Tina Hendry, Children’s Art Group Co-ordinator, Fairlie.) "Thanks Brent! The evening you arranged for our team-building was exactly what I was looking for. The team tried something different and had a great time along the way. You created a positive, fun and supportive environment which is the pillar for any team. Thanks again!" (Ben, OfficeMax, Dunedin.) "I remember meeting Brent (back in the early 90s in Palmerston North) when I was 10 or 11 years old. His infectious joy and calm was something that my younger brothers and I were naturally drawn to. Brent was involved in the same folk group as my parents so we saw him often over the next few years and always enjoyed his funny drawings and peaceful nature. Around 25 years later, completely by chance, I came across Brent doing a cartooning workshop at our local rural library, for which I signed up my four children. I have enjoyed catching up with Brent a number of times since (including at one of his cartoon birthday parties). And my children have loved learning with him, being inspired by him to create their own masterpieces, and collecting personalised pictures by Brent himself each time we see him. Brent has a commanding yet peaceful presence and smiling face that lights up a whole room. The title 'child whisperer' is an apt one and Brent has worn it well for generations, appealing to children of all ages, scattering joy wherever he goes. Thank you Brent! We love your work!!" (Joey Smeaton & family, Palmerston (South).) "Brent Harpur has become an essential part of the Oamaru Farmers’ Market, pre COVID-19. He is fantastic to watch and learn from and the children especially love to learn from him. Brent was the highlight of our Children’s Day event at the beginning of March, with crowds surrounding him to watch his cartoons being drawn and lining up for lessons. I wouldn’t hesitate recommending him for future endeavours." (Manager, Oamaru Farmers' Market.) "Brent Harpur has been amazing with our boys aged seven and nine. Our nine year old is shy and anxious but felt at ease and safe while drawing with Brent. Both boys enjoyed their sessions so much and loved learning new ways to draw characters and animals. My eldest now spends most of his spare time drawing . It’s a wonderful creative outlet for him and we can’t wait to spend time drawing with Brent again!!" (Stacey Bell, Dunedin.) "Brent Harpur was an absolute, exciting professional artist to work with. I booked a one on one session for my 8 yr old daughter. He had her engaged and chatting from start to finish. He asked about her interests and used that as a source of topic. Subsequently we booked more sessions as she was motivated and inspired. I would totally recommend him to work with individuals or in classes. I wish him the best for the future."  (Angelina Kiore, Dunedin.) "Highly recommend Brent’s classes during the school holidays. My son loved the class so much that he asked if he can go to Brent’s everyday after school. Thank you for encouraging children to embrace their creativity!" (Tessa Simpson, Oamaru.) "Thanks again Brent, our daughter loved your class, drawings and interaction, and loved the idea of coming back for another one! All the best until we see you again!" (Parent, Dunedin.)