Life of Wry

I did not know Zen, other than to know that he was a friend of both Jay’s and Chris’s. I knew he was a surfer and an artist, and liked by everyone. Even way back in high school, he was considered legend.

Three days ago he jumped off the cliffs at Bluff Cove.

I emailed Jay and Chris as soon as I heard the news (via FB), and Chris called right back with as many details as he had. He’d already gathered with others in the tight surfing community of PV to try and process what had happened just hours before. It’s an achingly sad story of someone who was an incredible talent, a friend to everyone, a huge local figure, much respected and so very beloved.. who suffered from depression and just couldn’t beat it.

Jay and I exchanged a bunch of emails as he told me stories of some of their surfing adventures. Chris and Zen collaborated on a number of art pieces and spent decades surfing together in Southern California and Mexico.

His family, including his artist mom Gemma, were a PV institution.

I’ve been perusing his FB page tonight, reading comments from so many people.. and so many people I know.

Here’s a platter that Chris threw and Zen etched. It sat on mom and dad’s living room table for as long as I can remember.

Some of his varied art…

Immediately recognizable! How well I know that view.

I hope he’s found peace.