The Wit and Wisdom of Dan Hansen (Part 1)

At Dan's funeral service. Dan's father was a master
craftsman, hence the boat and rigging. Dan likewise
was an astonishing artist.

While our friend Dan Hansen was among us, he was sensitive about being exploited as a handicapped person. He did, however, have much to say about philosophy, life and the world we live in, and most of all he wanted to make this world a better place for everyone. 

As the 19th century Scottish poet and essayist Alexander Pope once said, "If a man is worth knowing at all, he is worth knowing well." Dan Hansen was such a man. 

I had the privilege of being his friend and collaborator on numerous projects that included treatments for screenplays, stories, games and a novel of such importance that it became the center of our times together for two-and-a-half years. Here are a handful of quotes and observations by Dan that will give you the flavor of this inspiring man.

DAN QUOTES

 

Of his 2015 Art Show
“In order to create that, I had to get inside the mind of God.”

 

Dan’s Life Experience

“The whole life I’ve lived has been fascinating… and sort of intoxicating.”

 

Dan’s Life Experience

“I live in a tiny box but I am not a tiny box. 

I barely understand able-bodied people and they

absolutely don’t understand me.”

 

Pronouns

I / it   “I’ve felt like a teddy bear with a slot for double A batteries. “Oh, he talks.”

 

Regarding our Novel & AI

“It's a new crack cocaine, really, I mean, it's pure idea, adrenaline, yeah, even if I'm dog tired from no sleep, I muster up the energy. Maybe it takes me an hour to warm up in the morning, but after I get my initial warm up, I keep going. Can't stop. I just can't stop, and I'm, I'm wired till the end of the day despite no sleep.”

 

AI 

“If you can win an argument with AI and get it to acknowledge that you won the argument, you can get it to eat out of your hand and you can tell it, can command it what to do, almost like breaking a horse.”

 

Dan’s World

"I'm doing the impossible because I live the impossible. Look at me. Everything is impossible. I wake up an impossible. That's what I do. I've been doing that my entire life."

 

Problem Solving

"Escapism is a fake escape.

Solving the problem is a real escape.

The Act of Solving a problem.” 

Is as important as Solving the Problem."

 

On the Novel

"I want to get super granular, but I want to get super expansive, too."

 

On the Novel

Dan: I want to dedicate this book to God.

Ed: Bach did that with all his composing. “Te Deum” That is, “To God.”

Dan: That is so great. I love GodI

On Politics
“At this stage I have no political opinions or views to express. It's a giant circus from where I sit. Yet it's a failed circus. We need a new idea. I think a real travelling circus show might provide more structure and coherence as a political party. We should elect academically trained clowns for office. The Mooseburger Clown Arts Camp in Buffalo Minnesota might be a good start for aspiring young statesmen in the midwest. Their slogan is "You will do foolish things, but do them with enthusiasm!". This is more than just a slogan to me; it's a vision statement. This is the type of direction, leadership, and will-to-power attitude required to restore this once great nation back to its former glory.”

* * * 

It is my intention and hope to share more details about the projects Dan and I worked on together over the past 12 years. If you wish to receive this in your inbox, there's a "Subscribe" form in the right-hand column. If it doesn't work, please let me know.

Dan Hansen died December 28, 2025, due to pneumonia and complications of Spinal Muscular Atrophy. He would have been 47 this March. Read his full obituary here.

A Light That Still Shines: Honoring Our Friend Dan

Dan Hansen, October 2025

It's that time of year when we turn the page to the year ahead. As is customary, it is also a time for a quick backward look and bid farewell not just to the year left behind but also to the people who departed with it including our friend Dan Hansen, who passed away this past weekend after a hard-fought battle with pneumonia. 

Dan was inconceivable in every possible way--as an artist, a thinker, an explorer of infinite spaces beyond imagination. Friends would say they'd never seen a man more inventively driven and motivated. 

Today I went over to Dan's apartment and met a couple of Dan's friends whom I'd never met before. They were helping his parents get started on emptying Dan's apartment. It seems we were all like planets circling 'round the same sun, but in different orbits. 

To give you an idea of what kind of person Dan was, here are some blog posts I've written about him over the years. 

Don't Miss Master MEME Tonight at the PRØVE

https://pioneerproductions.blogspot.com/2012/09/dont-miss-master-meme-tonight-at-prve.html

Five Minutes with Digital Artist Dan Hansen

https://pioneerproductions.blogspot.com/2015/01/five-minutes-with-digital-artist-dan.html

A Visit with Artist Philosopher Dan Hansen

https://pioneerproductions.blogspot.com/2015/03/a-visit-with-artist-philosopher-dan.html

Dan Hansen at Benchmark Tattoo: An Artist Statement

https://pioneerproductions.blogspot.com/2015/04/dan-hansen-at-benchmark-tattoo-artist.html

Our Amazing Universe: The Mandelbrot Set

https://pioneerproductions.blogspot.com/2015/06/our-amazing-universe-mandelbrot-set.html

Intro to Morgan Freeman's Through the Wormhole: My Latest Visit with Dan Hansen

https://pioneerproductions.blogspot.com/2015/11/intro-to-morgan-freemans-through.html

Dan Hansen's Dream Nightmare

https://pioneerproductions.blogspot.com/2015/12/dan-hansens-dream-nightmare.html

A Dan Hansen Guest Post: Talkin' 'Bout The King

https://pioneerproductions.blogspot.com/2016/03/a-dan-hansen-guest-post-talkin-bout-king.html

Throwback Thursday: A Shout Out to Dan Hansen

https://pioneerproductions.blogspot.com/2016/03/throwback-thursday-shout-out-to-dan.html

* * * * *

"I'm doing the impossible because I live the impossible. 

Look at me. Everything is impossible. 

I wake up an impossible. That's what I do. 

I've been doing that my entire life."

--Dan Hansen, December 2025

Wyland Makes Waves in Cuba with Striking Marine Mural #103

Those who have been following the career of the marine conservationist and muralist known as Wyland already know much about his impressive resume, which includes more than 100 marine murals around the world, as well as countless awards. You'll also find him listed in the Guinness Book of World Records. One journalist tagged him as the Mariine Michaelangelo. 

This spring I wrote about the re-painting of one of his first murals, located in New London Connecticut. You can read the story here and learn more about his life and motivations.

When I was notified that Wyland was heading to Cuba to paint his 103rd mural, I knew I'd want to share that story, too. 

This morning I asked him how this particular mural came about.

Wyland replied, "It was organized by my Cuban travel agent Mayra, who lives in South Florida and Cuba. It was a volunteer project, a gift to the people of Cuba. It only took me 2 1/2 days to paint what I believe is my best ocean mural. I also enlisted three young Cuban artist to join me along with Shannon Wiley, a local artist from the Florida Keys."

Wylan with four Cuban assistants.

This process of collaboration brings a community aspect that adds many layers to the story. It isn't just a gift to the community that people can cherish. It is also a treasure that the community helped create. Three decades from now those who were there when it happened will still be talking about it. A few will be telling their children about it, and in the schoolyard those children will tell their friends, "My father helped paint that."

The mural is striking for the colorful reef habitat with its varieties of coral and animalia. "The mural also depicts Ernest Hemingway‘s story of The Old Man and the Sea when he first sees the big fish, a larger than life, blue Marlin," Wyland said. "It also features all the fish and reef life of the waters of Cuba, showcasing the coming together of art and science."

Wyland and the hands of many children.

Wyland's current project is to preserve a mural that he painted on the side of a Kmart in Marathon, Florida. Evidently, when the Kmart closed the building was purchased by a developer who wanted to get rid of the mural. At this point in time the community has taken a stand against this plan, insisting that it not be touched. It's just another day in the life of Wyland.  

Wyland with "America's Photographer" Gary Firstenberg.

Related Links

Wyland Returns to New London

Dylan Mural Makes Monumental Impact

Hemingway, Ken Burns and the Age Old Question

A Leisurely Visit with Photographer Gary Firstenberg

Flamingo Life: A Visit With Artist Rachel Michelle

Is creativity an innate part of being human? I believe so, though it doesn't emerge the same way in every person. Nor does the flower of a creative spirit always bloom at the same stage of life for each of us. Some take to music, art or literature when quite young. I have seen many others for whom taking up a new arts interest--acting or painting or learning to play a mandolin--becomes a new adventure much later in their years. Rachel Michelle is one of these.

I became aware of Rachel Michelle's art via photographer Gary Firstenberg, who in 2021 introduced me to the artist Wyland. This past month I was informally put in contact with Rachel Michelle, a friend of Wyland's who shows and sells some of her paintings in Wyland's Florida galleries. 

Now I introduce her to you.

EN: What inspired you to take up painting later in life? 
Rachel Michelle: I had been doing some graphic design on the computer for my brand, Flamingo Life, when I met Wyland, the famous Marine Life Artist. He suggested I try painting them. I told him I wasn't an artist and he said to give a shot, so I did. Much to my surprise, it wasn't horrible. It wasn't great either, but I really enjoyed it and kept at it. Within just a few months, I had improved greatly. So much that Wyland asked me if I wanted to display my art at his gallery for an art show. 

EN: 

What were some of the challenges you faced when you first started painting and how did you overcome them? 

RM: I am a perfectionist, so I want every painting to be perfect, but it's nearly impossible. I also had to learn to loosen up and paint more with feeling instead of technique. 

EN: What are some of the things you enjoy most about painting? 

RM: Painting is the best therapy. I am so happy when I'm painting. I feel like a whole new world has opened up for me. I see everything in a whole different light now. Like, when I look at the sky, I look at the clouds and think how I'd paint them. 

EN: What are some of the things you find challenging about painting? 

RM: Deciding when the painting is finished. I can forever add detail. I'm always thinking about the next painting, too. I can't wait to get started on a new one. 

EN: What motivated you to paint flamingos as a theme in your work? 

RM: I own the trademark, Flamingo Life, and have loved flamingos for as long as I can remember. Which is why I created the brand. I am hoping to make the Flamingo the official state bird of Florida. I'm actually working on a campaign with a group of people in hopes we can get the lawmakers to submit a bill to make it happen. Our state bird has always been the Northern Mockingbird, in case you are wondering. In making the state bird the Flamingo, we are also hoping to bring attention to the conservation of their habitat, the Everglades. Stay tuned! 

EN: What advice would you give to other people who are thinking about starting to paint later in life? 

Rachel also like parrots.

RM: Definitely GO FOR IT! And don't stop after the first painting if it's not great. I still learn from each and every painting I do. Watch other artists and connect with them as well. Ask them questions and get tips from them. I have met so many great artists since I started and have gotten different tips from each of them. 

EN: What were you doing before you started painting? 

RM: I was a Nurse Informaticist and RN. I worked with Hospital Computer Systems.

EN: Do you sell your work? Where can people see more of your work? 

RM: Yes! Here is my website: https://rachelmichelle.art/

(Not .com) I am also on all the social media. Links are on my website. I have an Etsy page, too: http://www.etsy.com/shop/RachelMichelleArtist

Rachel Michelle with Nevada Bob Gordon

Almost Wordless Wednesday: More Paintings by a Fave Modern Painter, Frank Baker Holmes

This week, Frank Holmes sent me pictures of some of his early paintings that I'd not previously seen. It seemed like a good day to share them.

Perhaps another day I will share the story behind Frank's piano series.
Here are a pair of links to acquaint you with the man and his work.

Related

Veteran Painter Frank Baker Holmes Discusses 
His Prix de Rome and Life as an Artist

Frank Holmes, Part II

Daniela Meza Sigala: Florence Artist's Seriously Whimsical Paintings

The artist with her daughter.

My April trip to Italy was rewarding on so many levels. Most everyone who goes to Florence talks about the history, the food and the art museums. In addition to the incredible art galleries like the Uffizi, Bargello and Palazzo Pitti, there are also numerous contemporary artists who have chosen to make Florence their home. Daniela Meza Sigala is one of these. 

Daniela is an Italian Chilean, who studied Humanities and Arts in the University of Concepcion in Chile. In 1991 Daniela won a scholarship from the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, giving her the opportunity to follow a post-graduate course at the Academy of Fine Arts here in Florence. From here she then went on to study the art of decoration of ceramics in the Montelupo Fiorentino Pottery School. She also studied gilding, frame and furniture restoration and the art of engraving.

It was 1995 when she moved decisively to Florence, in Tuscany, to she set up her own studio in Via dei Servi. This is where I discovered her work while exploring streets in the vicinity of the Duomo. When I stopped in I was told that she is preparing for a show in another part of Europe.

A small booklet I purchased as a memento from our visit.

Daniela's previous series focused on solarized and iconic Florentine churches. Her current series of works features stylized silhouettes of women with eccentric hats and chromatic dresses placed in dreamy atmospheres, always playing a leading role on solitary stages. The booklet goes on to describe her current paintings this way:

 

The background is filled and thick with color, on a flat surface of a panel, though contiguous to highly tactile surfaces, often engraved by elegant undulating lines, which are able to create refined luminist details.

The ancient secessionist echoes, evoked by a skillful use of the gold foil, are now filled with modern fauve accents. Daniela’s pale or amber-coloured “women” are universal, and evoke, with a single gesture, thanks to a sapid detail or the choice of a dress, a womanliness that is never ordinary.

Here are a few more photos I took inside her storefront. You can see more of her work on her website at https://danielamezasigala.blogspot.com/

 

For links to more blog posts about my April trip to Italy, visit:

Stories about My Italy Adventure