Friday, February 10, 2012

Prince Amir

This past Saturday I lost one of my best friends in a car accident. I feel like I've been living in a dream for the past week. My daily routine of going to work and coming home for dinner and sleep has kept me occupied, but my heart aches every day. It's worse in the morning when I wake up, and every night when I go to sleep. He was my friend for many years, he's always supported me and encouraged me. He was always around if I was ever in trouble. Amir was one of those friends I could call after not seeing for a few months.. and we'd pick up right where we left off. He was never a fair weather friend, and his heart was enormous.

During my 3rd year at CalArts, I went down to the recording studio on the first floor to book a room, but I was too late and the rooms were all taken for the last few weeks of film time. I had my band together, but I was stuck with nowhere to record. I called Amir in a panic, and he told me not to worry, that I was always welcome to record in his studio. I remember arriving at his studio, with my band in tow, and he welcomed everyone in in the wee hours of the morning and gave us free reign of anything we needed. My tracks were cut, mixed, leveled.. I don't know all the correct lingo.. but they sounded -amazing-. This is just one of the many times he's saved my ass.

Anyway. I was just sketching at Priscilla's a few weeks ago and one of the drawings started turning into a caricature of Amir.. so I let it flow. I was hoping to show him the next time I saw him.. but I hope he is looking down on me and he can see for himself :)


Here's a birthday card I made for him in 2010. He had a thing for Pacman frogs, and he loved to tell us that when they got big enough they'd be able to eat mice. Always a fun fact, lol.


He was one of the most talented musicians I know. Amir played a slew of instruments.. guitar, bass, keys, mandolin... he was one of those genius musicians who could listen to a melody and was then able to pick up any instrument and play that melody. Most of my best memories involve hanging out in his garage every weekend in high school, listening to he and his brother jam all afternoon.
Playing bass and keys at the same time? Not even a problem..


I love you, my friend, and I'll miss you

5 comments:

Carrie Liao said...

So sorry to hear about this, Kristen...he sounds like a wonderful person, and this was such a lovely tribute.

Le Tang said...

Beautiful story... Sorry for your loss.

Andrea Pucci said...

I will pray for him and all of his friends and family...and anyway... he sees your drawing, for sure!

Megan Nicole Dong said...

I'm so sorry to hear about your loss...it sounds like he was an awesome person and great friend. I love your drawings for him too (btw, I had a pacman frog when I was a kid and you totally captured their essence).

The Ivanator said...

:(