Phillip Jose Farmer RIP

Phillip Jose Farmer passed away today. I had a special connection to him...I did the covers to his last two books-reissues though they were-for Subterranean Press. With the above cover things got very personal and special because I talked with Phil's wife Bette as they wanted to own the painting. Apparently, in Phil's aging condition(he died at 91) the above painting inspired responses from him. He was not in any way ill, simply, very elderly, and "quiet". But then who wouldn't be after a life such as his length. One thing led to another and, the painting was bought as a gift for them from someone. And sent to them for a Christmas '07 surprise, and surprised they were! Phil later went on to refer to me as his "favorite artist" in his last press interview. That's pretty cool I think!! I take great satisfaction in the connection I have with this gifted writer of many genres and many ideas. He was a great writer, not simply a science fiction or fantasy one though he well covered that genre with timeless work. What struck me was his work never seemed dated, but it had a ageless/dateless quality about it. Enjoyable then, as it is now.