I woke up this morning to a text containing very sad news that our beloved friend Shawn Mortensen passed away. It was just last week to the day that Paul Sun from Social Trust and I were with him at his house drinking tea and listening to Ray Charles. He was excited that he made the choice to stop smoking and after we finished shooting him for the cover he was on his way to Korea Town for some acupuncture to help him quit smoking. As shocked and sad as I am I am also happy that I got to meet him and strike up a friendship within a short time. His energy was so positive and contagious. He loved what he did and it showed through his work. The art community has lost a great force, a friend, and an inspiration. Even though he is gone his work will live on. Our prayers go out to his family.

We love and miss you Shawn.