Stephen Huneck, dog-loving folk artist/author dies

 

Dog Chapel

I was shocked and saddened to hear that celebrated Vermont folk artist and author Stephen Huneck died yesterday morning of a self-inflicted gunshot wound.  A few years back Modern Dog spoke with Huneck for an article that ran in Modern Dog (click here to read the article).  I learned how, in 1994, after his awakening from a near-death experience, he had a vision to build Dog Chapel, a traditionally styled New England chapel he built on Dog Mountain to celebrate the spiritual bond between dogs and humans. Every element of the chapel speaks of the profound connection he felt towards our canine friends.  CBC reports that his wife Gwen said that because of the economic downturn, the couple feared losing their St. Johnsbury, Vt., home and mountain-top farm (dubbed Dog Mountain). On Tuesday of this week they were forced to lay off most of the employees of their art studio and the chapel Huneck unveiled in 1999. "This hurt Stephen deeply. He cared about them and felt responsible for their welfare," she said. And Thursday, just two days later, Huneck shot himself in the head while sitting in his parked car outside the office of his psychiatrist, she revealed.

I, personally, felt a connection to this unique and talented individual who preferred running his own galleries to having his work represented by others so that he could make sure his staff and the ambience remained true to his values. He explained, "There's an elitism and snobbishness in the art world that discourages people from participating in art and enjoying it. To prevent that, I tell my staff right off that the most important thing is that I want people to feel welcome and happy, and not under any pressure to buy anything. I want them to enjoy the gallery as an experience. It's great to see everyone-young kids, old people- all walking around, smiling and happy." And of course, dogs are always welcome and are sure to locate a treat or two at any Huneck gallery.

Huneck spoke of the freedom children feel to create art and wished that more people could retain that kind of creative openness. "If we could all be five again, we could make some great art,", and explains further, "It's our rigidity and fear of failure that prevent us from doing it later." And now, ironically, it was his own fear of failure that took him from us.

Huneck's passing is a tragic loss to his family, friends, the art community and to all of us who love dogs (and the inspiration they kindle in us). On behalf of Modern Dog I extend our sincere condolences to his wife and family.

 

Stephen Huneck with Golden Retriever