Grief And Gratitude After A Friend’s Death

47:54

August 04, 2016

Love, death and art. A friend remembers a powerful artist whose life was more than he could bear.

Sculptor Hanno Ahrens in Pyramid Lake Nevada with Mask, 2012. (Courtesy John Sherman)

Hanno Ahrens was a larger-than-life figure to all who knew him. An artist. A sculptor with a big heart and big passions. A vibrant, creative, great furnace of a man. Not an easy man, in New York or in the California desert he loved. This spring, Hanno Ahrens took his own life. Shattered everyone around him, including his best friend – who happens to be one of my childhood best friends. This hour On Point, Hanno Ahrens’ story, and how we deal when a great friend says “no more.” — Tom Ashbrook

Guest

John Sherman, jazz musician and professional carpenter. Owner of ZZZ Carpentry in New York City. Childhood friend of host Tom Ashbrook.

The 24-7 National Suicide Prevention Lifeline Is 1-800-273-8255

See Art By Sculptor Hanno Ahrens

hano5 — Hanno Ahrens sculpture installation at Sharpe Gallery, NYC, 1987. (Courtesy John Sherman)

Hanno Ahrens and John Sherman on roof of ZZZ Carpentry, Inc. On Sutton Place South overlooking the east river. 2002. (Courtesy John Sherman)

One of the last letters John Sherman received from Hanno Ahrens, 11/1/2015. (Courtesy John Sherman)

Sculptor Hanno Ahrens, in the café of the Reuben Museum of New York City, 2008. (Courtesy John Sherman)

Hanno Ahrens' home/barn with Quonset hut roof in progress. 2006 Surprise Valley, CA. (Courtesy John Sherman)

Surprise Valley, 2014. (Courtesy John Sherman)

"Peek-a-Boo." Completed fall of 2015. Hollowed out timbers with pupils made of abalone shells cut and polished. The artist's last sculpture. (Courtesy John Sherman)

"Walking in to the sun, Solstice 2002," New York City. (Courtesy John Sherman)

This program aired on August 4, 2016.