David Foster Wallace from a distance

I, too, am saddened by the death of David Foster Wallace, but not as a fan, as I have never read any of his work, but as a fan of his fans. I know many in the literary community as well as in the mainstream world, including my beloved wife, who profoundly respected his work, and who are all in a state of shock over his tragic death. I had the privilege of designing the New Mexico State University Visiting Writer Reading Series posters in the spring of 2007, which is when I learned of DFW, and it was through all my work for NMSU that I discovered this entirely deep world of fiction and poetry. I can conclude with certainty that everyone I have ever encountered who admired his work are smart, passionate, and engaged people. And even though I have not myself engaged in his (intimidating) writing oeuvre, I see the far-reaching effect he had and continues to have on people around me.

Below is the poster I designed for DFW's talk at NMSU in 2007. I got to shake hands with him briefly at the post-talk gathering, which was at our former house and backyard. What struck me was that he seemed the complete opposite of his rock-star publicity photo I was given to work with for the poster design. He seemed simultaneously grounded, yet not of this earth at all. He seemed to be remarkably soft-spoken, a kind spirit, and I observed him listening to others more than himself talking. As I feel for his family, I also feel for an entire generation of working and aspiring contemporary writers who have lost a master in their midst. 

My poster design is but a humble gesture in the shadow of his stature, and if it attracted anyone that night to hear him give a reading who had never heard (of) him before, then I consider my little poster as a token of my appreciation for the positive impact he has had on so many people I love and respect.