24.8.23

noah

noah . 2023

i've been a little quiet over here as i seek refuge in the shade while the terrible summer heat is upon us! things have been slow, and i've been enjoying this summer pace, focusing on a few projects that i hope to share soon, and taking everyday as it comes. i'm not a fan of summer which is why i don't travel during this time, and enjoy the months where dubai is at it's most quiet while everyone's away...
one of the illustrations i worked on during this time was of my dear friend noah pilkington, who was taken away from us earlier this year. i met noah when i used to work at tashkeel in the early 2010s, and we were work colleagues during our time there. our relationship grew beyond the office, and we became really close friends and had a brotherly love i rarely come across. we had each others back, and mentored each other during tough times in our 20s (a decade i personally never enjoyed). he was a great guy and an inspiration – my peak fitness was thanks to him and his passion for the gym and staying healthy. once we quit our jobs to take on the next chapters of our lives, we did lose touch – something i deeply regret. it was no ones fault, it's just how life goes. i was always so proud to hear about his achievements and how he followed his dreams.
and then there was the sudden news of noah's passing in january. i don't think i've completely comprehended that he's gone. it's never easy to hear about a passing of a loved one, but time heals as they say. the last week before sharing this post, i've been seeing and hearing his name everywhere i go. i wonder if this is his way of saying hello? if it is, i'm listening and saying hi back and i miss and love him very much. the illustration above was created by the request of the pilkington family, who have been a part of my life for quite some time. it shows the noah i knew best, my friend, colleague and brother. rest well noah...

i end this post with a request – life is short and precious. always make time to check up on your loved ones.