Jim Kraft in memoriam.....

**Kirk Gittings** · 10-Sep-2007, 18:17

A dear friend and mentor passed in his sleep last night, James Kraft, former photo professor at the the University of New Mexico photo department. Were it not for his encouragement it is likely that I would not have become a photographer and were it not for his continued friendship and example my life would have been the poorer.

Jim was one of those artist who was so immersed in art making that his whole life (house, garden etc) was one huge continuing effort at creativity. Never satisfied it was always evolving.

I learned much from him, most of all some self respect and a thick skin. He will be missed.

**BrianShaw** · 10-Sep-2007, 18:28

I didn't know Jim Kraft, but I know what it is like to lose a good friend and mentor. My condolence to you and his family.

**Paul Paletti** · 11-Sep-2007, 12:15

Jim was a great teacher and mentor. He looked through the photographs to see what was inside the photographer in the most uncanny way. His life and everything he did was an artform. I am glad that Kirk and I had the opportunity a few years ago to take Jim and Judy out to dinner and tell him what a huge difference he had made in our lives.

**Kirk Gittings** · 11-Sep-2007, 15:27

In an interesting way, his greatest impact as an artist was through the work of his students.

**Sharon Bowar** · 21-Sep-2007, 13:46

An enormous tribute to Jim Kraft exists in the exceptionally fine photographic work of Kirt Gittings.

Those of us who were fortunate to know Jim, understand how generous he was in sharing his knowledge of art, and the art of living. In the most quiet and humble of manners, Jim was my mentor, teacher, neighbor, and friend. He and Judy made an enormous impact during a formative period in my life--provided me with employment, shelter, sustenance, community, and a deep well of reverence for difficult matters such as trust, privacy, and what it means to be an artist. As the years have passed and across the miles, his spirit remains close. He is greatly missed and will be well remembered by many.

**Kirk Gittings** · 21-Sep-2007, 14:04

Thank you for that Sharon. I am honored.

**Sharon Bowar** · 22-Sep-2007, 10:22

Opp, I meant KirK! a 'K'! Sorry!

I worked with J & J in the mid-late 80"s at Unified Arts. Learned more from him than any Professor ever!

**Kirk Gittings** · 22-Sep-2007, 10:58

After studying with him as an undergraduate, 1968-72, I worked for him at Unified Arts around 77-78 just before I went into business for myself and off to graduate school. Both were great educational experiences. He was the best.