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BORN
1964
DIED
2021
Daniel JOLLIFFE Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Daniel JOLLIFFE
11 Entries
sr Marie Étienne, op (Margot Moquin)
January 20, 2025
I had Daniel as a professor at OttawaU between 2011-15.
I had gotten into art school right out of high school, I was young and enthused about art, his own enthusiasm matched my own zeal. I couldn't believe how this "old guy" (I wasn't even 20) could get so excited about "candy colours" in videos, or about anything that moved by itself!
He'd take a very early train from Montreal to come and teach us our studio classes at 8:30 am, and had little sympathy for my own difficulty in getting up in the morning. I started being on time because I appreciated him. I think it's ok to say: I loved him. He was a great teacher.
He was playful, encouraging, imaginative- he pushed us in colourful ways.
One time, I made a box out of those play-mat squares and there was a sound recording coming out of it. It was about 4feet square. He tore at the edges of it: he would insist that installation art should be sturdy! Especially if its to be interactive. As I explained the concept, that it was a bit about how my siblings and I would play boxing each other in these boxes, he suggested it would be a more interesting piece if I was in the box with the sounds! So I got in, and the piece was more interesting indeed! He encouraged me toward performance, which I was shy about, but it was an excellent intuition: putting myself with my art or interacting with my own work kept happening again and again.
I had some gift in coding and was surprised to find myself one of his prized students: he believed I could do anything! I'm pretty certain he was behind me receiving an award at graduation. I'm only sorry I did not know back then how to ask more about entering galleries, or anything else. I didn't want to rely on anyone back then, but I always had the feeling he would've been happy to help get me launched.
If I had gone on in the art world, it would've been thanks to his encouragement. No doubt I'd be in the world of electronic art.
I made a funny choice, though, (to most people: myself I'm very pleased with it) I've become a nun in a contemplative catholic monastery.
If it is any comfort, he is in my prayers. I'm not sure what led me to look up his name, I guess once in a while I get nostalgic about art school, and I had a funny thought I could get in touch and let him know where I was at, because he really was one of my favourite teachers. I'm very sorry to learn he's passed away.
I know it's been a while now, I hope this little message is encouraging to someone who loved him and cared about him. Maybe one day you'd like to visit my monastery, it's Queen of Peace Monastery in the upper Squamish Valley, BC. It's very beautiful, I think he would've found it so, too. Lots of candy colours.
May he rest in peace, he was a beautiful human being, he's inspired many young things, he made us dream.
Eszter Takacs
April 30, 2024
Professor Jolliffe was one of my favorite instructors at University of Denver. Early on we butted heads a lot but in hindsight I saw he was just trying to challenge me to get out of my comfort zone and be more creative. He was brilliant, hilarious, wildly original! By semester´s end his class became my favorite because I knew every day would fun, crazy, exciting and full of new ideas and memorable conversations. I´ve know for a couple of years that he passed and I have been grieving since. I could see always that the light he brought to class came from darkness, as it does so often with brilliant and compassionate artists. I still think of him often and will never forget the joy and knowledge he gifted me. The photo attached is of a crazy interactive and philosophy driven art project I created in his class.
Todd Slaughter
March 23, 2024
I am so sad to hear of Daniel's passing. But I am discovering this because I am wanting learn/remember aspects of his "One Free Minute". I am a faculty in the art department at OSU and worked with Daniel as a member of his graduate committee. I had a special time watching and assisting Daniel as he developed that wonderful idea and project. So sorry for your loss. Todd Slaughter
Ellee
January 9, 2023
My name is Ellee and I was a former student of Daniel at UF. He was one of my all time favorite professors and inspired a lot of the work I do today in my art practice. I am devastated to hear he is no longer with us and I send my condolences to his family and friends.
Laura Reedman
May 30, 2022
Dear Jen, May, Kyle & Lee,
Deepest Sympathy. I remember the happy times with Dan when he visited our home. I will always cherish that. Love Laura
Liz
December 26, 2021
Dear Possibly,
I was very familiar with all of your wonderful work on Wikipedia. You are greatly missed. My condolences to your family and friends.
Garth Johnson
December 15, 2021
Dan, so earnest, so hilarious. I was always happy and proud to be in his presence. He gave great council that helped me through my university years and has forever made a positive impact on my life. I'll always remember the time in Victoria on a Saturday garage sale hunt where Dan in the back of the van with his newly acquired phone, chair and end table, set up shop making inquiry "calls" to prospective destinations and fiercely cutting deals with imaginary vendors. We were in stitches the whole time. His light, love and imagination knew no bounds and his memory shall always live in my heart.
Annette Witteman
December 14, 2021
I will remember you Daniel with love and light and gratitude in my heart- your Art, your laugh , your whole being made my Uvic years so much better- I will remember sitting with you in Cafe eating fries as I cried and you consoled- and made sense of why I was there - artist to artist- friend to friend- roommate to roommate - I am so sorry I did not stay connected.
Sandra Smith
November 29, 2021
Daniel, we did not know each other well but your curious radiance and positive energy whenever we met left a lasting impression that I will fondly remember. Sweet dreams.
Ron & Marilyn Tschirhart
November 28, 2021
Sending our Love and deepest sympathy to Lee, May, Jen, Kyle and your families.
Ron & I have fond memories of time spent with Dan when we all lived in the Vancouver area
Jennifer Macklem
November 27, 2021
Daniel taught in the Department of Visual Arts at the University of Ottawa from 2009-2011, and shared his love of interactive art and technology with many students in Canada and internationally. As a young artist, Dan travelled to Zimbabwe and taught people there how to work with radios and other communication tools. Dan loved Asia, and explored South Korea and parts of China, making friends wherever he went. Daniel generously shared his vast repertoire of skills and talents with emerging artists, students, friends and colleagues, most recently at College of the Arts at University of Florida. https://arts.ufl.edu/directory/profile/169735
Daniel´s dynamic and lively personality, coupled with his brilliant and sparkling wit, made for many unforgettable occasions of laughter and conversation. The Department of Visual Arts at the University of Ottawa extends their deepest sympathy and condolences to the many dear friends and family of Daniel Jolliffe.
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