Richard Kirsten-Daiensai

I had the pleasure of knowing Daiensai, and I love the Daiensai paintings and print that I have hanging on my walls. I've got a meditational painting over my bed and over my work space. They will always be an important part of my life.

Dear Richard, your little book 'Smile' remains my number one reminder that amidst the chaos of this world, peace is right here, even from a smile within a stone and beauty surrounds it with sacredness. Thank you for this gift.

I offer my sympathy and bow with deep gratitude to Richard for the book entitled Smile which continues to inspire me and pick me up when I lose hope. May your art work continue to inspire others around the world. Arohanui, much love.

I miss you Daiensai

Richard - for over fifty years you were a good and valued friend. I cling to thirty photos of your treasured work. See you soon. Jim Selvidge

My mother purchased one of his paintings in the mid 1960's at an artists show near Innes Arden. I fell in love with it when I saw it . It is called "The Saint With The Golden Smile." It was painted before he became Daiensai. My mother passed in 1970 and I was given the painting because I loved it so much. It has brought me joy and hangs in a place of prominence in our home. It makes me smile daily. Thank you, Daiensai for your love and joy. Kim Midanik, Bend, OR

I came to know Daiensai quite by accident or perhaps fate. I was working on location in New Mexico and on my day off wandered into a consignment shop in Santa Fe. I wasn't looking for anything in particular but spotted 2 wonderful paintings that were signed, Richard Kirsten, and had museum tags on the back from a show for "Northwest Artists" in Santa Barbara California. It also had an address for the artist. I decided to do a little investigating and discovered much to my delight and...

I met the Daiensai a few years ago when a friend was interviewing him for a book
about aging successfully. The book was not completed but I got to hear all about the Daiensai's life, all the twists and turns that created a spectacular life and person. Suddenly he turned and said, "Look at her, she's a goddess!" Afterward we went to lunch and my friends wrote goddess on my take-out box. They still do and I'm reminded of the Daiensai every single time.

You know what love is?
It...