Thank you so much for all the emails and calls, those who knew of my friend Jonny who died in an avalanche last week in China.
His partner whom I knew primarily via spirited phone calls and emails, Micah Dash, and the upcoming filmmaker Wade Johnson were also lost. Please join me in supporting the recovery and return of these fallen athletes and friends.
Jonny was an american, a professional alpine climber, a writer, filmmaker, son, proud brother and the instigator of the ever evolving and growing Adventure Film Festival, having it’s roots in Boulder, Colorado, but much like Jonny, traveling worldwide. I wrote him a letter this weekend, which may give a view into the character of this talented and motivated spirit.
His vision and eye for new routes in the big mountains were much like an artists, and he had no shortage of masterpieces in the last 20 years.
He inspired many with his films, outrageous laughter, smile, and aggressive pursuit of the mountains. The big walls of the world seemed to open their doors freely to him- everywhere on this globe he went he found his way.
I was lucky to be on the Jonny train for a few fantastic adventures. We collaborated on a First Ascent in the black Canyon, a few routes in RMNP, a few mixed art pieces, including a live painting performance, and an animated short film based on a character his Mother came up with. We had a long list of ideas for projects on the rock and off, including putting up a route together using our “JC” names. His clever 911 inspired idea was “I’m Collins the Copps!”
Jonny also wrote an essay that appeared in my book INTUIT10N which I have pasted here for your enjoyment. Thanks for the ride, Jonny.
Float takes the idea of “marching to the beat of your own drum” to a new level. The somber colors act as a thin veil to a piece of art that bursts with light, enthusiasm and purpose. Most of Jeremy’s art is like this, like an egg that you have to crack to get to the sustenance. And beyond their delivery, the pieces speak to me like an old buddy would while around a campfire, stoking the flames and staring up at giant shadows bouncing off of nearby cliffs.
“What are all those folks doing fussing about down in the grey area? Chasing the same old stuff.” Float seems to say.
The boat is tilted; there is something askew, not sustainable. There are certainly more (fish) to be had over on the crowded side of the boat. But the spirit of challenge and individuality seems to be missing. To me there is something lost in the masses, no elbowroom and no horizon.
“It can be lonely over on the high side of the boat. And you might starve.” The Devil’s advocate yells across the fire over his half empty bottle.
At that my mind wanders to the cold times, times of doubt, near death, scraping by…
The shadows dance off the wall even though we are all still, in thought. One of the dancers bounces into a shape that reminds me of release, of survival, of sun shining into a cold spot you weren’t sure you’d make it out of, of grabbing a hold just as you thought you might fall. It reminds me of the rewards of chasing your own dreams regardless of perceived worth, risk or futility.
Yes, that’s it. It reminds me of the rewards of chasing your own dreams.
Jonny Copp