In Memoriam: Heyoka Merrifield
by KJ Kahnle
(Note: Heyoka was a long member and supporter of Artists Along the Bitterroot.)
Heyoka Merrifield’s physical presence will be missed by those of us who still walk this earth and knew him. We have lost an artist, author, medicine man, mentor, father, grandfather, and friend.
Heyoka’s art career spanned over 60 years and was celebrated by collectors from around the world for his jewelry, shrines, and sculptures.
“I decided as a young artist that helping people to touch the sacred would be a meaningful goal in each creation. I believe that sacred art can help people to touch and feel sacred blessings. “ – from his book “Heyoka - 2020”
Heyoka believed that most of what we know about our ancient ancestors was learned from the sacred art that celebrated their mystical world. He honored science for its many wondrous gifts to humankind, yet believed that when science took away many of our necessary traditional myths, it left a devastating void in our contemporary cultures. He felt that whether these myths are seen as a magical relationship with the mysteries of life or as a means to heal our psychological conflicts, they serve a very important aspect of our humanity. – from his book “Heyoka - 2020”
George Harrison, who cherished the works that Heyoka created for him summarized it by saying “Not a gem nor precious metal passes through Heyoka’s hands that is not instilled with a spirit of it’s own in the process of being transformed into a work of art and beauty.”
Heyoka’s connection with and love for the beauty of this world, his compassion for everything and everyone, and his kindness and belief in goodness was awe inspiring.
“It was just Magic, man!” was a reference he often made to “magical moments.” Sometimes referring to truly unbelievable happenings, yet often simply because he choose to stop and see the beauty and magic we often miss in our rush as we go about our day.
“In his art, ceremonies and stories, Heyoka is touching into the radiance of creation.”
– Neale Donald Walsch, author of The Conversations with God series.
Through his connection with Mother Earth if we are still we can hear him: “Hey, I’m still part of Mother Earth, you know. Oh man, just look around!” ...the pink morning sky as it touches the mountain tops, the sounds of a creek running over the rocks, a solitary eagle gliding on the afternoon thermals, a polished gem stone or rock along a mountain trail, a deer as she quietly moves through the forest, spring soil, beautiful hikes, the river, our amazing valley. And our memories of moments we shared with him; art, celebrations, ceremonies, laughs, peaceful conversations…
In appreciation of what he shared with each of us, with this world, what we have learned from him, and what we have yet to learn from him… Good Medicine.
