On December 19th 2024, my best friend, Paul, passed away. Grieving is an ongoing process, and I’ve been finding ways to cope.
Tomorrow, his service will be held in London, where many who played a part in his life will gather to honor him. His final resting place will be in Nigeria, where we will lay him to peace.
As a way to process this loss, I created a collection of images in his memory. After experimenting with various designs, this one struck me the most.
Paul was a complex character. As the saying goes, “The brighter the light, the bigger the shadow.” He was deeply passionate about psychology, self-improvement, sports (especially boxing), and mental health. Socially, he had a magnetic charisma that drew people in. Yet, at heart, he was a massive introvert who constantly pushed himself to connect with others.
This image represents a tree—a symbol of stability, wisdom, and depth—woven with the spirit of complexity. Paul exists within it, intrinsically intertwined between light and shadow.
One of the last things Paul said to me was:
“Walter, in social situations, would you rather be a tree or a bird?”
What he meant was this: Would you rather change yourself to please others, bending to their agendas, being carried by the wind with no clear identity—leaving people unsure of who you really are? Or would you rather be a tree—firm in your essence, deeply rooted in your values, standing tall so that people remember what you represent?
Paul wanted to be that tree. He wanted people to know him as that guy—the mental health guy, the punch therapy guy, the guy who made you laugh, lifted your spirits, and left you with a renewed love for life.
The colors in this image—ochre and mud turquoise—are my personal favorites, the earthy tones of Akwanza. I believe Paul and I shared similar personalities, emotions, and demeanors, and this image reflects that bond.
For now, I’ve put the Akwanza journey on pause as I gather my strength, but the vision is still alive. I will update you soon on the impact of your purchases and the donations made to the Big Life Foundation in Paul’s honor.
Thank you for your support.
Walter
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