This page was last updated 23 Jan 2002. It is an archive of entries from the Memorial Guest Book for Rex Cravat which was hosted by a defunct service provider. Please email your comments for this guestbook directly to Jerry Ferrin.

Too often, those who get the most credit in the arts community, are not necessarily those with the most talent. Rex was one who just quietly did his job and did it well.

While the song, "Rex's Song" might not have been written expressly about Rex Cravat, it could have been. He will remain a force within to those who knew him.

- Terry Parkhurst, Seattle, Washington

I will remember him as a very gentle man,

regards, John Wakefield
Artistry in Glass - Southern Arizona's Art Glass Center!

He is not with us now because he couldn't cope any longer with out. Like many gifted masters throughout history, Rex lived with out much in his life, especially in the last couple years. He lived with only the bare minimum of heat in the winter, he lived without new clothes, with out transportation for months at least one time I know of, with out most the friends who loved him dearly nearby, with out security of knowing where his next meal was coming from at times, with out health insurance, with out a partner to love and be loved by, without even knowing where he was going to live next, and with out financial or emotional support from the world around him. Being an artist never pays well when you are driven, no time for anything else. Yet still, Rex none the less spread joy and beauty to hundreds while getting so little in return. He had no idea how many people he touched, how many loved him, or that he was so very loveable. Only a driven artist knows the deep seated feeling of value of self, relative to the value of the art they create (determined by society). He managed to make a living and he didn't require much. But physically he needed thousands just to get out of pain and return to health as his body had grown old from 30+ years of living with out many comforts. Although he didn't complain much, I knew he lived in pain, more than just physically. He didn't know his value to others, more than the scraps he was tossed from what he produced in the physical world. But he sure left behind a legacy of beauty in the hearts of everyone who met him.

You can see visual evidence of his direct effect artistically and as a teacher in my life (only 4 short years), on the "Hot Glass Sculpture" link at my website, http://users.erols.com/stf/ Rex's influence can clearly be seen there, and none of it would exist without him. He was a patient teacher who loved what he did and all the people it brought to him. In two of the pieces (horses and angel) his hands literally saved them for me when I would have lost them for sure. After 17 years as an artist professionally, about a year ago I realized the futility of staying an artist for a living. I was able to find something else I love, turning creating to a hobby. Rex didn't feel he had that choice. That change for me was right up there with the pain level of divorce by comparison. Can't even imagine suffering physically at the same time and not having enough means to get to the right help. So, I think I may be able to understand the 'why' better than most.

I hope everyone understands this loss is because beauty expressed artistically (other than music and some other lucky few) is so not rewarded with even the respect of others let alone financially, in our society. I hope everyone who sees art they love remember and support if they can, however they can, those living now that give their lives to the beauty they must express, especially those that keep creating in their older years after a life bent towards mastery. For all of you who knew Rex and his work, tell Rex Junior who will carry the Cravat name on with glass creations, how much you adored his father whom he is so much like; tell him with your words and financial support, tell the creator of any art that you love the rest of your lives.

The day Rex died the world changed. Since then millions of dollars have been given to help the lives of those directly effected by evil. I propose that everyone bring to their lives the beauty they like, created by those that must, and help spread joy, not just combat evil. Perhaps someday society will give more response to the power expressed in creativity, often in toil while those doing it live without, rather than just responding to the forces of evil. We may not be able to prevent the loss of life because of terrorism, but we can sure support with our likes and finances those that give their lives to creating beauty, and not lose masters like Rex at the tender age of 54. The most honor you can give to Rex, yourself or anyone is to give to joy and beauty rather than fear and remorse, always.

I met Rex in person only a couple of times, but talked off and on with him over the phone. When DJ was helping Rex move to New Jersey Rex was giving me the address but couldn't remember it. He simply said, "Ask DJ where I live...." That was the Rex I remember. Gentle, caring, artistic and a bit scattered as to "facts".

He called for the last time on Saturday morning, September 8th. We chatted for quite some time after I gave him DJ's current address. Rex had prepared a box to send to DJ who is now in the army. Rex was chuckling a lot over the contents of the box and the packing material he used. Of all things, he padded the items with large gobs of Coco's hair because Coco, his wonderful looney dog, sheds hair only in the autumn. He talked of his latest creations, "the marbles", and said he was sending DJ his two recent rejects because they were fun and funny. He talked of becoming tired of making glass creations so he was doing other things now.

When I heard that Rex was gone, I wished I had kept the conversation going longer. Wished I could have known and have had the wisdom to have given just the right encouraging words.

I'll always remember Rex as the gentle, caring artist. He was truly great.

Janet Ferrin Garis  

He was the most gentle and kind person on the planet. I'm going to miss those lengthy conversations in the wee hours of the morn, and his phone has already been disconnected. I just wanted to hear his voice. He left me w/a letter and some smaller pieces of his which I will treasure forever. I also have a tape I made of him a few years ago demonstrating, in his patient way, of making a snail. I don't know how to make copies of the tape..I don't know if his face is in the tape alot. I can't look right now. It is too painful. But I would like to share Rex's love and celebrate his spirit with those of you who were also his family. Wherever he pitched his tent, he had an immediate family and it would feel great to connect with others whose lives were touched by this noble and kind soul.

His son's address is Rex Cravat....8633 W. Columbus St. Phoenix, Az. 85037. I think it would be nice to send a card or something to this young man to let him know that his father had a purpose and that he was revered by many in the art glass community. May you rest in peace my dear friend.

This page was last updated 23 Jan 2002. It is an archive of entries from a Memorial Guest Book for Rex Cravat which was hosted by a now-defunct service provider. Please email your comments for this guestbook directly to Jerry Ferrin.