In loving memory of my dear friend and master woodworker, Francisco Robles, who passed away unexpectedly in 2022.

For over two decades, Francisco was an essential part of my artistic process, crafting wooden panels, expertly framing, and meticulously varnishing my paintings. His extraordinary skill and steadfast friendship profoundly shaped my creative journey. To honor his life and legacy, our mutual friend and fellow woodworker, Dave Craig, built a beautiful box for Francisco’s ashes from curly maple wood. Knowing how deeply Francisco loved my underwater paintings—especially octopuses and jellyfish—I adorned the box with these creatures as a tribute to his wisdom, artistry, and the many shared moments that continue to echo through my work.