Today arrived sooner than anyone imagined. Just got the terrible news that our great friend, mentor, and inspiration, Nicholas Dekker, passed away yesterday. Suffice to say, for those that know him, that Nick went way before his time. At 62, anyone would probably agree.
Nick was more than just a teacher to Jasmine and I. Quite more. And sure, he taught us-- a lot. But it was his friendship that we treasured the most. We both had him for introductory undergraduate classes at Brooks Institute (more than just 1), Jasmine was his Teacher's Assistant for an eon, and he taught me his beloved, and extraordinary, alternative printing process, Platinum Printing. But it didn't stop there. Jasmine would cook for him on a weekly (and sometimes daily) occurance, packing in extra love to the food that I would deliver before our sessions together. We passed long hours in his office amongst the enlargers, passing time in between exposing plates or while waiting for our prints to wash, laughing hard, and learning "everything [we] know, but not everything I know." Nick would often join us for dinner, and was there with the rest of the family the night that Jasmine graduated from school. We would stay at his house on visits back to Santa Barbara. We would talk on the phone often. We will miss you, Nick.
Career Education Corporation, the company that purchased Brooks Institute awhile back and has systematically changed the way in which the school is run, fired Nick Dekker last year from the school he helped grow for over 30 years. The reason why Nick was fired? Because he was seen as a cost due to his medical bills. So the school fired him, and then hired him back on to teach 1 class a session. 30 years of your life and love given to a school, only for a corporation to come in and kick you out. Hardly the thanks that "Ol Saint Nick" deserved.
Needless to say we're both taken back, and slightly angered by all of this. It's never easy to lose a close friend. It's even harder to think about the end of his life, where he was tossed to the curb like an old car. If Nick taught us anything, it was to love all things old and new, and see the beauty in these things through our lenses-- especially old cars.
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Brooks has been horribly mistreating its employees from professors to admissions reps. They refuse to see that this is a bad economy and lay the blame on the personnel.
Nick was let go after so many years of teaching. He was actually escorted out without a going away party. He wasn't even allowed to clean his desk. It's a disgrace what they out him through.
I just read your tribute and pictures of nick, and they were so true! It was comforting to know that he had such wonderfull friends. I am Nick's ex-wife, and have only the nicest and most sincere things to say about this incredible person. We were all lucky and fortunate to have him in our lives. He'll will truly be missed by all. If you have any other pictures of Nick could you please send them to me? I would love to see them, and will tresure them.
Thank you, Nina
sitkcatering@san.rr.com
@ Jeff. Yeah, Brooks needs to clean up their acts and get back to creating a positive environment for learning. Part of what made that school such a success over the years was the love from the faculty. That will be hard to find when teachers feel that they are now disposable.
@ Nina. We'll try and round up some more pictures of Nick for ya. This one was done by Chris Orwig, who is also a faculty at Brooks (and a totally great guy). Thanks for reaching out, too. If you feel like chatting, please don't hesitate to give us a ring.
I would love to talk as I just feel so heartbroken and can't seem to believe that he is really gone. I have been looking at all of our pictures together and reading cards from him and thinking what a huge impact he has had on my life and everyone who knew him. Iam grateful that you have this tribute to him and it is comforting to read and know how loved he was by everyone. I did reach out to Chris and he so kindly responeded.
I have beautiful pictures of a young handsome Nick and will cherish them always. love to all
It is not so funny, but i have been thinking a lot about Nick Dekker. I was out of contact with everyone i knew for a long time and have spent some time trying to get in contact with him only to find that has passed away. Your stories and everyones comments were beautiful and sad. it hurts my heart to hear that Nick was treated in the way he was. We became friends when i went into his office and told him that he was mean to me and i didn't like it, i began to cry, he stepped up and gave me a hug and said that he was a real jerk. from then on it was nothing but teasing, regular visits to his office, and other absurdities. He was a teacher, a mentor, and a friend. He was always there for me and i will miss him deeply. Thank you Nick you are loved.
P.S if you could share a photo of nick for me that would mean a lot. peace
Go with God, Nick, your time and talents will never go unnoticed by those lives you have touched.
I was sitting at my computer and thinking about the old days of film and my days at Brooks in 94' and 95'. And of course, Nick and his drop dead gorgeous Platinum Prints. I had two teachers at Brooks that I will never forget; Paul Liebhardt and Nick Dekker. Paul was fun but could bring students to their knees with his overly honest critiques. Nick was gentle and nurturing. They both were polar opposites when it came to teaching styles but both were very effective and genuinely good guys who cared about their students.
I left Brooks for RIT after a sit down with Ernie Brooks to discuss the lack of a fine art curriculum or photography not being acknowledged of an art form. Anyway, it was a good discussion but I needed a different environment at the time. And the writing was on the wall as well as the financials at the school and the rumors being spread about Ernie losing interest in running it and spending student resources on himself. I still remember hearing about the Kodak printer he had at his house that was intended for the student darkrooms.
Well, its a tragedy and if I come across a large sum of money Im going back out to Montecito and rebuilding it. It was an amazing program and its a shame to see it lose what made it so wonderful. The faculty and student body relationship was absolutely amazing. It was a one of a kind place to go blow your mind on photography.
Anyway, Nick will be missed. I'm sorry I didn't make it out there to see him before he passed.
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