Ashley Bickerton’s passing has initiated a period of subdued reflection as I mourn the loss of an artist and friend who understood deeply the artist’s life. His friendship provided me and so many others a bulwark against the vagaries of the art world. I was always glad to know Ashley was out there, dedicated to his work no matter the conditions. It is a tremendous loss to wake up one day and realize that someone who understood you and your work is no longer with us.