It is with deep admiration, regret, and sorrow that I write with news of the passing of Jaakko Kurhi, the magnificent being who invented the JK Optical Printer, and thus changed many of our lives.
Jaakko passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on Friday, December 8th, 2023, in California. Kelly Egan was most recently in touch with Jaakko, and learned of his passing from his son Eric. I was lucky to have also corresponded with Jaakko over the last decade, and to giggle with him and express my gratitude. For those of us who have worked with a JK, it is quite obvious what impact Jaakko has had, but based on my conversations with him, I learned that Jaakko was very humble and while he knew how important his invention has been to filmmakers at large, I was never certain that Jaakko knew how much of a difference he made specifically in the experimental film world. It would mean a lot to his family to hear from experimental filmmakers who have utilized the JK in your/our projects. The immense legacy of their father within the experimental film community, and the impact his invention continues to have on our work may bring comfort to his children during this time and beyond. Please send notes to Eric Kurhi at [email protected] Below is a link to a photo that Webster Colcord took of Jaakko in 2018 when he visited his workshop. https://photos.app.goo.gl/Sfq3JfRibGKZNgbPA Always, Anna --- anna kipervaser annakipervaser.com
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