(1990-2018)

In the wild, no two tigers share the same pattern of stripes. Each set is unique, like a fingerprint written in fire and shadow. unrepeatable, unreplaceable. It is a truth of nature that speaks beyond the animal kingdom: every life carries its own unrepeatable beauty.

Every Tiger’s Stripes is a memorial, but it is also a declaration. Painted in vivid contrasts of orange and blue, it honors the life of Russell Hammon—a cousin, a friend, a soul whose presence was as striking and unmistakable as the tiger’s gaze in this piece. The tiger meets our eyes head-on, not with aggression, but with an intensity that feels almost human. There’s a question in it, a plea, and perhaps a reminder: see me, truly see me, before it’s too late.

In the weave of color and texture, the painting captures both the power and fragility of a life. The bold stripes speak to Russell’s individuality—the ways he stood out, the ways he could never be mistaken for anyone else. The deep blues and cool shadows suggest the battles that so often remain unseen, the quiet struggles that can feel endless and isolating.

This tribute is also a call to awareness. Suicide steals not just a life, but the intricate pattern of moments, laughter, quirks, and dreams that person carried. It leaves a silence where there was once a voice, and a shape in the world that no one else can fill. By holding Russell’s memory in the eyes of a tiger, the artist gives him back that unblinking presence—powerful, unforgettable, and worth protecting.

Every Tiger’s Stripes is not just about loss; it is about legacy. It asks us to remember that every person’s story matters, that every set of stripes is worth knowing, and that no one should have to walk through the dark unseen.

If you or someone you know is struggling, reach out. Speak. Listen. See. Because every tiger’s stripes tell a story. some stories are far too important to lose.