I think of Eric often. We met virtually through a project we were both illustrating and then emailed messages back and forth for several years after. Eric was a truly amazing artist. His digital creations were unique and beautiful as were his later sculpture boxes and collages. I always felt privileged when he would show me something he was working on or something new he had just finished. I’m happy to read, in comments here and on social media, that Eric similarly touched and inspired so many others. While I regret that we never met in person, I will always count him as a true friend and treasure the conversations we had. Rest in peace, friend. Richard Kirk

Extraordinary illustrator and mentor if you knew Eric shared a conversation or a laugh you knew that he was a genuinely good natured person that was taken far to soon. His untimely passing  serves to remind us why we should enjoy life and impact the world with our vision as artists. His work still stirs something deep within the soul, even after all of these years

I first met Eric when I spoke to his illustration class at Washington University. A few years later, we worked together at a large company in St. Louis. I was best man at his wedding. He was smart, funny and incredibly talented. Not to mention he had great taste in music. We lost touch and reconnected many times over the years. It hurts me greatly that he is gone. But not forgotten.

I had the honor of studying illustration under Eric Dinyer at KCAI many years ago.  When one thinks of his extraordinary work and its prolific contribution to the profession, only then can we fully appreciate the magnitude of his loss. To his family my sincerest condolences, many artists florished from his guidance as a mentor he  will be truly missed. To those of us who continue along this mortal coil. Take the time to ask, Make the time to care.

It’s a wonderful yet poignant thing, reading others’ recollections of my friend. Eric and I grew up together, hung out together, drove to school together every day as adolescents. His unique eye, although refined over time, was both inherent and inherited and apparent even when we were young. Possessed of a gift bestowed upon only a fortunate few, Eric was always true to his internal compass, a genuinely caring human being and a to-the-core friend. My heart goes out to his family and you, his friends; he will be dearly missed. Godspeed, Eric. 

I met Eric through my magazine, Cut Me Up, for which he submitted fantastic work that we published in multiple issues. We conversed over email—he was very supportive and generous with his thoughts which were always wide-ranging and very inspiring.
I am such a fan of his work and so happy to have known him.
Sending peace and love to his loved ones.

I was a student with Eric in Marshall Arisman's first master's of illustration class at the School of Visual Arts in NYC.  There were many gifted artists in the group and Eric stood out as one of the best. He was a terrific illustrator! 
I know I am not alone when I say that the School of Visual Arts Master's class of 1986 expresses their deepest condolences for the entire Dinyer family. For myself, it was a pleasure to study with Eric lo those many years ago.

I met Eric through my good friend John Dinser while we were students at KCAI. He was appreciated as a teacher and mentor to his illustration students. I remember one day in the winter months John and Eric and I were driving back to campus from having lunch together. As we drove past a public park somewhere near KCAI, Eric pointed to the leafless trees in the park and remarked that a tree looks just like a big, upside down lung. We talked briefly about how trees are basically the lungs of the earth, taking in and saving us from toxins that we emit as humans. The trees were beautiful on that day. I think about that moment quite often & how artists just exist differently in the world. My condolences to Eric's family and friends.  

Eric was a great guy. We worked together for many years and he always had a way to make you laugh. I will miss his laugh. Plus he was always so encouraging to new artists old and young. Always with a positive feedback. 
He will be missed. 

Early in my career, Eric was in a group show of illustrators I had curated. The reason I had asked him to be in the show was due to the strength of his images. I don’t think we ever met in person, but I had several phone conversations with him back then. I always admired his work, and am deeply saddened to hear of his passing. 

Hard to express how much I was influenced by Eric Dinyer. Brilliant artist. Lots of love to his friends and family. Eric and I got along right away, I guess we bonded on our last names. I had not spoken to him in years and was about to send him a message when I heard . Best to his family and friends.

OBITUARY

Eric George Dinyer

July 19, 1960 – February 15, 2021

Cook-Walden Chapel of the Hills Funeral Home

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