The Jeff Divine coffee table book (above) included the zany photo from the earlier days at the magazine. That’s Divine on his back, author Brad Barrett smiling at the camera, at the rear on his knees is me.
I got to thinking about turns in the road, my own and those of others. Most of life is a slowly evolving continuum. Year follows year without much changing. But sometimes something big happens and changes everything.
You see it immediately, and in time others begin to see it in you. Invisible faith becomes visible. You can no longer walk in the old direction, at least not happily, as your whole internal orientation has changed.
For whatever reason, in thinking about this, I remembered a quote in the introductory essay in the book, Masters of Surf Photography: Jeff Divine. I got it out and looked at it again.
Jeff Divine and I worked together a long time ago, at Surfer Magazine. His art is gloriously revealed page after page in this beautiful coffee table book, the kind that people look at but don’t often read. But the writing gives depth to it all. Brad Barrett, previously photo editor, did a fine job giving background and an overview of life at the magazine where these talents were expressed and honed.
Actually, I probably wouldn’t have the book on my shelf but someone gave it to me, and pointed out that I was mentioned in it. That’s what I looked at again this morning. Two places.
Page 14: “By this time the ‘Jesus movement’ was taking hold across the country and Orange County was a hotbed of gung-ho religious activity. Three of the Surfer staffers, art director Hy Moore [I was known as Hy in those days] John’s brother Joey [John Severson was founder of the magazine], and Rick Griffin [also of Haight Ashberry psychodylic art fame] had recently converted to Christianity and were attending Bible studies, dropping, for the most part, their hedonistic ways.”
I remember those days. Actually my radical turn-in-the-road experience happened deep in Mexico, with little knowledge of any “movement taking hold across the country.” For me it was better away from all that, as the conversion had to be real, honest, heartfelt, uncoersed, private, and deep. From the first day I knew it was permanent.
I also knew that others would have a hard time understanding it.
Nor was I too worried about that. Instead I was searching for and responding to the new leading as it was revealed to me. I didn’t realize that this was being observed by others as the invisible faith being revealed in outward actions. Next page:
“The Christian thing was still pretty strong at the mag, and late in 1972, our art director Hy Moore dropped a bomb. He was heading to Guatemala on a missionary assignment to help the locals print Bibles . . .”
Interesting to see that in print, these many years later. What Brad described was the beginning of a 32-year career, one that has since been replaced by another. But not the earlier orientation, the one described on page 14. That continues, now just worked out in another way.
And that’s all I have room for here.
For more of the story, check out Damascus Roads, a video earlier aired on TV. It’s now on my website, or just click the button here. Let me know what you think.
Our Lives Together
Its About Life
9:14 pm
I had NO idea of your background. This was fascinating and thrilling to learn how God drew you to Himself. It is so true that the most abundantly exciting life of all is to follow Him.
9:44 pm
Hyatt!! What a gift to watch you talk, as I have seen you do many times, but to get the entire story this time!! WOW!!!! How honored I know we all feel with such honesty and openness that you shared with the world, in this video. I found myself reacting thinking, such a blessing that Hyatt had such a relationship with The Lord in the beginning and throughout……. he just knew…… Have I felt this way? I answered and said, yes. But would I ever give everything up like Hyatt did and be so brave? I don’t know. I then heard you say God uses all our gifts for His glory, then I felt better. Then the last thing I came away with was, spend time with The Lord in conversation…… In relationship. He will make things happen. He will bless your time and all your efforts. He will show you His great will. He is forever faithful…………. He can’t be anything else but faithful! It is not in Him to be anything else but faithful and loving to us and for us. How wonderful. Thank you Lord, for using Hyatt to show us the way. Amen! Love to all! Lisa
10:00 pm
I would like to produce great spiritual videos like that one.
10:17 pm
Quite nice to get the back-story . . . which I had never heard before. I was encouraged to see how God weaves the details of a persons life into such a redemptive tapestry. Thanks for sharing !
12:20 am
Now….THAT was a STORY! Well Done, Hyatt. ;-)
7:53 am
Interesting Hyatt. I found another connection between us. My life changed when Liz took me to see the Late Great Planet Earth. Of course, there were a number of other things in conjunction, but that may have been the spark. My life also was a process of shedding the desire for social drinking, etc.
I love all that you share. It’s heartening and encouraging. Keep ’em coming. :-)
7:55 am
This honest and passionate account of your story is arresting, beautiful, moving, and inspiring….to say the least.
Thank you, Hyatt.
With love.
8:12 am
Hyatt,
Watched your Damascus Roads’ interview again and it blessed me afresh.
Frank and I are eternally grateful that your journey took you and Anne to Coast Bible Church in the 1970’s and for your role in bringing Frank into the Kingdom.
Like Father like son, you gave Frank a copy of the “Late Great Planet Earth” and the Lord used it mightily in his life.
Being in that precious Bible study with you and Anne and the Woods further blessed us and God has produced “eternal” friendships from it.
To God be the glory,
Sara
8:32 am
Never heard the whole story in one telling. Very Hyatt and very inspiring. Enjoyed the creative video editing too.
8:35 am
Great story, Hyatt. I’ve crossed paths with several of these names in past years. Did you know Dave Dash, in advertising, at Surfer? I believe he dropped your name more than once way back then. We were in a Bible study at his house at the time in Dana Point. Awesome interview!
9:04 am
Thank you for sharing your story (so far!). There is no end to how God uniquely reaches hearts and your testimony is such a blessing!
9:25 am
Hi Dad,
Interesting about being called “Hy”. I remember, or thought that Grandpa would go by that name. Was that something that your friends took to calling you by on their own, or a name you introduced yourself by then. Either way, like Saul going to Paul, you took on the “new” name with your change and we would not likely recognize the reference to your past life in this story except through the context of life change (and great artistic ability :)
Love,
Hyatt
1:42 pm
Hyatt:
Thank you for sliding this back in front of me…knowing that it would have great meaning for me and mine. Just coming back from vacation I had many e mails to get through and I must confess I was going to pass by your blog for the sake of others that needed my attention (which I deemed at the time more important) . Boy was I wrong… thank you!
3:02 pm
Thank-you!!! Would love hear more of Moore.
4:20 pm
Hyatt thanks for making me aware of this particular Blank Slate. Enjoyed listening to your story or as you said God’s story. A great testimony.
Love how God touches our hearts and truly makes us new creations in Christ.
Blessings to you and your family!
4:58 pm
Hyatt,
I was deeply moved watching your video and hearing you tell about the Lord and the “writing” of your life story…your history…your “His…story”. Thank you for sharing this with us and for your commitment to the Lord and for your honesty. I feel in a similar place. I would love to somehow paint as you do and do these paintings with a message of what the Lord taught. The world is just so in need of art with a message that speaks directly to the heart. I believe that is the purpose of art–to point us to the one who created us, who loves us so much, and to remind us of what we are to be. Art speaks in a inaudible voice that goes straight to the heart when it glorifies God. Continue your good work, Hyatt!
~Anne
9:24 am
WOW?…….how fascinating, how Hyatt. I love your story it is beautiful.
You know I think you are amazing……just more now.
Hope to touch base soon.
10:27 am
Thank you for sharing this with us Hyatt. More pieces for the puzzle of our dear friend and our faithful Lord. Beautiful!
10:31 am
What a wonderful interview!! I have to be in awe
of how many Talents God has given you & Anne!!
I knew much of your story, but it was great to hear
you speak it!
I was thinking of how Happy & Excited your parents
must have been, & still are. That is why we should
never stop asking God to change someone’s life, or give
them the desire to search for the Truth like you did!
Maybe Anne, should now tell her life sometime……
Love,
Barbara Mitchiner
11:42 am
Thanks for sharing the video, Hyatt. I knew a little bit of your life story but there was so much more. A great testimony of God’s grace.
2:47 pm
Thank you for sharing this video and your heart. Thank God for allowing others to enjoy the wonderful talent He has given you and Anne!
6:23 pm
Wow, so good to hear your testimony, I can relate to so many of the things you shared.Nice to see the old photo, Don Kramers and such…The Late Great planet earth was instrumental in my salvation also…Thanks for sharing how God drew you to Himself…The lover of our soul. You and Anne are a blessing…
8:07 am
So honored to get to call you Dad and to get to be a part of the amazing story God is telling across your life.
9:21 pm
Hyatt,
I watched this a while ago. It is very delightful and interesting. Georgia says that your writing is great and this is great as well. I talked to your Mom back in the ’70’s and told her what a great family she had and they were serving the Lord and she said no not always. That had problems with you. I admire your Mom and Dad because they raised 5 children that they can be very proud of. There’s a picture somewhere of you and Steve and your Mom and Dad at our place in TN. You boys were just toddlers. And now I get to hear all about what your life has led you and Anne. May God continue to bless you both.
Becky Jones
5:02 pm
Hyatt, it so blessed me to see your video, hear your words on a life well lived, and continues to be well lived. The reminders in the video of walking by faith, embracing the open doors God puts before you, of walking ahead with no guarantees except the one about God always being with us and leading us on. So glad you chose the artist path and the adventure that came with it.
Well done video. Really like the editing, the production as well as the content. Nice.
Thanks for the ear and the wisdom. I needed that. :)
hugs and blessings to you and Anne.
8:51 pm
Dear Hyatt,
Thank you for sharing – a seed metaphor in the telling just touched me. Like the creative cinematography also!
Praise the Lord for letting you be held in the grip of his faithfulness like your painting Hands of Proof communicates.
In Christ,
Christine
6:52 pm
That was so wonderful, I believe that your message (s) help so many beyond what you can imagine – I am sending your link to my sister and I’m sure that my nephew could really use your positive message too, similar struggles as a young man in college currently.
I miss you and hope to see you both soon :)
9:55 am
Wow! loved this video of your life!!!! Amazing to me that “the Late Great Planet Earth” book also changed my life & I came back to the Lord shortly after reading it….1975 at Believer’s Chapel in SC…….. It is interesting to me that altho’ I didn’t have riches in things, I did have a loving husband & 2 children at the time……but I was always looking for something!!! I wanted so much to be the christian I read about, but never quite could “get” it!!!………..so I tried a lot of things. I was desperate to “find” God, and He was always there, the same one I asked into my heart at the age of 6. But since I never “felt” it actually “took”, I wandered & wandered until I really “found” Him way back in 75. ……..oh what a beautiful life it has been with Jesus!
My mother worked at surfer magazine in 1977 :-) for a short time after my father passed away.
Anyway, love the blog….love the video….love how God uses us all and the gifts He gives us! Thanks for sharing, Hyatt!
6:55 pm
Hi Hyatt
After talking to you at the picnic, I have been enjoying reading your blogs from time to time. I have to say listening to this was a great way to get to know who you are, and to become inspired by your story. I appreciate your openness and am encouraged on my own “Road”.
Thanks So Much,
Cindi
3:13 pm
Hi Hyatt,
I finally had a 30 minute window to watch the video! I LOVED getting the whole story. You and Anne are amazing people who love and serve our Lord with everything you have. I hope to come visit soon. May God continue to Bless you.
Thanks so much for sharing,
Rhonda
7:51 am
Hyatt…that was an amazing testimony of God’s hand on a life. I loved it.
I enjoy your artwork at the Tucson home. Pam is my sister.
I look forward to meeting you sometime. As they use to say…Here!…There! or in the Air!
Blessings…Cynthia