Anagous Matrix by C.W Hansen, 2001
Who is Chester W. Hansen?:
An Architectonic Artist, Architect, Home Builder, Philosopher, Politician, Good Neighbor, Minimalist, Former Montana Renaissance Man (‘IS’ because his spirit lives on). And, he is a US Marine, ‘Once a Marine, Always a Marine…’ Semper Fidelis.
‘Wally’ as he preferred to be known, was all the above and more. A somewhat emotionally stoic and resolute individual, he approached everyday life methodically and with utmost thought. Meeting Wally anywhere, in his office, on the street, or in a grocery store could best be described as an ‘encounter.’ Following a cordial ‘Hello, queries about each other’s family, conversation would dependably evolve into discussions of purpose. Who was reading what, the philosophical foundation of recently released movies, the relationship between Zen Buddhism and Hot Yoga, perhaps a recipe exchange. Aristotle’s Golden Mean, or Ratio, or a ‘Marypropism’ like ‘pack em up truck’ for pick-up truck or ‘wallop’ for wallet (courtesy of Wally’s wife, Mary), even geodesics or super-insulated buildings, might sneak into the chat, but rest assured, topics would be neither mundane nor un-thought provoking. Current work was frequently an overlook, yet highly valued.
Wally loved to talk about his art, color wheel correlation to music, especially, J.S. Bach, though he was practically loathe to self-promote. He valued many friendships, especially his with Robert DeWeese, due to Bob’s quirky sense of humor paralleling his own. Wally once scribed a ‘Basho Meets Bob,’ homage drawing in response to ‘Bob’s Delusions of Profundity’ piece for Wally and Mary, a prime illustration of C.W.‘Smoothie’s (Wally’s disposition. In his Art he carries on. And, in Wally’s words, “Okay,catch you later!”
~ Mark Letman (Wally’s eldest son)
An Encounter:
He was possibly the most methodical, thoughtful individuals you could encounter. Encounter is truly how you were likely to meet Wally. After a cordial ‘Hello’ your conversation was likely to quickly evolve into words of substance. If your brought up the subject of buildings, structures or interesting shapes, before long you would be discussing quickly.
In philosophy, the golden mean is the ultimate framework for building characterand living a balanced life.
According to Aristotle, virtue is not the opposite of vice; rather, a virtue is a middle ground squeezed between two different vices—one of doing too little (deficiency) and one of doing too much (excess).
~ Tina DeWeese (life-long friend)