Northern Colorado near Rist Canyon in a space that was formerly devastated by forest fire; however, new growth signaled a rebirth.
Photo by Ross Taylor
“To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under heaven.”
Ecclesiastes 3, Verse 1, King James Version
This past year we lost two giants in our field: Herb Zettl and Paul Lester. I knew them both, Paul more as a friend and Herb more as a mentor. They taught me a lot. They taught us all a lot. Their legacy is a testament to their impact on visual communication and they are sorely missed.
Herbert Zettl, a visionary in television production and visual aesthetics, revolutionized the language of visual communication with his pioneering work. Through his groundbreaking research on the theory of applied media aesthetics, he not only guided generations of scholars and practitioners but also revealed the relationship between technology, artistry, and human perception.
Paul Martin Lester—a former editor-in-chief of VCQ who dedicated himself to photojournalism and visual ethics—changed the way we see the world. His passion for ethical photojournalism and the cultural nuances of visual imagery has inspired countless students to harness the visual media to provoke thought and foster deeper connections. I asked some of his close friends and colleagues to send their thoughts and memories of Paul, which are included in this issue of VCQ.
Their scholarly works, mentoring, and commitment have left permanent marks on the field. In many ways, they showed us how to see. Their far-reaching influence will continue to enlighten and inspire present and future generations of students and practitioners.
As we reflect on their lives and contributions, may their passion, wisdom, and dedication remind us to continually explore, innovate, and appreciate the profound impact of visual communication in our world. Though they may no longer be with us, their legacy lives on in the hearts and minds of those who have been moved by their vision. And so, let us find a sense of renewal in the loss of these two visual communication stars as we continue our search for visual meaning and visual truths.
There is “a time to weep, and a time to laugh, a time to mourn, and a time to dance.”
Ecclesiastes 3, Verse 4, King James Version