When I first met Michael Petchkovsky I was amazed at his alternative way of life, I think it was sometime in 1997 and we were in Marrickville in his and Sarah’s rental. There was a type of bunk where he sat with a CRT monitor and computer. It was a setup that looked so lofty but unimaginable. He was welcoming, friendly and we instantly got along. He stayed in my life ever since until recently moving on from this world. We had a common interest in open source computing and Linux operating systems. He was so far ahead of me in that space, he would contribute code to the Linux communities he was involved in. I remember when he made his own computer from scratch, I used one of the photos of that computer in one of my aerosol artworks from 2008.

He was the most capable and intelligent person I had ever met and also accommodating and selfless in many ways. He was an artist who was constantly researching new approaches to technologies. His curiosity and drive never stopped. Whenever we spoke I would always ask him about his latest projects. For years I sent him images of my new aerosol work so he knew what I was up to. I was supposed to see Michael a few weeks before he died but I had a busy work schedule and was hoping to see him during my holidays. I have so many great memories that I cherish and remember. Life can be this jerky awkward mess but in all of the dramas and trials I always tried to be there for Michael. I visited him in the mental health unit and helped get him out of there. He had so many plans and ideas for the future. I will miss him and never forget him.