I don’t normally feel moved when I hear of the passing of a celebrity, but the passing of David Lynch this week is staying with me. 

He was more than a filmmaker—he was a true artist that reshaped how I view storytelling. Through the haunting visuals of Lost Highway, the ethereal music he commissioned, and the unforgettable world of Twin Peaks, Lynch opened my eyes to the beauty in the unsettling and the profound meaning in ambiguity.

He taught me that stories don’t always need to be neatly wrapped up with a bow to leave an impact. In fact, the lack of resolution can make them linger even longer, like a dream you can’t quite shake. Many people didn’t understand his work, but sometimes, that was the point. Not everything is meant to be understood—and that’s part of what makes life and art so meaningful.

David Lynch’s genius shaped my taste in ways I still feel today, pushing me to embrace the mysterious, the surreal, and the things that defy explanation. His work was a gift, and his influence will continue to inspire me and countless others who dared to embrace the strange and beautiful.

Rest in peace, David Lynch. Thank you for everything.