Late Winter Almost Spring 2010
February 15th, 2010
I know it is not entirely professional to use this site for health reports and talk of chemotherapy but these are the life gifts I am dealing with this entire year pretty much…so studio work is on hold, but will flow again like a river at spring runoff! At least this is how I am visualizing future studio days. In the meantime, life is sweeter and a little harder daily as chemo effects accumulate. Only two more treatments to go followed by 6 weeks of daily radiation in Edwards, CO. Some distance from here.
Hints of fall becoming less subtle…a stillness in the air, leaves hanging dusty and heavy, atmosphere seems to be in a bit of a desultory mood as summer ebbs. Today, Saturday, we harvested about 100 lbs of potatoes shared between our household and Dana & Breccia Wilsons’ -the geniuses behind it all. Daughter Laura helped with the harvest and entertainment, and took home some mighty potatoes. I lent moral support. Corny as it sounds it is quite amazing to dig for food in your own front yard. Nostalgic full days.
Okay. This website is supposed to be about my work in clay; it is a professional website after all. However, right now my main work seems to be about learning all I can from this experience of breast cancer. It is changing my life in good ways and filling me with gratitude for the many, many kind acts and thoughts from so many people. I am in awe of the quiet heroism and resilience of so many people who have been through this experience. I am learning now to welcome this “event” as a life changing process that will make me a better artist and a more compassionate and passionate human being.
I start chemo tomorrow for every three weeks for 18 weeks.
PS The photo above is of me and John at the Carbondale Clay Center’s recent fundraiser. My cup is made by Lauren Mabry and John’s is a Ginny Beesley cup.
Studio work is somewhat on hold, rudely interrupted by breast cancer. I am still me, still feeling good, even after surgery 10 days ago. Climbed up two very steep trails in the last few days. I feel calm and centered and strong. Years of working in my sanctuary of a studio in the company of the artist’s voice and the miracle we call music and the gift of being outdoors daily, in such a beautiful place, have helped me deal with this. Not to mention my huge, big-hearted, extended family and much cherished friends.
Making art is still my focus – not disease. Every fellow artist that I am privileged to know, also is committed to making their own lives a work of art…and this includes everything we open our hearts to or that finds us. This cancer thing is not a wake-up call…how can anyone function as an artist and not be awake and paying attention. At NCECA last month, my friend, Vicky Hansen quoted these lines to me: Everything is connected. Everything Changes. Pay attention. (Jane Hirschfield)
I am paying attention.
More to follow.