Tuesday, February 21, 2012

Ros Farbush

Today I learned that Ros Farbush, a close family friend and one of my great inspirations passed away. This post is dedicated to her memory and her beautiful paintings.
 Ros was a painter and a teacher.  She spent a lifetime doing what she loved to do.  And she worked hard at her craft every day.    
She painted her way and on her terms. She was a tough little cookie who spoke her mind. 
In her eighties, it was more difficult for her to get around, but she didn’t let that stop her. Ignoring obstacles and armed with sheer determination, somehow she found a way to paint daily.  Somehow she found the perfect spot for her frail, twisted frame and flimsy chair, and consistently pushed paint onto canvas like no one else.
Her paintings capture a colorful world full of imperfections, inconspicuous beauty and everyday things. Her loose style, bold color combinations and artistic voice are clear and distinct, instantly recognizable. I love them and I loved watching her apply paint to her palette and canvas. It was magical.
Ros on Newbury Street, Boston 2006 painting with my mom Dassie
Ros was spirited and soulful. Her passion about art and life was infectious and I feel fortunate that I had the opportunity to watch her work and paint by her side. She had a big impact on me both personally and creatively and I’m forever grateful for the moments I shared with her.

A memorial service is being held at the South Shore Art Center on Friday March 9th at 10:30am.  And anyone interested in seeing her paintings, they are currently on display at Oceanside 17 Gallery, 17 Rockland Circle in Hull.  

Monday, February 6, 2012

What speaks to you?

For the most part, I look forward to working in my studio.   Though there are many days when cutting glass doesn’t go smoothly, my iron isn't working, I burn or cut myself, I drop a finished piece and it's ruined, I mess up a painting and need to start over, or I'm filled with doubt about what the hell I'm doing. 

But then I look up to that spot on the wall I've designated for photos and clippings and I'm inspired... and I keep going.    
 
This American Life