I created this remembrance book for my darling sweet girl Ebony who I lost this past May after 18 yrs in Judy Wilkenfeld's class Just in Case at Art and Soul in Portland. First, a little about Judy and why I took 3 days with her. She is incredibly generous of spirit - sharing all her techniques and thoughts and ideas freely, she is encouraging and supportive, and she herself puts all the meaning and nuance into her own work which is what drove me. I was very happy about how the book turned out and more than anything it really was a process in my grieving.
Nuance~
horseshoe nails - 2 - to represent the two shoes she wore on her front feet
her name
The button pin that I used to wear at the nape of my neck when I showed her~
a piece of her mane is braided held within
an antique bag with a beaded rose patch because she love to smell roses~
A metal circling the day she was born and a blue ribbon~
Pictures of her sweet face and a copy of a painting I did of her~
Pictures of the two of us~
A picture card with a poem that reads:
I haven't swept the flower path
to welcome guests,
But for you my friend,
the gate to my garden
is
always
open
T'u Fu
A copy of a painting that I did right after she died~
A photo of her on the morning she passed, a calendar page with the date of her death and an E for her name~
I love this book and more than anything it is a part of her that I will always cherish.
My heart is filled with compassion after seeing this wonderful remembrance you made to your sweet Ebony. The way you captured dates and images tugs at my heartstrings. Well done!
Posted by: Kim | October 10, 2008 at 06:38 AM
My eyes are welling with tears over your beautiful tribute to Ebony!
Posted by: Maija Lepore | October 10, 2008 at 08:35 AM
I love your book.It is so beautiful with such loving memories.It brings tears to my eyes. You did a wonderful job.
Posted by: Nancy Gene Armstrong. | October 10, 2008 at 04:39 PM
Gina, what a pleasure and an honour to have had you in my class.
You are such a gorgeous person - i love your spirit. Your book was amazing, i was so impressed at your re-interpreting my ideas into your own - it truly was a hearfelt book and a weel deserved tribut to Ebony - so, so so well done.
I loved all the special symbology you used to tell your story.
Thanks for the honour of taking the class - it really was such a privelege for me to hve you in it.
Judy
xoxox
Posted by: JUDY WILKENFELD | October 11, 2008 at 01:01 AM
Gina, what a very special book, a beautiful tribute.
Posted by: Leslie | October 15, 2008 at 01:37 PM
one evening at the managers reception i heard bits about your book and how amazing it was... im thrilled i happened upon your blog...it is amazing. what an inspired creation and tribute. lovely
take care
keli
Posted by: Keli | October 17, 2008 at 09:14 PM