Angel Ann, and Andrew
Posted on November 20, 2009 - Filed Under Artist Friends
Today I am thinking of two people, Ann Van Tassell, and Andrew van der Merwe. Ann is my friend, and the friend of many, who just passed away from a long, long struggle with breast cancer. Andrew is a lettering artist in South Africa. Both are calligraphers, both are people who strive to make the world a better place. What I am sharing here is a tribute to Ann done by Andrew.
I am overwhelmed by the beauty of Ann’s life, and the beauty of this tribute. I imagine Andrew out there on the sand, carving this name that means so much to so many of us. Ann came into my life at a pivotal stage for both of us, and we had a lovely series of exchanges. She is a person who leaves a huge hole, one that cannot be filled by anything but the memories she leaves for us, and for her family.
This is a time I am envious of everyone who is comfortable with the cycle of life. I am not one of those people. It makes me sad and angry that it does not make sense. I have another friend who is dealing with ovarian cancer, who is newly married and 29 years old. Her name is Deandra, and she is a beautiful young woman who should not be dealing with cancer. Cancer just plain sucks.
Today I will light a candle for Ann, and again on her birthday, and one for Deandra. And I will think of Andrew and his writing on the beautiful beaches, that beautiful name.
Comments
5 Responses to “Angel Ann, and Andrew”
Leave a Reply
Art Journaling Magazine
Cloth Paper Scissors
Interactive Art Workshop
Letter Arts Review
Somerset Sept
Somerset Studio
Somerset Studio
Somerset Studio
Dearest Jill – I send you warm hugs to help ease your loss. &drew’s tribute to Ann is beautiful. Life on earth is so ephemeral – and it is “wonder-full” that we do not know just how it manifests when we leave this planet and move on..to the next adventure.
love from your friend, maybelle
Although I never met Ann except via email and exchanges, I grieve the loss of her. I’ve missed her presence on Cyberscribes this past year. Last night I pulled out some of my favorite exchange pieces from The Wild Woman, and I will be lighting a candle on her birthday. I always enjoy seeing Andrew’s Beachscriber work, but last night when I saw this image on the graphics board, I really had an emotional and physical response to it. I think many people would hire him to do this in memory of a loved one. There is healing is seeing a cherished name carved into the sand.
What a beautiful tribute!!! I too struggle with the sheer pain of losing a loved one to death…I spent Tuesday with a friend who has ovarian cancer and who has lost 2 sisters & a mother to various types of cancer…it seems so unfair!!
Hello from Toronto,
Love your work and blog!
~ Gabriela ~
What a beautiful tribute! The impermanence of the writing in the sand is a lovely metaphor for life. My sympathy on your loss.
Hugs,
Kim