Dear Life, My instructor challenged me to paint the trauma of cancer on a larger scale. He said my work in small books is beautiful, intimate, and illustrating the love letters. Can I size up to a large format and put my body into the experience of painting and cancer? Then describe what is happening in a love letter? This new process began Wednesday. I painted with red tempera lines, one over another, then went into it with color and acrylic. Three hours later I was surprised two white doves had appeared. It was Ash Wednesday. Today I begin a 14-day oral chemo med and go to the studio. Thank you Holy Spirits for helping me.
Yours Truly, Pamela Rose

Acrylic and Tempera on Paper 24″x18″ 02.14.2024

Dear Life, The SFCC heating/cooling system needs some attention. Either the studio is heated hot or the the system is completely off and its cold. I prefer the heat especially on mornings when it’s 28 degrees. I spoke with the head of Arts Department and hope to arrive to a warm space today because not painting is too costly. I end up at art supply stores spending mucho bucks on materials in preparation. Time to paint! Bien Fait!
Yours Truly, Pamela Rose

Dear Life, A white on white still-life was setup to paint in warm and cool tones with four colors. The overhead lights washed out the deep shadows in the photograph but you can get the idea. I’m happy to play with paint, light, space, and line. My body is learning to navigate the energy requirements to be in a five-hour workshop. I’m grateful cancer treatments have not taken away my desire and passion for art-making.
Yours Truly, Pamela Rose

Photograph                Painting

Dear Life, I’m not sure if I look like a deer in headlights or have happy anticipation in that smiling face. I am grateful to be in school and have a studio on campus. Enjoy meeting students and professors and seeing the artwork throughout the campus. This is the energy boost I’ve needed to get out of quarantine, safely and with discernment, and be in a new community. Hey, I can get “student discounts”, too. Happy.

Yours Truly, Pamela Rose

Dear Life, When I am told oral chemo meds along with infusions need to continue to prevent new growth of cancer cells tears rise onto the edge of paradox: clear scans, prevention treatment. Breathe deep and feel it all. I am in the 1% of the 1% who has kept living with the diagnosis, prognosis, and treatments I’ve received.
Next emotional state is gratitude.
Yours Truly, Pamela Rose

Symphonic Poem Watercolor with Rose Petals

Dear Life, “Bien Fait”. Well Done. This bag is a “Swag Gift” from 2015 Newport Folk Festival. Patti Smith headlined. My dear friend and Patti’s drummer, Jay Dee, invited me. Three days of fun and great music. Now the bag transports my daily supplies to and from home to studio. As does the “Dreams Do Come True” bag from the Dollar Store. It’s all a gift aka “Swag”. Today is busy: Bloodwork at 8:00am. Studio 9-11. At noon meet contractor at apartment to put furniture back in place. Then two doctor appointments: 1:30 Oncologist to discuss oral chemo plus treatments. 3:00pm Meet new Primary Care doctor. Breathe and know I am in the care of my Higher Power.
Yours Truly, Pamela Rose

Studio 723C Door

Dear Life, Yesterday I “found” my private creative space at SFCC after a couple of “sit-downs” in art studios provided by the Art Department. The first studio didn’t feel right. Faced west and the room was very warm. Small table and chair. And dirty. So I asked if I could look at another studio. We opened the door to 723C, I stepped in and knew, “this is it”. Large table with an armed chair that had a velvet orange pillow seat on it; facing east onto the courtyard where the trees have hundreds of long reflective crystals hanging from limbs. Inside and out. Perfect. I affirmed: This is the right space for me for unlimited creativity. Thank you Source.
Yours Truly, Pamela Rose

Studio 723C 01.29.2024

Dear Life, A full moon lights up the mountains surrounding Santa Fe. White lights make the plaza trees glow. Inner light energizes my Spirit as I plan and begin the move into new Studio at the community college. Today I go to my apartment (still under construction) and get my supplies. Tomorrow is move into studio day. Planting seeds and hoping roots grow into the fertile creative space of my Being.
Yours Truly, Pamela Rose

Collage 01.25.2024

Dear Life, I am grateful and happy to greet the sun as it shines through the snow-lined trees. Also, grateful to hear walkway being shoveled and the driveway being plowed!
Yours Truly, Pamela Rose

Sunrise with Snow 01.26.2024