Dear Life, Cameron Kit, filmmaker from NYC, came to my home yesterday. She is making a film for Nexus Health, U.S. Oncology and a documentary about my life. Cameron found me through interviewing Nexus cancer patients and seeing my artwork in her search. I am an artist living with cancer. I am transparent about my journey with the hope that my experience can help others have inspiration. We are not alone. And I have a new friend!
Yours Truly, Pamela Rose
Dear Life, I told both of my art teachers, “I am blocked. The events of past few months and unknowns about my health/cancer have me jammed up.” They both said, “Put a mark on the blank paper and get started.” Being a dutiful student, I did start and stroke after stroke flowed from brush to the 30″x22″ paper. I put blue tape to break up surface then collaged pieces of painted paper over it. Finally, a breakthrough. The lesson of this story: Just take a step, an action, a mark on the blank paper or canvas, in life. How many times have I repeated this lesson? An untold number of times. Trust the process.
Yours Truly, Pamela Rose
Acrylic and collage on paper 30″x22″ 11.13.2024
Dear Life, Getting ready for a Card Shark party, I placed Chinese Paper on plates. On each I wrote: Lean Into Love. Cooking, sharing my home with friends, arranging flowers and place settings, all give me joy. It sets the table for me to trust in divine order. The next day, while collaging, an envelope containing $1200 fell out of a magazine named, Breathe. I had “misplaced” this cash in September while in the stupor of Covid and moving. My go to action when something is lost: the Saint Anthony prayer. Thank You, Saint Anthony. Thank you, Creative Currency.
Yours Truly, Pamela Rose
Dear Life, This FB message popped up yesterday to remind me that three years ago I underwent Stem Cell Transplant. It was the most difficult and extensive treatment I’ve had to date. Dr. Tees had challenging news: “The transplant didn’t work. The cancer is still there.” I am still here against all odds. There have been miracles and dark passages along this journey, too many to be told in this brief letter. But Life, you keep on giving me hope and energy and reasons to live. Here’s to You on this day of remembrance.
Yours Truly, Pamela Rose
Dear Life, When I feel the “energy drainers” hit me, I know it’s time to meet the challenge with creativity. Ask the hard questions then fearlessly (or with trepidation) open up to answers through curiosity, resiliency, unearthing disbelief, falling to pieces and then building a new container that lets the light come through the cracks. Yesterday I sat in my home studio and let my spirit find its way through collage and watercolor. The Chinese papers with torn and faded edges gave way to blue-black watercolor tears. Music (thank you, Jon Batiste) soothed the deep question… Are You There, God? I heard, YES.
Yours Truly, Pamela Rose
Home Studio Art Table 11.09.2024
Dear Life, Daily practices help me move forward especially during challenging times: prayer and meditation, reading, writing and painting, being of service to others, washing the dishes, making the bed, watering and talking to the indoor plants (they are great listeners), house cleaning, organizing art supplies, walking and seeing the beauty around me, being present, smiling at the cashier, giving a hug to someone. Feel the light of faith within and be in the spirit of hope. Practice gratitude. I love you.
Yours Truly, Pamela Rose
Tempera on Watercolor Paper 11.06.2024
Dear Life, The reality that half the people in the United States cannot see a woman of color become our president and would rather vote for a felon, perpetrator, and indecent man, deeply saddens and unsettles me. I’m calling it the way I see it. We can do better than this. Please help to change with fierce love.
Yours Truly, Pamela Rose
Dear Life, DO YOU FEEL THAT BLUE CIRCLE OF HOPE?
Yours Truly, Pamela Rose
Dear Life, I had such a good time at the Dixon Studio Tour on Saturday, I returned on Sunday with Pam Platt, long-term artist friend. We went to Rift Gallery and artist studios, ate lunch on the porch of the Dixon Co-op, and watched the weather change. I love northern New Mexico, the land, its people, the cultures, the art communities. I love my body feeling “completely me” while on a hiatus from cancer treatments. Snowfall this morning. All good.
Yours Truly, Pamela Rose
Pamela Rose Markoya 