#cancer

Love Letter to Life 08.22.2024 Rose Markoya 06.23.1930- 08.21.2024

| Pamela Markoya

Dear Life, My mother has passed peacefully from this world. Her large spirit touched the lives of a large family, friends, and everyone she met. A few weeks ago while I visited, she told stories with flourishing detail. “The Hungarian Tank” rolled with determination, stubbornness, and a heart that wanted a better life for her children, grandchildren, and neighbors. She was quick to put a homemade meal on the table and give leftovers to everyone. Rosie, you are the Queen forever now.

Yours Truly, Pamela Rose

Photo on her 94th Birthday with granddaughter Violet 06.23.24

Love Letter to Life 08.18.2024 135 X 2 = 270

| Pamela Markoya

Dear Life, The past week was consumed with seeking a new place to live (still looking) with one “day” off to re-center in the studio. As I walked through the door, my shoulders went down and I sighed. Felt so good to be in my quiet space. I did this painting to “focus”. Making art grounds me, clears my mind, gives me a boost of energy. For decades, I’ve experienced a spiritual connection during my creative practice: Focus, Structure and Community. All three are essential for my well-being. Thank you for being community.
Yours Truly, Pamela Rose

Tempera on Paper 08.16.2024

Love Letter to Life 08.15.2024 Covered Wagon

| Pamela Markoya

Dear Life, I am preparing to move my wagon with no destination in sight but I have faith the best “home” for me is on the horizon. The early pioneers must have felt this way while rolling across the vast landscape looking for “gold”, seeking a better life at great cost. I am seeking a place to lay down my head in peace and nurture my body and soul.
Yours Truly, Pamela Rose

Covered Wagon by Erika Wannamacher

Love Letter to Life 08.09.2024 Grounded

| Pamela Markoya

Dear Life, Working in the studio helps me remain grounded during cancer treatments, family sorrows, and looking for a new place in Santa Fe where I can live peacefully. There’s a lot on my plate. But like these pots of tempera, each moment is contained and somehow manageable as I breathe into it. I am given what I need.
To my Santa Fe community: I need a quiet and affordable home to move into by October. A place I can put all I own under one roof. Preferably 2 bedroom with garage or storage. It is time to make this change. Thank you.
Yours Truly, Pamela Rose

Love Letter to Life 08.05.2024 Tempera

| Pamela Markoya

Dear Life, All things in life are temporary. This achy body will find relief when this month’s treatments are over later this week. The existential questioning about life and death will be relieved and answered by living in the moment. The weight of worry lifts while focusing on the palette of life’s colors. This is where creativity lives. This is where hope lives. This is where I find comfort and peace. Pots of paint. Prayers of love letters.
Your Truly, Pamela Rose

Tempera Paint on Notebook Paper

Love Letter to Life 08.01.2024 Summer Density

| Pamela Markoya

Dear Life, I returned to the studio yesterday. Sat with my work, took it down, signed each piece, and put into portfolio. Clearing the walls for new work. My body is acclimating to Santa Fe’s altitude and oral chemo meds. Next week are three days of medical appointments: Bloodwork, oncologist, infusion, and injection. Hence, I am here in NM as my mother’s body stubbornly says good-bye to this world in CT. Not an easy time. Breathe. I am experiencing the letting go process of a dying parent. In my 24 hours, along with the grief, I find moments of peace, beauty, joy, and the ongoing flow of love.
Yours Truly, Pamela Rose

Watercolor on Yupo Paper

Love Letter to Life 07.30.2024 A Kindred Spirit

| Pamela Markoya

Dear Life, While traveling from Maine to CT, I stopped at a Rest Area crowded with cars and trucks. In front of the large center, Larry had a table and sign set up, “Pop-Up Book Sale”. I stood awhile watching travelers pass him by without a glance so walked up and said, “Hello, I’m Pamela and please tell me about your book”. A 30-minute heartfelt “journey” happened as we told personal stories with laughter and tears. I bought his book to share with my sister. When an “angel” smiles, notice and smile back.
Yours Truly, Pamela Rose

Love Letter to Life 07.28.2024 Ships Crossing

| Pamela Markoya


Dear Life, Today I return to Santa Fe after two weeks in the East visiting family and friends. My mother is declining and family with help is caring for her. My visit included lots of storytelling, listening, and letting Mom know she is loved. Visit to Maine refreshed my spirit. As I head toward the west, I contemplate the cycles of life and death, the miracles and pains that we experience. Bittersweet.
Yours Truly, Pamela Rose

Love Letter to Life 07.12.2024 Vacation Leave

| Pamela Markoya

Dear Life, I said to my campus studio, “I am going on vacation for two weeks. Will be back July 30th. Let imagination fill this space while I’m away. Thank you for being in my life.” I’ll be taking the red-eye from ABQ to JFK tonight. Arriving at 6:00am EST. My sister will scoop me up and take me to CT. You all know what I’ll be doing on Saturday morning. Hit the snooze button, please. Then visit Mom. The summer family vacation is about to begin!
Yours Truly, Pamela Rose

Energy Portraits in SFCC Campus Studio 07.10.2024