Dear Life, I made transfers from xerox x-ray images onto canvas for my Inside-Out project. The work triggers deep feelings, how out-of-control my body felt while I had intense chemotherapy and Stem Cell Replacement. A doctor said, “We set off an atomic bomb in your body”. The project is near completion. Presentation is on Tuesday. I appreciate the periods of time that I feel healthy and can make art.
Yours Truly. Pamela Rose
Transfers of X-ray Images
Dear Life, Figurative Painting prompt: complete a project using yourself as the subject. I went inside-out to begin and will continue this week. I hung pieces together to see what there is and what needs to be added. My teacher and I laughed during a studio visit > “I always have to add a little blood and guts.” >”Yes, you do!” Consistency and innovation. I’ve been turned inside-out by chemo and stem cell replacement but my Creative Spirit remains, changed, but consistent.
Yours Truly, Pamela Rose
Acrylic on Paper and Studio Wall 09.26.2025
Dear Life, Thankfully, my foot cooperated in posing for this collage. Let’s hope both feet will stay still long enough for me to paint them. Moving forward, step by step, on Inside Out Figurative project.
Yours Truly, Pamela Rose
Dear Life, My hands are so important in my life. Chemo affected my fingertips, dulling them a little. I am conscious of this when I try to pick up something small, thank you tweezers; or when I need to turn a cap on a tube of paint, thank you pliers. Otherwise my hands are nimble, capable, sensitive, incredible vehicles for creative practices and acts of kindness, touching a friend’s shoulder. Inside out, hand’s on what is mine to do, hand’s off what is not.
Yours Truly, Pamela Rose
Acrylic on Newsprint 16″x12″ 09.22.2025
Dear Life, Given the prompt to paint a self-portrait, I decided to start from the inside-out. I made an ink drawing, moved to collage, and then painted my spine. Over the 5 years of cancer treatments and aging, my spine has developed a slight curve and I’ve shrunk an inch. What goes on in the inside eventually shows up on the outside. At 5’3″, I may be petite but it doesn’t diminish my big Life Force.
Yours Truly, Pamela Rose
Ink Drawing, Collage and Painting “Spine” 9.21.2025
Dear Life, I am setting up my new studio. As the art supplies are moved in, I smile through waves of nervousness and remember, THIS is part of the CREATIVE process: Placing the table, chair and art supply cabinet in just the right spot, sitting and looking out the window onto the courtyard between studios, feeling the space and allowing my body to fully move in. Be here each day and the work will follow. The hand will go into motion. Lessons I have learned guide me.
Yours Truly, Pamela Rose
Dear Life, This little guy showed up on my daily walk. He found his space in the landscape and makes me smile. Today I am happy to move back into a studio space at the Santa Fe Community College. I am grateful to be feeling healthy, strong, and able to work. I am an artist living with cancer. Diagnosed in 2020 with Stage 4 Large-Cell Lymphoma, I am always aware of how vulnerable and precious life is. Thank you Life and for all the little things along my journey.
Yours Truly, Pamela Rose
Dear Life, The times we are in ask me to reflect, to remember, how does one make sense and meaning of world events? What is my place in community? How can I best serve? I am an artist and a recovering addict. I live into the answers through daily spiritual and creative practices, being as loving as I can. My “unknowing” mind picks up the pen and paintbrush to see and hear my Spirit speak, to comfort and give hope when my human body feels the heaviness of violence causing catastrophic harm to so many for so many years. Help me to live and make a better world.
Yours Truly, Pamela Rose
Dear Life, The collage pieces and watercolor float together on the page. Their image indicate the stages of the body healing: embryonic, restoration, rejuvenation. All require rest and relaxation along moderate movement. And patience. My mind tells me I am a rocket ship! But my Spirit knows I need to pray, God grant me the serenity to be patient.
Yours Truly, Pamela Rose
Collage and Watercolor 09.09.2025
Pamela Rose Markoya 