There Are Angels Among Us
“We live our short spans in the vortex of a miracle, and while we may not be the center of that vortex, it is magic to be anywhere in there.” —Robert Genn, Canadian artist
There are pivotal humans who have inspired me. Certainly my family and friends–but, also people I have never met. Robert Genn (author of the above quote) produced a bi-weekly newsletter for and about artists called ‘The Painter’s Keys’ that consistently infused me with the juice to continue in the vortex of art and ideas. In 2020 I began to paint portraits of some of those “Angels Among Us”:
“I think anything is possible if it’s done in the spirit of love and empathy.”—Jonathan Michael Batiste, a musician. During the difficulties of 2020’s Covid Pandemic he and his band, appropriately named ‘Stay Human’, gave impromptu street performances, always looking for ways to connect with people. For years his dexterity at the piano has filled me with awe and his cheerful countenance exudes a sweetness that is refreshing.
“I promise to use what brains I have to meet problems with intelligence and courage.” —Frances Perkins, United States Secretary of Labor. The first female to serve in a presidential cabinet and also the longest serving in the position of Labor Secretary. She was an American workers-rights advocate. Her work led to the Social Security Act of 1935, for which, I, as a senior citizen will always be grateful.
“For there is always light, if only we’re brave enough to see it. If only we’re brave enough to be it.” —Amanda Gorman, poet. This quote is from a poem she wrote titled, “The Hill We Climb” and delivered at the Presidential Inauguration in 2021. She was the first person to be named National Youth Poet Laureate. As I listened to her speak her words on that day in January, I was inspired to “see and be light” in the world.
I have other “Angels Among Us” that are waiting for the paintbrush finale and I will share as I go along. Why animals or parts of animals (wings) in the portraits? They have become, for me, symbols of fragile strength and beautiful diversity–reinforcing the qualities of those “Angels Among Us”. Besides, it says something about the character of a person when we are kind to animals–as we are to be kind to other humans.
WE THREE and art magic…
Barbara Summers Edwards, artist, in her Smithfield, Utah studio.
Roxane Mitchell Pfister, artist, in her Logan, Utah studio.
Dilleen Humphries Marsh, artist, in her Hurricane, Utah studio.
In May of this year a Canadian artist by the name of Robert Genn passed away from cancer. For decades he produced an art newsletter that could be freely accessed on the internet. He blessed the lives of thousands of artists with gathered and personally experienced…wisdom. This quote from him particularly spoke to my heart: “We live our short spans in the vortex of a miracle, and while we may not be the center of that vortex, it is magic to be anywhere in there.” From those first drawings in 8th grade to our three woman show in a gallery, WE THREE have been in the vortex of art. The center of that vortex has been friendship. And it is magic…
We Three update May 29 (to see the poster for our show).
WE THREE 3 woman show will run from June 13 to July 5, 2014 at Logan Fine Art Gallery, 100 North 60 West, Logan, Utah. Opening reception is June 13, 2014 from 6 to 9pm.
dilleenmarshwomanartistrenaissance 