mattering

MWjanice

It doesn't seem that long ago that Jenny told me Janice was sick.  But it was years ago that I first learned Janice was talented.  And some time ago that I learned that she was generous and vibrant, as Jenny described visits with her daughter to Janice's studio.  We know her as an artist, as seen on the pages of Somerset Studio over the years.  Others know her better…..call her teacher, mentor, friend, wife, mother.  I admired her from afar, and the occasional email of praise.  Because Jenny loved her, I did what we tend to do, granted her an instant friendship because she was a friend of my friend.  So I joined in with Jenny when she wanted to honor Janice with a tribute from fellow artists.  All I could think of to say was You Matter.  Isn't that what we all hope to hear?  Whether we are facing the end, or facing each new day….that we matter? 

Janice's site:  http://www.janicelowry.com/  Her blog:  http://janicelowry.blogspot.com/  And a great video glimpse of her in her studio HERE.  Her journals are now at the Archives of American Art at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington DC. 

*blowing kisses toward the sky*

Comments

15 responses to “mattering”

  1. lyle baxter Avatar

    thank you for letting us know. I had the feeling at squam that perhaps jenny knew but wasnt saying.maybe not! I’m glad we were part of the brush brigade! lyle

  2. Jenny Doh Avatar

    Thank you, Michelle. Yes, I believe the greatest hope is that what we do matters to someone else … that our efforts have a positive effect. Thank you for extending friendships to those I love and constantly watching over me.
    Thank you also for all the support with The Brushes. I’m proud that we were able to express such a powerful statement of love and esteem to Janice through those amazing brushes.
    Let us heed Janice’s last request of us all: to keep working and to enjoy the process.

  3. kim mailhot Avatar

    Knowing that we are seen, heard, felt, understood at least in some ways, that we matter…that is really what we are all after.
    Janice matters, you matter and so do I. Here’s to living a life that matters !

  4. Becci Avatar
    Becci

    I did not know Janice at all. I’ve never visited her blog, or seen any of her art…but when I read her husband’s message about Janice’s passing I was crying by the time I got to the second paragraph. I feel so connected to her spirit and feel I’ll miss her as if she was a girlfriend of mine that I loved. As artists, as women as human beings we truly are all connected, aren’t we?

  5. forcryeye Avatar

    Thank you for telling us. I have seen her work for sure in SS, but now I am in awe of all of her life’s work! Amazing!

  6. Liz Ness Avatar

    What a beutiful way honor to a life.

  7. Linda Warlyn Avatar
    Linda Warlyn

    I was such a fan of Janice’s work and was very saddened when I heard how ill she was. I am grateful to have gotten to know her better thru Jenny’s blog and the links you provided. What a remarkable woman she was. I think of her right now getting all the other angels excited about keeping journals. I really love your tribute graphic and words, Michelle. Just beautiful and just right as always. oxox

  8. Marble Blue Avatar
    Marble Blue

    A beautiful sentiment – YOU MATTER.
    I think it is important to TELL people they matter. Today. Now. In the moment. Don’t wait until tomorrow – we don’t know what it holds. And don’t wait until they are gone.
    Thank you for sharing not only the sad news, but your personal tribute also.
    MB

  9. Nerissa Alford Avatar

    Hi Michelle
    Thanks for sharing Janice with us. I was unfamiliar with her until I saw your beautiful post. The blog posts were so touching.
    Thank you
    Nerissa

  10. inge Avatar

    Hello Michelle,
    the name Janice Lowry DID say something to me and I held my breath reading the dates… but I could’t figure out immediately where I could know her from…
    When you mention her journals, I knew immediately who she was. I mentioned her work to my mom this morning and said I would look it up which artist this was….
    It’s sad to hear she died…
    She surely is a great inspiration for a lot of people and will be missed, but she “moved a stone in the river and the river will never follow the same path again”.
    greetings from belgium
    Inge

  11. Sandi Terry Avatar
    Sandi Terry

    A fitting tribute to a talented artist. How fortunate to know that her journals will live on for others to discover in the Smithsonian.

  12. Suze Avatar

    Michelle, I didn’t know Janice, but I went and watched the video then read her blog going back months…I spent 1/2 a day with all of it and felt like I really got to know her.
    I only hope when my time comes I can be as dignified about all of it as she was. WHAT an inspiration.

  13. Kathryn - Collage Diva Avatar

    What a gorgeous tribute to an amazing artist. I loved the video. Earlier this morning while I was doing I dishes I was thinking how “life is a collage” with all of the varied bits and pieces including people, places, objects, and experiences. Later in the day I come here and click through on the video and wham — the same sentiment is echoed in Janice’s words in her video. Thank you for being a part of so many *LIFE COLLAGES*
    {soul hugs}
    Kathryn

  14. barbara Avatar

    I never had the pleasure of meeting Janice, but I did know her art through the pages of several publications. I was so sad to come to your blog and hear that she had passed on. You did a beautiful tribute to her, in a very special presentation. We must all do our part to make every person we meet let them know that they do indeed matter. She was an ispiration, as are you, to all of us.

  15. LIsa Hoffman Avatar

    Your two brilliantly chosen and powerful words:
    “You Matter”
    ..something that we all need to say each other more often.
    Lovely tribute to a Super-Nova Talent.
    We’ll miss you Janice…..

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