the bruce series

Bruce, my husband and best friend, died on September 20, 2019, his birthday was September 25th, and his memorial service was on October 3, 2019. As these anniversaries approached, I felt myself sinking into grief. I think it was a dread of that second anniversary. As these dates got closer, I decided to celebrate his birthday and not the anniversary. In some odd way that lifted my spirits.

I wanted to do something to make it his month, though, and decided to work on a “Bruce series.” I love blues and greens and soft colors. Bruce loved red and strong bold color. In our home, I like small, delicate touches. Bruce loved big, strong pieces. Our two loves always resulted in a more satisfying and substantive combination.

I thought perhaps the same could be true in my art and wondered if by keeping my thoughts on him some of his aesthetic sensibilities could join with mine. Plus, it would be a way to bring Bruce into my daily art practice much as he used to be. 

I started making collage papers with more red and bold color. I started adding more value and hue contrast to pieces . . . but kept my delicate stitches. 

Here are some of the pieces in the Bruce series. I loved feeling that he was still with me in the studio. And just as in our home, I think the artwork became stronger. I was bolder.