The Big Red Chair Project
The big red chair is difficult to sit in. It is larger than life. It doesn't just invite your bottom to plop down and peer forward like a chair in a restaurant. It envelops you. What ever mood or energy you brought to visit the chair is stripped at the doorway. The chair speaks to you. It asks how you are feeling today. Is there something you want to express? Is there something you want to let go of? Is there something, I, the chair, can do to help?
"Allison" - Allison has so many facets to who she is. She is a brilliant artist, a student of beauty and a guardian of the natural world. She has taught me to love bird watching without even knowing it. She is "The Bird Lady."
"Meilee" - When Meilee walks into a room her life force fills the space. She is small but very big in her ability to embrace everyone with love and encouragement You just feel good around her. She is The Lifeforce.
"Lucy" - Because I am a teacher I recognize the teacher in others. Lucy has a way of explaining things that makes anyone better at what they do. She has helped me become a better teacher. She is The Teacher.
"Gina" – Why would I call Gina an Angel? It is because her spiritual grace, love and beauty fill my soul. I just love being around her, her kindness teaches me restraint from judging others. She is my Angel.
"Danielle" - I use the term “nacre” because Danielle is lustrous like mother of pearl. Thirty years ago, she was one of my very first students at San Jose City College. Radiant light explains how she impacts my soul. She is Nacreous.
"Judy" - Judy has the skill of listening like no other. She can reflect on what you say and give you words you did not know you had which help in a time of need. She is The Listener.
"Julinda" - If there ever was a woman who would be the queen of my heart, it is Julnda. Statuesque and intelligent, she will look directly into your eyes where she sees your soul. She is a woman of words reflecting the songs of the spirit. She is The Queen.
"Heidi" - Heidi is a joy. She dances in my soul. She is a trained dancer and was my Pilates coach for years. Her energy, enthusiasm and spirit exude Life. She is always there for me, and our love is like an everlasting dance. She is The Tiny Dancer.
“There once was a big red chair in my living room. My sweet old dog, Luna, enjoyed sitting up on the back of it so she could look out the window. Luna passed, and the chair got old, too. Because this chair means a lot to me, I pushed it into my studio. It is a reassurance as I work that my little one is still there and that there are cherished friends to come.”
"Michele R." - While I have not known Michelle for as long as some of these women, her beauty, grace and spirituality has nourished me. She often tells funny stories where I learn to reflect on my own behavior. I can listen to her forever. She is The Storyteller.
"Tara" - “Earth Mother” does not begin to describe Tara. Even when I met her as a 17-year-old, she mothered everyone around us. Her kind, gentle, nurturing manner is apparent the minute you meet her. Thirty years later she is still remains my Earth Mother.
"Mei-Ying" - I like to call Mei -Ying the curious one because she is always asking questions. Her curiosity for me is stimulating because I love to see the way her mind works. Her intelligence is intuitive yet informed. Her curiosity contributes to the exquisite way she makes art. She is The Curious One.
"Kay" - Kay has a way of disarming me with how she uses her eyes and her laugh. She captivates me, yet her manner is honest, sincere, clear; and not manipulative. Sometimes from afar I watch her as she moves through the room, making everyone she encounters feel important. She holds court in the gentlest way; she is The Countess.
"Chun Hui" - Quiet wisdom should be Chun-Hui’s middle name. She is a master of Chinese brush painting, and I am her student. She is most wise: When I ask how many leaves belong on a bamboo, she says – “ it is your choice”. This is not a frivolous comment; she is talking about the contemplation of choices. This makes her The Wise One.
"Lorena" - Over twenty years I have watched Lorena blossom into a strong woman who has confidence and dignity. She has been an important part of our home and is a “member” of our family. She has achieved something most important to her which is her path to U.S. Citizenship. Soon, she will be The Citizen.
"Lisa" - While I have known Lisa for over 40 years, she never ceases to amaze me with the way she uses language and makes me laugh. She can turn a phrase to make it the most funny - or the most profound - that I have had the good fortune to hear. She is also one hell of a writer. She is The Poet.
"Kit" - So many things have made Kit important to me, but it is our connection through mind-body work that has congealed our relationship. Kit is a gentle soul who gives more than she receives and deserves so much love. She is truly a person who practices “the way’. She is The Yogini.
"Deborah" - Her intelligence and passion for the earth burns bright in those blue eyes. Her valiant dedication to the earth’s eco systems is reflected in how she makes art. I have the utmost respect in what she does and how she does it. I sincerely enjoy being around her earth spirit. She is The Eco Artist.
"Wendy" - Wendy is a beacon of radiance when she smiles. I first encountered her coaching the rowing group I’m in, as she quietly nodded, yet giving a fierce assurance that we were destined to succeed in our daily goal. Her beaming, unspoken inspiration and exemplary demeanor radiates assurance and inspiration. Her easy-going manner is contagious and helps you to relax and do the task at hand with joy and determination.
“Where is my place in the world? Sustenance comes from feeling appreciated, from feeling loved by a “family,” by a community, by the Big Red Chair tribe. When I see the pieces all together, I am awestruck and overwhelmed by the sparkling beauty by which I am surrounded. I am grateful for the experience and the privilege. Namaste.”
"Bernadette" - Bernadette lives across the street from me. She has gradually become a friend as we have shared common concerns related to our homes and lives. Her observations are keen and always positive. She has been a librarian for many years and shares my love of books. That and her zeal for sharing information makes her The Librarian.
"Michele G." - “High fire” does not even begin to define my dear friend Michele G. Michele lights up a room like fire. She radiates, she emanates her fierce beauty. I am always stimulated being around her because she operates at high fire 24-7. In addition, she has a way of making anyone around her feel special, as if you are the most important person in the world. She is High Fire.
"Karen" - When Karen walks into any room her “Grace” is palpable. Her subtle, understated beauty is most notable by her penetrating, kind eyes. Next is the comfort she projects which immediately feels easy– like you’ve always known her. Her style is non-judgmental and endearingly loving, with modesty and humility. I am so grateful she is my sister-in-law.
"Rhonda" - Tall, straight, and glowing, Rhonda is the personification of "Dignity" and all it’s positive attributes. Smart, compassionate, and noble, Rhonda projects a bearing of respect which elevates everyone she encounters. Only her kindness and generosity exceed her beauty.
"Nora and Meadow" - Meadow was born just under 4 pounds, and 2 months early. Certainly of concern, yet here she is this day, triumphant and resilient at 16 pounds. She is big, feisty, and smiling like a champ! Her grandmother, Lisa (another portrait from this series), is one of my dearest friends and her entire family is my treasure. I remember when Nora was born – such is the circle of life. Life and family are resilient, like a silk thread: fragile but strong and everlasting - the tie that binds.