life and death and painting

10/30/2021

Dear friends, a brief note from here. As many of you already know, my beloved husband Ryan died at the end of July. He was 51. Even after more than three months it's still so difficult to write those words, much less live them. Since he died I've been attempting to come to terms with life as it now is. There have been many details and things I had to deal with, and did, and many details and things I cannot yet deal with, but may be able to someday. In the meantime I paint, to keep my hands moving, fill the days with work, and engage my whole self with the world. Many of my recent paintings are of the landscape, but it's a new landscape. An interior one I'm learning about. So many of us love Ry, and life without his presence is unthinkable, but here we are. Please bear with me, as I find my way. Thank you for walking through this new territory alongside me, if you're choosing to do so, and thank you for reading. A new painting, for Ry, with all my love.

elegy for ry, fieldstone, end of october, mount ephraim road, north searsport, maine - oil/panel, 11 x 14", 2021

17 Comments

susangraeber link

10/30/2021 08:39:42 am

very sweet and sensitive words on your loss of Ryan . we're so pleased you have thrown yourself back into what you do so gracefully:painting what you experience. sending hugs and heartfelt best wishes

David Peterson

10/30/2021 09:42:16 am

You hang in there Sara, you have a deep passion not only for your incredible talent but, for life. It is your pallet. No response necessary.

Jane dahmen link

10/30/2021 09:50:41 am

Dear Sarah, I have enjoyed seeing your work on Facebook and Instagram for the past year. Your work is honest and wonderful. I read with great sadness about the sudden death of your husband. My husband died 3 years ago and it took me a full year to realize the loss… unlike you I could not paint for the year following his death, but we each suffer differently and it’s all ok. Grief scares people because it feels out of control but if given the space it needs it can bear good fruit. Not skirting around it but feeling grief deeply -however that feels to you -means when you are ready you will come out with new freedom and deeper joy. We have never met but I send you love, Jane Dahmen

Cyndi

10/30/2021 09:55:54 am

But that I could have your ability to channel grief so constructively.
Thank you for sharing this journey; I hope the healing palpable.

Leslie

10/30/2021 10:56:49 am

Following you, wishing I could do more than just tell you how sorry I am and how I am thinking of you, and await each painting.

Susan Borland

10/30/2021 11:58:59 am

I continue to hold you in my thoughts. I wish there was something more I could say or do.

Erik johnson

10/30/2021 12:02:31 pm

Beautiful post and beautiful painting.
I continue to think of you and Ryan every day. 💚🦔🙏

Ann McCann

10/30/2021 01:54:45 pm

Dear dear Sass

So very sorry for the loss you are bearing. Your painting is full of heart and soul. A perfect tribute to your Ryan.

With love snd caring,

Ann

Berri Kramer link

10/30/2021 01:56:19 pm

Beautiful words that change the way we see things going forward. You are a brave artist, in love with color and the earth. Paint on…

Dave Roy

10/30/2021 02:34:54 pm

It’s been months and I still cry every time I think of Ryan. My time running with Ryan was life altering and changed the way I thought of myself. The world is a less beautiful place without him. Someday maybe I can express how much he meant to me. I can’t imagine how it had impacted those closer to him. Many, many, many hugs from those who had a better life because of him.

D

Krista molnarsmith

10/30/2021 03:18:53 pm

Oh Sarah. That’s so beautiful. It’s a new and different life and hopefully we’ll find our way.

Lindsay Hopkins-Weld

10/30/2021 03:45:53 pm

your paintings and words are so powerful. You are amazing ! We are here for you and are in constant awe of your bravery, honesty and talent! sending love xo

Dick Fisher link

10/30/2021 04:22:30 pm

Sarah, I really like your paintings- the light, the rhythm, the composition, and most of all your way of capturing the essence of Nature. I’m very sorry that you lost your husband. All I can offer is take your time and keep going outside- it’s the only real cure I know. My best to you.

Liz Cutler link

10/30/2021 09:30:13 pm

May it get easier as you go along. Wonderous painting.

Shirley

11/5/2021 03:38:32 pm

Dearest Sarah: Thank you for sharing your heart, truth, and paintings with us. I am holding you and your family in my heart and prayers. Always love XOX

Sarah Faragher link

1/25/2022 10:25:20 am

Thank you, friends. I appreciate your kind and compassionate messages so very much. Love from here, Sarah

Deanna McG

7/8/2023 08:44:00 am

Last night during the Art Walk in Rockland, I saw many paintings by many artists. They were lovely, but of all that art, your paintings “spoke” to me, especially the small painting of the view from Lincolnville. They capture the feelings I have when I am in nature—serenity. In my passion for your work, I asked if you had a card so that I could admire your paintings “from afar,” as my finances do not allow more than that. Somehow the passing of your husband entered the conversation. I stood there in silent empathy for a moment, understanding, and in awe that the one artist I was drawn to had sadly experienced something similar to me—my husband, in his 50s, passed unexpectedly in his sleep two plus years ago. I do feel your paintings drew me in, and I don’t believe in coincidence. This was a kindness. Thank you for that experience, even though you weren’t even there. It was significant to me.

life and death and painting

Leave a Reply.

About:

Archives