The death of Louise Bourgeois got me thinking recently about muses, mentors, and defeat. I understand that passing on is a part of life. Fear not, the denial of that is not the focus of this article.

There is always a small tug at the heart when I hear an artist has passed, or when I find out they have passed in recent years. The more recent losses of Jeane Claude, Louise Bourgeois, and Elizabeth Murray have each had their own reaction from me.

I had done a project on Jeane Claude and Christo back in college at Arcadia University (shameless plug). I had learned she and Christo were lovers and shared the same birthday, the day after Christmas. Together they wrapped landmarks, islands, and covered California in beautiful yellow umbrellas to make you rethink your environment.

The illustrative quality of Louise Bourgeois’ sculptures is something I’m sure has inspired the costumes of Lady Gaga. As for Elizabeth Murray; she broke the barrier of the square, rectangular canvas shape. Creating tea cups, jagged obtuse angles and a new expression.

Maybe it’s the thought of looking at those artistic influences in your life and being inspired at the fact that they were still alive and creating and continuing to break molds.  Unlike Cezanne, Van Gogh, and Matisse who have all already passed on even before you knew what the color “red” was.  These genius artists had created and passed and left a mark and would now be studied for years and years and years to come.

It’s the same with when a musician dies.  Whether it’s “their time” or something else.  You almost feel sad that that’s all you are able to have witnessed, and hear or see.  Thankfully, though, we do move on and continue to be inspired by them, and as always, make it your own.

Meg Coonelly

next week: not sure yet, but I know something will come to me.