She was very vivid..........

Was recently perusing some artist links and came across these cat/animal bags from Studio-259. Their colorful tones and detailed construction really captivated me as I admired them. But also they reminded me of another artist's work, in that they were more of a 3D version. When I went to look up that other artist, I was surprised that she had recently died. I never knew anything about her other than she made some beautiful work and that her stuff was major forms of merchandise. I adored the vividness of her work, even had one of her artwork mugs and bags.

After reading the NY Times article, all my assumptions disappeared. I had just assumed that the vivid artist had come from a pampered art school background and just lucked into her success. I was so wrong.

Laurel Burch who in died in September 2007, had been a struggling single mother on welfare who was savvy/inspired/intelligent/fortunate enough to use her art as way to support her children and turn it into a major enterprise. I admire her for her fortitude, and the capacity to live life despite all the stumbling blocks she faced. Hopefully I can be inspired and cultivate some of that drive to get me through these times also