NPS International Show "Kitty Wallis Award"
My trip up to Tacoma was a bit rocky at first, although sometimes good things happen despite the ride. My friend Amanda Houston and I were nearly killed on the I-5 corridor as we were slowing down in the fast lane. A car came skidding out of control from the next lane over and swerved to hit the car just before us. Shaking us up, we were thanking our Guardian Angels for the remainder of the ride.
We soon arrived at the American Art Company and settled down quickly with the sight of our pastel peers. What a great group of people. Our juror, Greg Biolchini, PSA, judged the event and had many positive things to say about the pastel movement. Surprisingly, I was rewarded the "Kitty Wallis Award" for my piece Satin Slopes!
Since the near death event on the freeway, and my sister's death, I'm beginning to feel that the award is not as important as my journey and how I get there. Don't get me wrong here, what I'm trying to say is that the journey is where the joy is, not the end result ie: awards, publicity, fame etc... I am grateful to be alive and a practicing artist. I get so much joy in sharing my work, my skills and hopefully, in the end it will make a difference. Making a mark with my life.
posted by Brenda Boylan at
July 20, 2009
5 Comments:
How fitting that you would win the Kitty Wallis award! Kitty will be so happy to learn this. Many times she has told us how proud she is of you, Brenda. I am proud of you too!
This post that you have written is so touching...because it encapsulates how life seems full of tragedy and heartbreak..triumph and friendship. You have put it all so well. You write nearly as well as you paint.
I just learned from this post that the relative who died was your SISTER. Certainly she smiles upon you from her perfect place in Heaven...this day and always.
Hugs to you! Congratulations to you--that is a beautiful painting!
Thanks Celeste for your kind thoughts. I'm grateful to have you as a friend! It's funny that I got the Kitty Wallis Award, because I had taken on the job for the NPS to procure gifts for their shows. I called Kitty and asked if she could donate for our International Show. So, I ended up getting it anyway, which is so funny! Yes, I'll have to call Kitty or when you guys meet next at O'Connors for B'fast,
A well-deserved award, Brenda! Congratulations! I'm so glad you weren't involved in that accident. Life is so fragile and every day is a gift.
beautiful painting Brenda..... you really deserved that award!
On another note...do you use wallis paper? I stopped for various reasons.
Hey Donna. I had Googled the Washington Dept of Trans for any news on the accident. Was looking for a final report but never even found a word on it.
Loriann, yes, I predominantly use Wallis. Although I have also painted on my own ground with a pigment for some interesting textures. There is something to be said about the convenience of the Wallis when a spontaneous plein air opportunity comes. When I began with pastels, I took Kitty's workshop and learned how to use it, as well as worked in the warehouse grading the paper. There is where I learned the special characteristics of it, and how far I could push this paper.
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