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"Her absence is like the sky, spread over everything."

C.S. Lewis, A Grief Observed

Last week I was happily puttering around my studio playing with a small watercolor and finishing some framing. As I piddled and painted I was mentally composing a note to Victoria Fugit, who I hadn't talked to for a few weeks. I knew Victoria had been ill and had in recent days become much more so. I wanted her to know what an important part of my journey as an artist she had been. The day drifted by, evening came on, my studio was left in the whirlwind it's usually in and I settled in to make dinner and rest my back.

The next morning as I drank my morning coffee, I read an email from our gallery manager giving me the bad news that Victoria had passed peacefully with loved ones by her side. An immediate sadness overtook the day as I reflected on Victoria's talent, influence and friendship over the years. I am unabashedly commandeering this blog space to share some of my thoughts from that mental letter composition. I feel safe in doing so because I know everyone who knew Victoria was touched by her in equally profound ways.

Good Grooming by Victoria Fugit

I believe I first met Victoria when we both volunteered for the Moab Music Festival oh, so long ago. As she did with many, or I should say most people, Victoria and I had an instant sympatico relationship. We didn't hang out over the years but whenever we did have the good fortune to spend some time together, usually at the gallery, we would start talking and still be at it an hour or two later. Whether it was politics, art, men, or the trajectory of Moab, we could dissect it, laugh, cry and moan and groan until we realized we both had to be somewhere else doing something else. But it was always a joyful, spirited conversation and somehow I always felt better having been able to hang with Victoria for a time. She had such a gentle spirit. She was almost always happy and walked through the world gently. Even when we were animated and passionate about crazy politics, I never saw her angry. Her approach to living and to others was always soft and, I guess I would say, loving. It was infectious and it was one infection I was glad to catch!

Colorado At Sunset by Victoria Fugit

It's hard to say how many lives Victoria influenced through her work as an artist, teacher, gardener, astrologer and friend.She possessed a special gift of patience that allowed her to guide people gently toward an outcome that would make them shine. I was fortunate to take a drawing class with Victoria some years ago. I told her on the first day of class that she had a real challenge on her hands with me because I couldn't even draw stick figures. I think several of the students in class said the same thing. Most of us in the class knew each other and felt absolutely blessed to be in this class together with a teacher as gifted as Victoria. I don't think any of us dropped out or gave up during the class. To my great surprise, when Victoria started evaluating my work, she said I was a "natural." I'm sure I rolled my eyes at her. I had worked in pastels prior to this drawing class, but I had a certain goal in mind with regard to drawing and watercolor and had little to no confidence in my drawing abilities. Victoria gave me that confidence during the weeks that followed and continuing on to when I took a watercolor class from her. To be sure, my pursuit of art would not have gone forward without the kindness, patience and tutelage of Victoria Fugit. I would not be showing and selling at Gallery Moab, I would not have become Artist in the Parks for the national parks in our area and I wouldn't be writing this tribute to her.

Whatzat? by Victoria Fugit

In my mind, Victoria's art can also be described as gentle, soft and as full of love as she was as a person. Victoria was one of the first members of Gallery Moab Cooperative and gave her energy and time with exuberance. She excelled at pastels, whether it be landscape or her unique and loving images of wildlife. Her work captured the best of Moab's scenery and favorite places. She was able to impart the grandeur of the area with a skill equal to any of the great Western landscape painters. One or her pastels has graced the walls of my living room for many years now. I think, however, her animal paintings gave her the most joy. They convey a great sense of beauty in each animal and inspire in viewers the need for respect of every living creature. As corny as it sounds, I always saw Victoria as a person who attracted animals, birds and butterflies. I just imagine when she was gardening that rabbits would feel safe coming up for a sniff and hummingbirds would land on her hat or finger.

Beauty in Solitude by Victoria Fugit

Simply put, Victoria Fugit walked this earth gently and with love. She left behind a legacy not only in her art, but in her friendship to others and to the earth. In short, Victoria will be missed and is absolutely irreplaceable in the hearts of everyone who knew her.

Victoria 

Victoria's work will continue to be shown through September and will be featured in an upcoming show later in the year. You can also see her work on the Gallery Moab website, www.gallerymoab.com