Last several
months, or precisely about six months, seemed like riding in the fast rapid
flow of river. All the surroundings were blur, though I know I was going very
slow pace at some points. A lot of things happened. First, I lost my job. My
position was terminated at the university due to a lack of funding. Then, I
was accepted to go to the Blue Mountain Center for 2 weeks residency in July.
Shortly before that, I was given an opportunity for a solo show in the fall. In
the summer, I devoted a lot of my time on Brazilian zouk dance as a coordinator for the International Zouk Flash Mob for the Boston
team. I learned the choreography from the video and taught, and coordinated the flash
mob day event. In August, I went to NYC to get the zouk teaching training and
received my advanced zouk teaching certificate from Zouk NY. More than a half
of August was spent either being in NYC or hosting people at my house. September
came and went like a hurricane. Before I knew it, it was September 21st,
the International Day of Peace, also the day of the International Zouk Flash Mob. On this day, nearly 5,000 people from 127 cities and 43 countries danced
the same choreography around the world. Boston team danced 8 times at 6
different locations throughout the city. We spent all afternoon trekking around
the city and dancing.
 |
| Boston Team performing in front of the Trinity Church. Photo: Charles Daniels |
But ten days
before that, my 17 years old cat sort of collapsed. She couldn’t eat or drink
well on her own anymore. So, I had started nursing her with baby food and giving her infusion
everyday. Much of September was spent in my studio, trying to finish all the
works for the show. And my cat, Ash, was always on my side. If I was sitting
on the floor drawing, she would sit on the cushion right next to me. And if I
was sitting on the chair, she would climb up and take over the chair, so I
always ended up sitting on the edge of the chair. Even though she couldn’t eat
well on her own and getting weak, she kept a good company for me; following me around as
much as she could, and still climbing up to the bed to sleep with me at night.
Working around the clock in the studio meant that I got to spend a lot of time
with her as well, even though that meant we were just sitting side by side
while I was working. It was a special time. I knew Ash was old and
deteriorating, but she’s been so tough in the past (she bounced back from
strokes a couple of times in the past,) so I was hoping she would do so
once again. The week of October 7th was my deadline to finish all my
works. I finished everything and got all the new works photographed on the 5th. I
brought three large drawings to the framer on the 6th. And on the 10th,
my other framer came to pick up small drawings to frame. Everything was going
well on the schedule. Then, October 11th, on early morning, Ash died.  |
| Ash was 17 years old, blind and deaf, but never gave up on living until the end. |
The last three
days of her life, Ash completely lost an interest for eating, and I had to
force-feed her. I knew her days weren't long. She waited until I was ready—only
after I finished all my works for the show and got everything arranged, she
decided it's time. The gift was that she let me witness her passing in my arms.
I know she did that for me. She slept in my bed that night. Around 1am, she
wanted to get out, so I lowered her down to the floor, but she couldn’t walk very
well. I knew then that I might have to take her to the vet in the morning and
put her to sleep, which I really didn't want to do. After 3am, her breathing started getting irregular. I kept
stroking her and telling her how great kitty she has been and she can go. That
morning, only after my alarm o'clock went off at 7:30am and I was fully awake
and watching her, she turned around to face me, stretched and reached her arms
to me, then she took her last breath. It was 7:35am.
Today, my solo
show, “The River” opened.
I feel like
my river is also opening up.
VanDernoot
Gallery
at University Hall
October 24 -
November 27
Opening Reception: Wednesday, October 30th, 6:00-8:00pm
Lesley
University College of Art and Design
1815
Massachusetts Avenue
Cambridge, MA
Hours: Tuesday,
Wednesday, Friday, Saturday: 12 - 5 pm, Thursday: 3 - 8 pm
Hours are
subject to change; please call ahead to confirm, 617.585.6656.
