Yesterday, long time friend and contributor to Zazzle, Amy Jordan (FolkArtBlonde) passed away. Our community has lost one of its most uniquely talented artists, but Amy’s legacy will endure through the thoughts and prayers of her friends and family.
Zazzle contributor and friend of Amy, Phrank Ochoa (captphrank) had this to say about Amy:
The Light of Amy…
I have been writing and talking to Amy for about a year. I knew Amy was having health problems, but at what extent, was unknown. One night we were playing a game of Scrabble online and chatting between moves, like we did many times. I happened to mention to Amy that I was having painters block. I had offered to paint a picture for KABSANNIE, but couldn’t be motivated to start. I’ve been painting all my life, some 46 years. I’ve been recognized as an artist, with shows, exhibits, Awards, Television reviews, News paper write-ups, everything an Artist could hope for. Over the years I guess I felt there was nothing more to do and I stopped painting. I saw a Photo of a Nun and a Donkey on KABSANNIES site. I fell in love with it and knew I had to paint it. After I prepared the Board and drew the outline of the picture I couldn’t do anything but stare at it for days. Nothing was coming to me. . Amy began to tell me about how important it was for us artist to paint. How we have an obligation to the outside world to create and bring Joy to everyone. “We’re Artist,” she said, “we can’t let things like blocks stop us from bringing happiness to others through our art.”
She then began to explain to me how she got over painters block. What and how she did this isn’t important right now, but what was to follow was for me and I hope for others also. About three weeks ago she told me about her plan to stop all her meds and to leave all this pain and feelings of being a burden to her family (financially mostly), She knew she would be bed ridden and didn’t want that. She wanted her dignity and to leave this world with better memories for her family than lying in a bed wasting away for who knows how long. She was still painting. Trying to get out as much work as possible no matter how much pain she was in. She got to the point where she couldn’t paint at all but was guiding her Mother’s hand to finish a piece. She laughed and said her Mom was really nervous, but did her best to help and try to complete the work. I don’t know if they finished the picture or not, but the point is she never gave up. I was stunned at her perseverance and her loyalty to her craft. I was never so ashamed of myself for my laziness and arrogance. I was touched by this beautiful artist’s Light. She is an inspiration to me and I will never forget what she taught me, even though I don’t think she knew that directly. I did thank her for her help and I did finish my painting. I’ve started another…Thank You Amy. Funny how something as simple as a Scrabble game can break your Heart….
-Capt
Our deepest sympathy and love go out to Amy’s friends and family. Please visit Amy’s Zazzle gallery to see the amazing work that will help keep her memory in our hearts forever.
March 7, 2008 at 1:21 pm |
This is a lovely tribute to Amy, Zazzle. Capt., your story moved me beyond words…
March 7, 2008 at 2:03 pm |
Zazzle and Capt Phrank- I am very proud to be a part of such a wonderful, inspiring group of people. Zazzle- cheers to you for the beautiful tribute, and to all of Amy’s friends and family, the past week has been inspirational in its own way. From tears of sadness to joy in reading the tributes posted…what a whirlwind. Capt- your updates have been greatly appreciated. Sandy
March 7, 2008 at 2:53 pm |
Capt your words are perfect .. Amy will be greatly missed .. her art may live on and for that the world is a brighter place .. but her sweet kind words to other zazzlers will be a huge miss .. FAB will always be remembered by me as someone who was sincere in everything she said .. her beautiful personality drew many people to her .. I admire her strength .. totally one remarkable lady .. I will be forever grateful to FAB and zazzle for the privilege of getting to know her even just a little .. my thoughts are with her family and friends
March 7, 2008 at 3:47 pm |
Hi all, This is great capt and i am glad to hear of such a nice tribute. Amy will always be my friend as she has helped me so much with other things beyond a few art inspirations, ideas. My Nurse Prod froggy and Sista Froggetta were for her as humorous joy and thanks and thoughts as she was a nurse helping so many people including me… many times. I will always be grateful for having met Amy and remember Amy… our deal … until we meet again. Luv Ya, Sal. (she is to meet me and hold the pearly gates open for me : ) )
March 7, 2008 at 4:40 pm |
Eloquently written dear Capt., and thank you for sharing a personal side of your relationship with an angel named Amy, a person whom so many people here admire and are proud to call her friend indeed.
When I first arrived at Zazzle she was among the first to welcome me and compliment my work. I was thrilled! I could see immediately that she had quite a presence here and was dearly liked by all, but her artwork was amazing! I could also see that she had a great gift of painting and by her complimenting my art, well, it truly made me feel honored!
As DT said, her sincerety was above all, in every discussion, on every comment on every piece of artwork…she really cared about the person, about the art…she really cared.
Thank you Zazzle, for this lovely opportunity to pay tribute to a beautiful person. Thank you to all of the folks who commented and gave Amy’s family something to hold on to, moreso, to be proud of…and thank you captphrank, for your moving remembrance, take heart in knowing that Amy’s light will never fade!
March 7, 2008 at 5:08 pm |
Your tribute brought me to tears….Amy indeed will be missed by us all.
March 7, 2008 at 8:13 pm |
Thank you, Phrank for your lovely tribute to Amy. You speak for all of us who knew her, offering testimony to her kind spirit and amazing artistry. We can all take comfort in the fact that she is at last free…out of her “cage,” as she often called her illness.
And, thank you, Zazzle, for the offering this posting to our dear Amy. It means a lot.
Penny
March 7, 2008 at 8:46 pm |
Thanks so much for sharing this story. I was so saddened when I heard Amy was entering Hospice and this extra piece of her picture has helped me deal with it. I also just learned this evening that one of my favorite aunts passed away suddenly and I am struck again by how fleeting and uncertain life is. We must all share the joy we have with each other while we can. I’m going to pay that $150 to get my camera fixed and take more photos as soon as I can. Love to all who read this…
March 7, 2008 at 10:57 pm |
This is a beautiful tribute to Amy by Zazzle and Capt…So moving… It is so nice to belong to such a wonderful and caring art community… Amy will be truly missed… RIP Amy and sincere condolences to her family and friends…
March 8, 2008 at 6:24 am |
Thank you capt phrank for your very moving story about Amy. She was special indeed. I know I will surely miss her. I get really sad, in my heart, but then I try to deal with it rather quickly because that is what she wanted, no sadness. Its very hard to not be sad, as we are all human. I do want to celebrate her life though. Because I am darn happy that I got the opportunity to get to know her some. Amy would be pleased because I feel that I have really gotten something from this whole experience. It has brought alot of people together, Amy’s passing has done that. I think she would be pleased about that. From all the kind and heartfelt messages, comments, and tributes, it is very clear that Amy, the person and the artist, really made an impact on people’s life and I hope she can know that now, because I think she would be doing a woohoo up in heaven!
March 8, 2008 at 9:42 am |
Thanks for this inspirational and poignant tribute. Quite a profile in courage
March 8, 2008 at 9:45 am |
Indeed she will be missed.
She was my very first fan and gave me lots of encouragement when I first came to Zazzle last year.
March 8, 2008 at 7:58 pm |
It’s sad to see a beautiful creator leave us. I will remain inspired by what has been created. It is through our art that we convey ourselves to others, and Amy was able to do that very well.
March 8, 2008 at 11:28 pm |
Oh Capt! What a lovely story. I’m still wiping the tears away. I don’t know that Amy ever knew how much she meant to so many of us, but I hope she knows now, some how.
God bless you, Amy.
March 9, 2008 at 7:02 am |
I didn’t have the pleasure of getting to know Amy on a personal basis but I admire her artwork tremendously, hers was one of the first galleries I found when I came to Zazzle and her heart was in each and every design. I’m saddened to hear of her sudden passing and my deepest and heartfelt sympathies go out to her friends and family. She will be greatly missed.
March 9, 2008 at 7:27 am |
A very moving story about someone who always had kind words about my work and whose work I mutually admired as well. The fact that we were the same age really hit me extra hard too. She left us all much too soon but we realize she is in a better place for herself now. Her mom can be very proud of her and her art. Peace.
March 9, 2008 at 3:33 pm |
I just came across your blog. The outpouring of love from the zazzle community has been overwhelming.
Amy could inpire anyone. In 2001 she said I HAD to start selling on EBay. I was completely intimidated by it. She finally offered to come over and walk me through it. She did…but I had nothing to sell. She said “paint something”! I can’t paint. “ANYONE can paint” she said. I did…it sold. That turned into painting sessions (that I treasure) with Amy. After we had a few pieces she said “we need be in an art festival!” That is crazy. 6 months later we were in an art festival. “You HAVE to get into zazzle”. Don’t have time. Finally did it, love it. I’m still painting, zazzling, ebaying. Not only that my brother was inpired by me doing it…he has a business now selling pet portraits and a zazzle site (wilddogs).
Amy inspires others with her intense passion.
My husband and I were talking about her last night. We talked about how Amy loved folk art because it was so raw, from the heart, wild even…unique. That was Amy. She would learn from looking at other artist’s work. But she didn’t just learn from them. She always left them with something, just as you mentioned. What is more wonderful than not just creating something beautiful, but inspiring others to create something beautiful.
What a legacy.
Thank you for honoring her.
Jodi Nicholson (Amy’s sister in law)
March 9, 2008 at 7:00 pm |
Im am so in shock i had only just met up with amy her work drew me in and the last thing i remembered saying to her was what a beautiful soul she was ,i had no idea she was sick this is a great loss ,may peace be with her knowing we all loved her very much even if we didnt know her personally ,her work was mountainous god bless you amy!
March 9, 2008 at 10:29 pm |
I had the pleasure of e-mailing back and forth with Amy. She and I both were RNs that developed health problems and could no longer work. I admired her so much for her paintings and always being so cheerful, despite her illness. I will miss her so much! Thank you Zazzle for having a remembrance of Amy. Maybe you would consider making her a featured gallery and featuring her items on your front page? Many people will be wanting these items, and it’s a great tribute to Amy!
March 10, 2008 at 12:18 pm |
I think everyone has already shared my thoughts.
Three Booms for Amy!!
Boom! Boom! Boom!
March 15, 2008 at 7:11 pm |
Thank you for those words, captphrank. I wish I got to know Amy. She left a comment on one of my products, so that’s how I recognized her user name. I regret not joining her fan club sooner, but I went ahead and did it today in her honor. Her family and friends have my sincerest condolences.