The Show Must Go On
Watercolor and ink
17 x 63 x 1 inches
The Show Must Go On was one of three large botanical timeline pen and ink drawings I made with a dip pen and touches of watercolor. This one emerged as an abstracted dreamscape as I painstakingly drew it, layer by layer. Much of the design revealed itself as I worked, taking on a circus or carnival feeling to it. These resembled the jumbled imagery of disjointed memories and conversations I was having with my parents as they traveled back in time in their minds while I navigated their care.
As painful as it is to watch them slip into the past, it was also magical as I learned about their lives as they lost their inhibitions and shared their secrets with me. I had to make the tough decision to separate my parents after 70 years living together because they required different care. I advocated for them to have meals together and to see each other daily, but it was tough. I also got to witness how deeply my parents love each other and how important it is to hold onto their memories so I can give them back to them when they need reminding.