Our wonderful Diane has left us. Diane passed away last Thursday, with her loving family at her bedside. Diane Gilham has been member of Coochie Art Group for over 20 years, when she and Trevor joined us, all those years ago. Diane was an artist who never wavered in her devotion to her particular artistic path. Equally talented with her brush or the camera lens, Diane always brought her unique artistic talents to both. Her photos from her beloved Coochie were always beautiful. She showed us the beauty in the most prosaic of subjects – the light curving over pebbles, patterns in bark, flowers, – they brought joy to Diane and to all her friends. Diane battled health issues years ago and this was reflected in her paintings, which at that time, were mostly sombre choices of black and burnt sienna. It was wonderful to see her pride, when a painting of hers, in this moody genre, won the Judges Prize as best in the Show. Then, as her health improved, came Diane’s breakthrough moment! She used colour for the first time and then celebrated colour! And what colours Diane used thereafter! Rich, vibrant and exotic was Diane’s unique vision. >
> Diane faced the challenge of her diagnosis this year with unswerving grace, dignity and humour. Always ready with her huge grin and joy in family and friends, she was still creating, despite her limitations. She loved the personal art adorning her room, the more colourful the better! >
> With deepest sympathy to her loving family and many Coochie friends. Diane, we miss you. >
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> Sent from my iPad