Rose Johnson - Beloved Bisbee Artist
Posted on June 5, 2009 with 0 comments
I learned that one of our beloved Bisbee artists, Rose Johnson, had passed away in Bali. I can't express to you how much we loved, no, love Rose. I can't think of a word that big. She came to our little town and colored it with the most vibrant colors and images. We have wonderful murals, filled with hope and love that our Rose painted. And while our town is mourning the loss of our Rose, we look forward to the day that we can look at her murals and, rather than cry, exclaim again, "YES! Thank you Rose for your message! We love you, honey."
Her untimely death was caused by methanol poisoning. If you decide to vacation in Bali, or anywhere in Indonesia, please consider everything you drink, especially a drink called arrak or arak. It is highly toxic. Bali is a strange and beautiful world and I never want to discourage you from wandering, but I want to tell you that as you explore the world, please be cautious. Life is too precious.
I've included a link to the Jane Hamilton Gallery http://www.janehamiltonfineart.com/page41/page41.html where you can see the images she painted. I was lucky enough to tell her that she ranked up there with my favorite illustrator, Maxfield Parrish. Her art always brings me a feeling of joy and everything being right in my world. Her paintings spark my imagination and she was, and is still, a major inspiration to me to pick up my paint brushes to paint a song on canvas.
Love to you. To everyone. In case I don't say it enough... -B