Last sunday, I was hit with the horrible news that my good friend Michelle MacNaught had left us. She had been fighting stage four ovarian cancer for over a year. It is hard for me to believe that she is gone. I can still hear the echos of her laugh. It's unreal.
She was such a beautiful,down to Earth person with a love for life. She never sweated the small stuff and was always out to have a good time. I'll never forget the first night I met her, we bonded over our love for rock n' roll music and the great Irish metal band Thin Lizzy.
Not only was she a beautiful person but she was a talented artist. She created gorgeous brightly colored mono prints and etchings inspired by her love and appreciation for nature. Her woodcut prints were so graphic and powerful. She used her art as a means to cope with her sickness. Even when faced with a life threatening illness she continued to build a large body of work. On Tuesday November 15th through Thursday 17th 2011 she had an exhibition at the Leo Koenig Gallery in Chelsea. It was one of the most powerful things I have ever seen. She offered us a glimpse into her world, her struggles as she fought against her sickness. Every work was so heart felt and real, I can't remember the last time I saw a work of art nonetheless an art show that brought me to tears. It was heartbreaking. Michelle was a fighter, an inspiration to anyone graced by her presence. On this thanksgiving I am thankful to have known such an amazing person. She may have lost the battle to cancer but she won our hearts.
Michelle, you will not be forgotten.
I will forever think of you anytime I hear this song.
Here is a beautiful interview with her:
Michelle - Art. from Erica Hill Studio on Vimeo.
