REMEMBERING ALICE

I have given much thought over the past week to those that have inspired me in my journey as an artist, and it is very hard to know who to acknowledge first.

It seems to me that the most sensible way to proceed is in chronological order, which leads me to reflect upon my childhood friend, Alice Pearson.

It was not the ‘typical’ friendship, by any means.  I met Alice when I was 6 years old……she was at least 76 at the time.  I never did determine exactly how old Alice was, but she was young at heart, and had a pink & purple house (exterior!), so for all intents & purposes, she was quite a Fantastic Gal.

I don’t recall exactly what brought about my first meeting with Alice, but I expect it had to do with my entrepreneurial spirit – a lemonade stand, or perhaps Girl Guide cookie sales – possibly I was seeking dogs who required grooming in the neighbourhood.  (Alice was not a dog, but she did have rocks that were painted like cats at her front door, so it would have been reasonable to assume I might find a prospective client behind that Purple Door).

My 2-3 times per week visits with Alice included jelly-filled, Peek Frean cookies, sewing lessons, and many years later, the occasional cigarette on her back porch.

I sewed my first dress at the age of 7 with Alice.  It was orange & white, with gathered (big) sleeves.

Future projects included “Jeremy“, the purple lion, with a real fur mane & belly button; “Edward” the mouse……..most unfortunately, I don’t recall the names or species of the rest of the creatures I created with Alice.

Another poignant memory is when I arrived at Alice’s Purple Door and sang “Alice the Camel has 1o humps”, etc., etc., etc.  right down to “Alice the Camel has no humps – Alice is a horse”.  My dear friend listened to the entire song, and never asked if she could sit for a while.

If Alice could see my paintings now, I am quite certain she would be very proud.  She was a loving & faithful friend throughout my childhood, and an inspiration to me.  Although we never painted together, she helped to nurture the creative soul I am today, and I will be forever grateful to her for that.

Thank you Alice…..your spirit will always inspire me!