I discovered art by accident—late in life—when I took my son to a shop called Glazes, where you paint your own ceramics. Painting helped me forget about cancer; before long I was hooked.
While painting, I liked to float off into my own zone—and at first I was VERY insecure about my artistic ability. A woman named Gail worked at Glazes; but I didn’t sit near her because she painted so well that watching her made me feel more insecure.
I changed my mind once I realized how much I could learn from her. She showed me brushstrokes and techniques I would never have figured out on my own. There seemed to be nothing artistic she couldn’t do–not just painting but photography, knitting, sewing, papercrafts. Her talent dazzled me.
I spent a lot of time (and money) at Glazes, and Gail would encourage my efforts. I tried to encourage her to apply her own artistic ability in a serious way. But she seemed content to help me develop mine.
A few years younger than me, no kids, never married, Gail’s life outside Glazes remained private to me, although she got to know a lot about mine. My kids would come in with me sometimes; or they’d come in without me to make something for Mother’s Day—and Gail would help them make something special. Just like she helped all the other people who came into Glazes to paint.
In that way, Gail’s artistic touch is in lots of homes where no one would know her name or her face. Her artistic touch is in my home, too.
When my dishes were on display at a local home show, Gail painted this fish platter to fill out my set. She also made handwoven placemats out of ribbon, and even came up with the name for the table, Rhapsody in Blue and Yellow. Her artistic talent helped us get voted the favorite table at the show. 
At home, this cabinet holds my dishes, with Gail’s fish platter at the lower right. I walk by her platter every day without really seeing it. I haven’t seen much of Gail either, over the past few years. My life grew busier, I hardly ever painted anymore at Glazes.
When Gail got sick a few months ago I felt guilty that I didn’t get more involved–and I hoped she would understand. I know she forgave me. I’m not so sure I forgive myself.
Gail died today. And because of the quiet way she chose to live, I feel as if her life will pass without making a ripple. I just couldn’t let her go without being sure somebody would notice she was gone.
Oooh Darryle—– first I was soo happy to get the “celebrate survival” notebook—-( thank you again!) my friend had some complications—so her treatments are now delayed—scary!! But now I read this about Gail….. it makes me sooo sad— I, too—had not gone to Glazes as much lately—and hadn’t seen her in a very looong time—- She was amazingly generous with her time and her talent—-she taught me sooo much too. Remember when she put together all 120 little candy dishes for me–wrapped and bows prettier than I would have done? What a gift she gave to all of us that got to know her a little bit through her art and generousity. Thank you for writing about her today—– SHE WILL BE MISSED!!
I do remember when Gail helped you, Lori—and that is how she will be remembered—maybe the way she would want it to be.
Darryle: You have an incredible way of touching people through your writing that I have rarely seen. In a few short sentences, you gave us all we needed in order to love Gail as you did and by the end of your piece, I felt a very real loss upon learning she passed away. I, for one, have never had a writer touch me as you always seem to be able to do. Thank you.
Ron…I’m touched, too–by you. Your words are much appreciated—and so flattering people might think you’re on my payroll. LOL.
Darryle, Thank you for recognizing Gails quiet but profound contributions to people over the years. She never wanted credit but in her own way touched many people. The hundreds of Classique plates that she designed, hand lettered and painted for “Meals on Wheels” over the years, the cards and collages she helped my daughter make when she (my daughter) was tired of waiting for me at Glazes and the little touches she would suggest to make a project work. She was extremely talented at many things including her knowledge of most subjects. I am glad she had “Glazes” in her life as it gave her a platform to share her creative gifts. Thanks for speaking about her in such an eloquent way.
(Karen was the owner during the years I painted at Glazes–she became like family– not only for me, but for Gail.)
I’m grateful Gail had someone like you, Karen–who was always there for her.
For me, the hardest part is how little I was able to reciprocate.
I also want to thank you for writing about Gail and your tribute to her. She was an extremely talented artist and as you said so willing to share it with everyone. I too have items at my house that she helped me to create. I will appreciate these even more now. She helped bring out and develop the artist in all of us.
Thanks so much for your comment. We were lucky to havae Gail in our lives, and have those items she helped create, to remember how much she shared with us.