there was a mixed media textile artist who was married to her most dearly beloved husband, Van, who was also her photographer, webmaster, publicist, and wizard in the kitchen. She spent her time making things and traveling around teaching people how to do what she did. He spent his time helping others with their various and assorted computer and publishing issues, and generally keeping all the balls in the air.
Never a truly healthy person, he fell victim to cancer, and the next four years were spent consulting with a long list of medical personnel, enduring various treatments, and generally living on hope for a cure. She left her world of art and teaching to take care of her most dearly beloved. In the midst of this stressful time, they lost their home due to their inability to work much, and became homeless.
A month before his demise, Van’s computer empire crashed. He was far too ill to do anything about it, and she lost her email, website, blog, photography, database – everything. As it turned out, he also neglected to leave behind a list of his passwords, so no one else could get in and do anything about it. But a kindly hacker tried, and some things were retrieved (mostly older work), until one day the whole mess caught fire and what was left was well and truly gone.
Van died on June 28, 2017, so I can’t say that we all lived happily ever after, but a year+ has passed and I can say that a few steps in the direction of the studio have taken place. I have a couple of lectures and a week of teaching on the books, and I miss him every day.
While we were homeless, I did manage to create a small series with the theme of “Peace”, which I desperately needed at the time. They all have words of peace, and those words are the titles.
That’s all for now, my little chickadees. Be happy, create wildly, love extravagantly!
Peace,
Larkin
Dear Shirley, Thank you for your kind words. As for the QOTD site, about a year ago, I returned the site to it’s original owner (from whom Van acquired it some time ago). I have no further information about his intentions for it, but at the time it sounded like he wanted to at least have access to it. Whether he chooses to revive it is up to him. Peace, Larkin
Dear Mrs. Van Horn,
I only discovered you after discovering your husband’s QOTD site. I appreciated his devotion and continuous work to provide us quote addicts a regular fix.
Then I discovered your beautiful creations. My sister is a maker of beautiful quilts (among other things), and this led me to enjoy your lovely work.
I was so saddened to learn of your husband’s death. And I am sorry for the loss of so many of your records, photographs, etc. So much loss for you, but I am happy to read that you are recovering (though it is understood nothing will completely remove the pain of your husband’s death).
I hope this won’t be too rude or imprudent, but I would like to ask about the QOTD site. There has been a message posted for quite some time which says it is coming back. Do you know this to be true? Or can you offer any information?
I wish you well. Thank you.
Hi LeeAnna,
Thanks for the lovely words. Working on that series saved my sanity during a terrible period. It gave me something to focus on ourside of the whirlwind all around us. As much as I love my machine stitching, I still find handwork very soothing.Peace,
Larkin
Hi Crystal,
Thanks for the lovely words. Gradual is the right word, but I am making some progress. Beaded buttons are a great project – small enough to be completed quickly, and they can be taken with you to retreats without big boxes of stuff!
Peace,
Larkin
you have lived a life, and have quite a survival story. I’m not in a guild at present, but have friends in guilds, and can suggest you as a speaker/teacher.
Love the peace/grace art. Beautiful in body and sentiment.
LeeAnna
I have missed seeing your pieces and taking the occasional class at the quilt museum. I am so sorry for your loss but am glad to see you rallying.
You have been a great inspiration so I will look forward to your gradual return. I am inspired to try beaded buttons as something new. Saw them pictured in your book. Peace