April 19, 2012
“April is the cruelest month.” Written ninety years ago, T.S. Eliot’s words only now carry a sore gravity in my heart.
Last Saturday, a great artist and good friend, Vera Jacyk passed away.
Together we worked on several projects over recent years–beginning with a solo exhibition of her work at The Robert McLaughlin Gallery (Oshawa) in the spring of 2007. This show later travelled to the MacLaren Art Centre (Barrie).
Vera’s art had a profound effect not only on me but also on everyone who experienced her work. It stayed with you. It changed you.
Vera was an exceptional artist. She brought solace, grace and peace to a broken world. During her Oshawa show, I witnessed something very rarely seen in a contemporary art gallery: tears. People were moved to tears when they experienced Vera’s art. In her artist statement, she wrote: “My work deals with that which is not in plain view… I want my art to be about the effect of keeping secrets… my art does not have to be about exposing secrets themselves.”
We will remember, share stories and celebrate Vera’s life and art in the coming days. We never imagined these days without her. We’ll miss you, Vera!
Please visit Vera’s obituary by clicking here.
Vera's glove in the artist's hand
7 comments
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April 20, 2012 at 7:28 am
Donna
Olex — a lovely tribute to a person who seems to have deeply touched everyone she encountered. Wish I had the pleasure of meeting her. I surely missed out on something very special.
April 20, 2012 at 8:20 am
Sofia Shumelda
I never had a chance to see “Chysto, Chysto, Chysto” first hand, but remember hearing about the direct and honest impression it had on its viewers. May her work and vision continue to foster a deep emotional response in all of us.
Vichnaya Pamyat!
April 20, 2012 at 10:26 am
Paige
Olex, a wonderful posting – thank you so very much for sharing. With each loss of life it makes us reflect on our own life experiences – and it sounds as though Vera (and her many artistic talents) has touched so many people, a wonderful legacy to leave behind.
I was fortunate enough to see Chrysto, Chysto, Chysto at the McLaren Art Gallery in Barrie, I thought it was an incredible exhibition – stunning, with such detail. My first experience with Vera was viewing her donation for Station Gallery’s Drawing for Art a few years back – a barbwire dress, it was beautiful in its tiny little details, which made me want to learn more about her work.
My thoughts go out to Vera’s family and friends during this difficult time. I agree with Sofia, “may her work and vision continue to foster a deep emotional response in all of us”.
April 20, 2012 at 11:23 pm
Danaka
Vera’s work was and remains profound and elegant, understated visually but with a very powerful narrative. But Vera the person was profound and elegant also, I still cant believe she’s gone. She was the kind of person with whom once you met her she left a lasting impression on you. Quiet, dignified, passionate and extremely caring of others (a rare quality in today’s world). Vera, you were taken too soon from us but I hope you are resting peacefully now.
You will always be in Olex’s and my heart.
May 4, 2012 at 10:56 am
Bohdan Sirant
Olex, Thanks for the poignant obituary. You captured how many of us felt about Vera Jacyk. I was a volunteer at the McLaughlin when the show “Chysto, Chysto, Chysto” exhibited, and was privileged to see it, study it very closely, and reflect on it, and after all these years still think about it –such was its power. Vera Jacyk was a truly noble person and we are diminished by her passing.
May 6, 2012 at 11:23 am
Bohdan Sirant
I Will Remember
–by Bohdan Sirant, 2012
(dedicated to the late Vera Jacyk)
I will remember
Her radiant smile
And the lightness of her laugh
Her sparkle and her style
The squint and twinkle in her eye
Her graceful and easy gait
(She was sporting, slim and strapping
And could walk that extra mile)
Her kindness, gentleness
And generosity
Her willingness to wait
(She cared, was courteous and
Was almost never late)
I’ll remember her tenacity
Her courage and commitment
Her shyness and her modesty
Her conscientiousness
Her candor and integrity
Her insight and intuition
Her calm competence
Her compassion
And I will fondly
Contemplate with reverence
In the years that pass
The poignancy and
Power of her art
Its quiet purpose and intelligence
Art delicate, austere and hard
Profound and passionate
Whispering and echoing
Distant memories and
Sacred calls of duty
That move the mind and
Touch the heart
She created beauty
When she worked and
When she walked
–And when she walked
She walked in beauty
Oh, yes
She walked in beauty
I will remember her
May 9, 2012 at 4:20 pm
curator by day
Very sensitive words–Vera smiles!