Our dear friend Cindy Woods died this afternoon, peacefully and on her own terms, after an on-again, off-again seven-year battle with oral cancer. She heroically endured months of chemo and radiation, the invasion of her body by numerous tubes and attachments, and the prospect of more to come until Monday, when she said, 'enough.' The same explorer's spirit with which she documented in her drawings the world around her, that impelled her in recent years to take numerous trips with her devoted friend Ronda to New York and elsewhere, on the trail of great art, music, good food and joy, made her want to face death directly, with resolve and strength of heart. I have an image of her climbing to her fate as if it were Mount Kilimanjaro, planting her flag at the summit, triumphantly claiming the destination as her own. Cindy Woods---artist, conqueror, beloved friend.
Thanks so much for this beautiful post. Your friendship and artist camaraderie meant so much to Cindy.
All the best to you.
Posted by: Ronda | November 26, 2008 at 06:55 PM
Laura, I'm so sorry for all of you who will miss her. This is a wonderful tribute.
Posted by: Casey | November 25, 2008 at 10:27 AM
I didn't meet Cindy in person but through her drawings I felt like I knew her and was very saddened when I found out the news. We had emailed recently about the urban sketchers blog and she said she was looking forward to the premiere, I could sense her excitement just by reading the message. I'll never forget her words of encouragement and praise. Rest in peace Cindy.
Posted by: gabi campanario | November 24, 2008 at 11:38 PM
Thank you, everyone, for your kind words and thoughts. S. Williams, my heart goes out to you. I'm so glad for you and for her that you were there with her in her last hours.
Posted by: Laura | November 24, 2008 at 01:35 PM
thank you for posting this photo and drawing Laura. This is the last time I saw Cindy. It was a wonderful day wasn't it? And this is how I will always remember her: pen in hand, surrounded by people who loved and admired her.
There will never be another.
Posted by: Amanda | November 23, 2008 at 06:19 PM
So sorry, she looks wonderful.
(I'm sure I left a comment on your baby post, but can't seem to see it there. It was amazing and extraordinary, anyway!)
Posted by: Lucy | November 23, 2008 at 05:29 AM