Dancing Sea Star, Oregon.
Nancy Rotenberg, a friend, a compassionate teacher and lover of Life itself, passed away in the wee hours of the morning today after a struggle with cancer. It’s devastating to learn of a loss like this – she touched the lives and hearts of so many people, both through her love and compassion, and through her photography. She was spirited, fun, creative, expressive, and talked about the “Dance of Life”. She relished Life, in all its form, and she “danced”, right up until she couldn’t anymore. There are no words that can express how one really feels during times like this. Many many others knew her better than I, yet I still knew her through NANPA and through circles of friends and through the spirit of the people that would attend her workshops and then mine – they effused about her wonderful caring spirit, their experience with her life-changing for many. So it’s with great sadness to learn that she will no longer be doing ‘the dance’ on earth – but we can be assured that she is still dancing somewhere on the other side! For those of you that knew her, honor her by keeping true to the things that she taught us – about life, love and creativity.
Yes, good thought, Donna! I have read her book, in fact. Thanks for sharing that here.
A great photographer but more importantly, a great person. Let us honor her memory by rereading her book, Photography and The Creative Live. It says things we can all learn from and I certainly did. She will be missed.
I have always admired Nancy’s unique vision of the world. Her images have style, spirit and grace. She has been an inspiration to many. She will definitely be missed.
Thanks for the comment, Wendy. It’s been ages since you and I have ‘connected’! Must do that soon, after our book project gets shipped next week…hope the house plans are moving along nicely in AZ!
You’re welcome, Debbie and John. I couldn’t get my head around this all day – I was supposed to be writing my book, but it was hard to focus. Things like this make you think about your own life, how precious it is. I was feeling stirred up, so I went to the store and got potting soil and went in to the garden – a place I feel nurtured, a healing place, and I planted new plants, and tended the growing plants. Nancy loved her gardens, and it just felt right to be there and think of her while I tended things.
I met Nancy once while I was photographing wildflowers in the Smokies, she stopped to speak while her workshop attendees passed. She graciously talked about the flowers and where better specimens could be located. I had always hoped to be able to take a class of hers … she will be missed. Thanks for posting this Brenda.
Nancy was the most magnificent woman. She is the reason I do what I do with photography. I am devastated at the passing of a dear friend. Thanks for writing a touching tribute Brenda. Now GO DANCE!