Their Stories Live Here
When an artist dies, their work remains. But their stories, who they were, how they created, and what mattered to them are just as important.
This page is a growing collection of personal reflections written by family members and friends honoring artists who are no longer with us. Some stories are long. Others are brief. But they all shared in the spirit of remembrance.
FEATURED STORY
In Their Own Words
Mother Musing by Elaine Gantz Wright
In memory of Ann Cushing Gantz
“I notice signs of her presence in the most surprising places. They are glimpses of grace.”
When I think of my mother, artist Ann Cushing Gantz, the pungent scent of turpentine spirits instantly envelopes me, overwhelming every sense. I recall how the acrid elixir would hang in the air and cling to every surface in our traditional two-story house in Dallas, Texas. My mother, an intellectually passionate painter and printmaker, was deeply frustrated by the business side of the art world, feeling dismissed by its “naïve, philistine” tastemakers.
What people are saying
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“As a mom, my greatest hope is that my beautiful son will not be forgotten. I am forever grateful for this site which celebrates my son, Julius, and his musical gift to the world.”
- Sandi Trombino
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“It gives me a way to introduce Aaron to people who never got the chance to meet him. If someone asks about him, I can share a photo and his music. And I love knowing that if anyone searches his name, they'll find him on The Artist Lives, with his music."
- Nancy Shea
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Seeing my mom’s work online at The Artist Lives was a real thrill and I’m sure she would’ve been excited that her creations will stay out there for all to see.
- Quentin Cline
Every Life Has a Story
This space is dedicated to celebrating and remembering artists who are no longer here. If you would like to share a story about a family member or friend, their life, their work, or their creative spirit, we would be honored to include it. This is where their story continues.