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.
I am not sure if anyone is still monitoring this 'blog'. I knew Cindy in the late 1960's - we lived down the street. I was so sorry to hear of her passing - even back then when her sister Kathy and I were running amuk in the neighborhood, Cindy was the sane, responsible one. I am trying to find her sister Cathy. If any of you know an email address or number can you please let me know. Cindy Bortner [email protected]
Posted by: Cindie Willoughby | January 13, 2010 at 09:54 PM
Oh Laura, so sorry to here this. What a wonderful tribute to an amazing woman! xoxox
Posted by: Tara Bradford | December 16, 2008 at 03:31 PM
i did not know her, but as i have been reading all of the tributes to her, it seems as though we've lost the companionship of an angel.
Posted by: vicki | December 04, 2008 at 08:49 AM
Beautiful tribute to your friend.
.....and there is so much life in these sketches!!!
Posted by: Karen Cole | November 30, 2008 at 08:17 PM
I came to know Cindy when she enrolled in my figure drawing class at the Visual Arts Center of Richmond, and as soon as she showed me her wonderful book of sketches of her cohabitants at her home I fell in love with her work. Cindy Woods was the most graceful woman I have ever been privileged to know. We weren't close friends, just a lunch at the European Market on Main Street, a couple of classes, and drawing together at Friday Night Open Sketch, but Cindy was often in my thoughts from the time I first met her - the person, and the work. Her character studies are incomparable,and as a person, Cindy touched me more than I can say. She was a bringer of light to the world.
Posted by: Brenda Isenberg | November 27, 2008 at 12:17 AM
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