In loving memory of Lenore Thomas, November 7, 1970 - October 21, 2025.

 

It was Lenore who used the word “conversations” to talk about our collaborative work, BUFF.  I kept thinking of it like a Venn diagram, BUFF was the blending of two; often opposing forces.  I knew I didn’t want it to be so binary but I couldn’t think of what to call that middle section.  Lenore said “conversations” and it was perfect.

 

I was reminded of that conversation when I saw our statement hanging on the wall next to our piece at the Pittsburgh International Airport, gate C-2.  I went there to view and photograph it on October 22nd, the day after she passed.  She never got to see it in person. After documenting it, I took a moment to just sit in front of it and I began to weep.  It felt like a monument. 

 

She didn’t want any kind of memorial service or any eulogizing. This is in part why no one has really posted anything or made any kind of announcement.  We all have our ways of grieving and I know she would want us to express ourselves and work through our emotions.   For both her and I, one of the ways we processed our feelings was with our artwork.  

 

If there is one thing I am hearing over and over again from Lenore’s friends, colleagues, and students, is how emotionally intelligent she was, how she helped them.  Mostly done through conversations. It is with that in mind that I have decided to create a section on my website to share some of the “conversations” I had with Lenore, whether words or visual art.  Bits of memories and our process.  I have some videos of her creating BUFF work that I’ve been meaning to post for years.  

 

I also plan to include a form on the site for others to share a conversation they had with Lenore.  Perhaps it’ll become a little book one day?  I’m not sure.  But it feels like one final act of collaboration.  A collaboration between me and all those who carry her memory.  

 

Sending love and light,

Ivette