Goodbye, Marlene
I can't remember how I found Marlene Hawthrone's work, but I remember how in awe I was at first sight. The year I found her work, I was also enrolled in the MFA Photography program at Academy of Art and one of our assignments was to interview a photographer. Naturally, she was my first choice. I shot her an email, not expecting a response because she didn't know me and I didn't expect her to take time out of her busy schedule for an interview for my crappy class assignment. To my surprise, she graciously and happily obliged.
Despite the fact that we'd never met, talking to her was like talking to an old friend. We bonded over photography and mutual random nerdiness. I remember how I could hear the smile in her voice over the phone and how great her laugh was. She was so kind, so amazingly talented, such a light in the lives of all she came in contact with. We didn't know each other well...I never had the pleasure of meeting her in person (I will always regret the missed opportunity when she had a gallery showing here in Richmond), but she touched my life all the same.
When you come into contact with a force like that, it's hard to imagine the world without it. Last night, I found out she passed away and I'm heartbroken and in disbelief. Photography has lost an irreplaceable talent, and the world has lost a beautiful soul. She had so much more to give the world and so much life left to live.
Marlene, I will always be grateful for the time we shared, no matter how brief. Thank you for the kindness, the vision, the inspiration, and the legacy of beautiful photography you've left behind. You will be forever missed and remembered.
http://www.marlenelillian.com
http://reverieluxe.com/
