Remembering Taryn Wright

Taryn Wright was an art student, model, and friend whose life ended on Friday, September 3, 2010 in a tragic accident. For those familiar with my blog, you may recognize her from past postings.

I knew her originally as a model who appeared on the scene almost two years ago, ironically as a replacement for a man who had to cancel at the last minute. I was mistakenly expecting a 40 year old named Karen to arrive as model for my class at the Honolulu Academy, and in pops this fresh young lady, (half the anticipated  age) named Taryn. We fumbled around with that for a few seconds, and then got to work building a professional relationship and friendship  that lasted up until this week.

Taryn, portrait study, oil on linen, completed in August 2010

All of us, myself and students, enjoyed her…I think it’s safe to say that she quickly disarmed all of the men and women in my classes, almost all of whom were older than she.

Taryn made it rather easy to recall being 20; she was often out of breath upon arrival because she was running a bit behind, hadn’t eaten much (or had forgotten to eat altogether), or was planning on cutting/changing her hair color yet again. For we mature folks, more established in life and identity, it was fun to be around someone in the place she was in. Her presence transported  us back to that time in our own lives, the time of being a bit on the edge, struggling, searching, and choosing.

Taryn had plans on becoming an artist, and I believe that with appropriate training and guidance she would have done well. Her student efforts were more than impressive, she had a natural gift of draftsmanship, as well as a talent for value and shape relationships, which are key components.  I liked grabbing other students and instructors and having Taryn show them her work, building up her confidence and getting her used to putting her work out for comment. Our last conversation was about her future (into which I always tediously inserted my own two-cents-worth) and I promised that once we got classes going in September that she would be busy working for me again. As we now realize, it was not to be.

I’m grateful for Taryn’s gifts to myself and my students.  Her life has been cut short, and I see no other recourse but to remember her in our prayers, and recall her presence with fondness and affection, which is so easy for those of us who knew her.  The lesson I take from all of this is an old one; to remember, always, to let those around us know in no uncertain terms that they are loved and valued as if it was the last time you would see them. At some point, it will be.