(Or, When I Think About People. This is what happens.)
This share has been a long time coming, because it felt right to ask Rick’s permission to share – mostly I’m of the opinion that I’m allowed to share my own art, but I wanted to be sure this time. Thank you, Rick.
Back at the end of spring, I was finally ready to make some art for Caine, and I had it all figured out – but the more I thought about it, the more I wanted to do a companion piece for Rick, because while we, as readers, may not have seen much of him, he was certainly there for Caine and deserves more than general acknowledgement. I had him down as more of an Air person, but I double-checked, and Caine had no doubts – Water it is.
Caine, of course, is Fire.
Yes, the photo is bad quality, but it’s the one photo I took that makes any sense, and… I dunno, it works for me. Most of my art goes out into the wide world and I never see it again. I try to keep track, and maintain an archive, but I’m lazy like that and some of my favourite pieces have no record at all.
Both pieces are about A5 (half a Letter-sized piece of paper, for you NAmerikaners), done in acrylic, and both were inspired by incredible people. I’m glad to know that they arrived in time for Caine to see them.
![](https://i1.wp.com/freethoughtblogs.com/affinity/files/2018/11/elemental-spirits.jpg?resize=450%2C600&ssl=1)
They’re Rick’s horses as much as they are Caine’s horses.
©rq, all rights reserved.
And no, there will not always be time. But sometimes there will be just enough.
I miss Caine.
Damn. Those are awesome!
Wow, rq, those are absolutely stunning pieces, I am in awe. I’m sure Caine loved them. Thank you and Rick for sharing this.
I miss Caine.
Oh fuck, you and me both. She’s everywhere and I miss her so much.
Last week I was delighted to find my long tailed tits again and then I remembered how much Caine loved them and it struck me again how big a hole she left and how she connects to so many things.
And of course, horses. They’re all hers. Always.
Your art is wonderful, rq.
I almost did a post about missing Caine a couple weeks ago. It’s such a big loss.
Thanks to you, rq, and everyone else who helps keep Affinity going.
Storms and horses, a very Caine like combination.
rq, those are lovely. I’m so glad Caine got to see them.
Those bring tears to my eyes. I miss her too, that is beautiful artwork and I’m so glad she got to enjoy them.
They’re wonderful, rq. I know Caine must have loved them. I think the Fire Horse is a good capture of Caine’s spirit.
Beautiful.
I am too late.
I have been away too long. I had a special note in my calendar to return and wish her a Happy Birthday today.
But I am too late.
T,anké, I am so sorry, and my heart is breaking. I have been fortunate in my life to study under great teachers, and it remains as true now—in the depths of my grief—as when I first read your voice at Pharyngula: You are among the mightiest and most important teachers I have ever known.
The meteor of you lit the sky, burning bright in art, knowledge, and reflection.
My deepest condolences, especially to Rick, and to all of us illuminated by her.
Happy Birthday, T’anké. I miss you.
Those are beautiful pictures.
Caine is missed.
It’ wonderful to get to see these.
This is one of the day one sees how much her presence meant. A lot. And, I think it also means a lot that she had Rick.
Thank you rq, they are wonderfully done.
I have no further words.