Colleagues:
The following tribute is from Jean Formo. My apologies for getting this to our members almost a month late - it got buried in my in box. This tribute to Phyllis Wallace is in Blog Format so members can share their stories in the comments section below if they wish. If anyone has a photo they would like to share, please email it to webmaster@colleaguesofcalligraphy.com and I can add it here.
Peace,
Sally
Hello everyone,
A few days ago I got a text from fellow Colleagues member, Barb Mosman, telling me of the passing of Phyllis Wallace. Phyllis had been in hospice care for a period of time. She died on Saturday, August 31.
I think most of you knew Phyllis. She was a long time member of Colleagues and also a student of Reggie with us. You might recall she designed a t-shirt logo for her Reggie class - with one of the best graphic illustrations I have ever seen! It was a bare winter tree facing a tremendous gale, and I seem to remember that letters were flying off of the tree. I think the caption said "I Survived Hurricane Reggie", or something like that! What a great design! Phyllis, a rubber stamp carver, left me in the dust with her amazing hand carved eraser stamps. They looked like miniature woodcuts - so full of life. Each one was exquisite.
You may also remember that in the earlier days of Colleagues, Phyllis was our newsletter editor for several years - and believe it or not, she actually wrote the entire newsletter out in italic and took it to her local printer. We received it in our mailboxes every month! Phyllis also had a helps column for people to ask questions about calligraphy tools, materials and techniques. The "person" who answered the questions was Titivillus - the demon who sometimes sat on the shoulder of the ancient scribe, encouraging misspellings and spilled ink. After awhile, the Titivillus column went rogue when Phyllis and I started to make up silly questions from fake people and equally silly answers.
Phyllis was very generous with her calligraphy, mostly giving it to friends. For many years she corresponded with calligraphers all over the country, sending her handmade work to them. She was a long-time member of Cyberscribes and participated in the artist card movement. For awhile, Phyllis worked part time at Pendragon with me and others when Pam Johnson had the business in her home near Grand Avenue.
Phyllis was funny, talented and kind. She was a great mom, both to her daughter Heather, and to several cat dynasties. Phyllis was an exceptional friend. Last Christmas, she was dealing with some mounting health challenges. Even so, she sent her handmade Christmas cards to family and friends. The first Christmas card I ever received from Phyllis said BAH! HUMBUG! in a very loud gothic blackletter! When I remember Phyllis, I am filled with gratitude.
I am waiting for news from Barb about a possible memorial event for Phyllis. I will keep you posted.
Take care,
Jean
Calligraphy by Phyllis, contributed by Gerry N.