Selene Anema will not be able to feel delighted that she has been chosen to be the Creative Canaries Artist of the Year 2009, because she chose to leave this world in favor of an existence that knows no pain. I respect her choice, although it came totally unexpected.
I knew Selene for several years, she was one of the very early members of this network. She has always shown great interest in its development, even when she was very sick. And even when her personal conditions were unbearable and most frustrating, she shared knowledge and offered encouragement.
Selene Anema could have been a very successful artist in this world! She was highly talented and she had a language of her own in her fiber sculptures. Her fate was different, though. She suffered from a debilitating illness and had to give up making sculptures for good. In her last years, Selene was bedridden most of the time and tormented by pain. Her mind seemed to be unbothered! Even in her bed, she drew portraits and dog sketches and was interested in the art scene. Above you can see a self-portrait from 2005.
With Selene Anema, we have not only lost a member, but a very courageous and loveable person who impressed everyone who met her. Even when it was only in the internet! Farewell, my dear friend from far away - you will not be forgotten, where-ever you may be now! May you be as light as a feather and as carefree as you always wanted to be. (Moon McNeill)