Judy Rookstool   

New and Recent Work

Birch Rave 22X22X2

Acrylic on canvas

Waterlilies 2 22X26

Acrylic on canvas

When I asked among my language arts-oriented friends (writers, teachers of English/ESL and public speakers) to describe their feelings about punctuation marks, how they related to language, and to choose their most and least favorites, I got strong opinions and good stories.

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This series incorporates selected text from various contributors, categorized by favorites.  Their comments inspired me to interpret the importance of punctuation which, said one, “supports the words and syntax used to convey a person’s thoughts and feelings.” 

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“Words without punctuation are like soup, all tumbling, swirling, and some settling to the bottom.  Punctuation holds up some words.  Makes them pop.  Brings order.  Cadence.” 

Another said that punctuation makes sense of words as a whole, much like cosmic principles make sense of the universe.

Punctuation Parse: A Polyptych* 36X36

Acrylic and colored pencil on canvas (S)

Text on Panels

#1 The Period

A dot ends the sentence.  The period is an ending that allows for new beginnings.  It’s a good thing someone invented the symbol, period.  It gives us the courage to walk away when the message has concluded.  It equals a full stop.  Certainty.  Period.

#2 The  Comma

I do love the comma.  It is like a little gift to the reader.  A comma is the shortest pause.  It is a yield sign.  When in doubt, leave it out.  (Or when in double leave it out?)  The comma saves lives:  “Eat, Grandma.”  “Eat Grandma.”  A comma takes a breath and brings order.

#3 The Semicolon

A teacher I know assigned students to be experts on various punctuation marks and when a question arose about it, the expert was consulted.  One student was so thrilled to be able to be the semicolon expert that months later when the teacher saw the student on campus, he showed her the semicolon he had tattooed on his arm.**

#4 The Question Mark

If I had to choose one punctuation mark, it would be the question mark.  Although not necessary, really, because words and the order of words used usually make it obvious it is a question: “How are you doing.”  Asking questions tells the other person you care about her/him.  I really like the look of the question mark.

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*A diptych consists of two painted panels, a triptych has three panels, and a polyptych has four or more panels.

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**Subsequent to painting this piece, I learned the semicolon tattoo signifies also the hope to move beyond struggles with severe depression and suicidal thoughts.  Project Semicolon, founded in 2013 (after this student's story) exists to both educate and to raise awareness about suicide and its prevention by encouraging a tattoo of a semicolon to indicate solidarity among those who struggle with suicidal thoughts or have lost someone to suicide.

Lifeline 18X23
Acrylic and graphite on canvas

Saguaro Sunrise 12X36

Acrylic on canvas (S)

Voting is a fundamental tenet in the United States, as both a simple decision-making tool and a manifestation of democracy.  This ballot box could be for an early frontier Congressional race, 7th-grade class officers, or a neighborhood street light project.  As a symbol of an American narrative, the box shows signs of wear over long use but is now framed by danger.

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Although voting rights of free white males are contained in the U.S. Constitution, Black men did not gain suffrage until the Fifteenth Amendment in 1870, which was later undermined during Jim Crow Era poll taxes, unfair literacy tests, and property ownership to prevent Blacks from voting.  Women did not win the right to vote until 1920 with the Nineteenth Amendment, the fight for which had begun in the mid-1800s. Native Americans, not considered citizens until 1924, sought voting rights state by state through 1962, when all states conceded. 

Full enfranchisement provisions were enshrined in the 1965 Voting Rights Act which prohibited “discrimination on account of race, color or language minority” and prevented any jurisdiction from abridging the right to vote -- but was later weakened by a Supreme Court decision in 2013.  Even after the 1965 Voting Rights Act, people of color – both men and women – often were actively discouraged from voting.

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Foreign interference has sought to undermine the integrity of our election process -- an attack on democracy.  With recent postal restrictions and given efforts at voter suppression in some states, the universal right to vote is at risk.  It is for Congress to restore voting rights and protections.  Every vote is a voice heard.

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The City of San Jose's Office of Cultural Affairs Public Art Commission selected this painting for their Holding the Moment project -- part of a display at the SJ Airport.

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The City of SJ Independent Police Auditor's Annual Report 2021 included VOTE in the cover art.

VOTE 14.5X13, framed

Acrylic on canvas and frame (S)

Looking Out 18X24 Acrylic on canvas (S)

Fragments 8X10

Acrylic, copper and

mixed media on canvas

City Limits 8X10

Mixed media on canvas

There are many connections among living things: a commonality of both needs and satisfactions, a dependence upon self and others, and loss in the face of disaster and disease.  No Borders represents a desire to be aware of self-imposed restrictions in the world.

No Borders 16X20

Acrylic and graphite on canvas, framed

Celadon Vase 14X18

Mixed media on canvas, framed

Shadow Vase 16X20,

Mixed media on canvas, framed

Magenta Flowers 18X24 Acrylic on canvas

Urban Flowers 16X20

Mixed media on canvas (S)

During the stay-at-home time, I took an online course emphasizing mark-making made in layers to discover an emerging subject or image.

Follow the Birds 24X24 Acrylic on canvas

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This depicts the appalling treatment of asylum-seekers and immigrants at the U.S. Southern border with Mexico. 

The lyrics from South of the Border came from 1939 sheet music found at two different yard sales and both echoes and propelled the piece with the theme of broken promises.

South of the... 12X36 Mixed Media on canvas