for Debra McClinton

A message from Robin...

2011-11-18T15:32:00.000-08:00

Hi Debra,

It's me Robin, or as you would say "Raaaaaaabiiiiiiinnnn!" I was your muse in 2005 - 2006. One day I did the terrible model "no show" and you were rightfully upset with me. I wrote to you over the ensuing years feeling terrible as it was indeed an isolated poor form incident on my part. I truly thought you were upset with me all these years until last December, 2010 I finally googled your name and was in utter disbelief.

I'm so happy that your website is forever on the world wide web. So many of my images remain; cover of the Opera, shoes, feet, legs, beauty, etc....I was able re-live each of those days shootings as if they happened yesterday. Your constant laughter is what prevails most in my memory. I also loved and admired how you were such a hands on photographer. You wanted to help with the lighting, brush my hair aside, stack the apple boxes, lie on your stomach so you could get the perfect angle even though you had assistants to help you. You made me so comfortable, in whatever we were shooting, even in the complete nude! I still model today, and have yet to meet a photographer as hands on as you.

You introduced me to another lovely muse of yours, Marlee. The 3 of us had some grand times shooting till all hours of the day. (Marlee if you're reading this please get in touch). So much fun and creativity was had at your studio on Bryant. That was the time that I learned you were genuinely interested in me as a person, and not just a subject to shoot. I found it odd but quickly learnt that it was indeed a wonderful connection as you taught me to be more open, me, such a recluse who did not mind being photographed.

Sometimes I see flashes of blond hair braided into pig tails and I want to run up and tap you on the shoulder. Other times I hear your voice or that infectious laughter. Thank you for introducing me to the world of photography and for creating such lovely images. Thank you also for your sense of strength in dealing with death (your sister and my mum). In a way I'm kind of glad we never had to say good bye. It's as if you allowed me keep some of your energy for me to revisit when I am in need.

I'm so happy Frankie has your strong traits as you've encapsulated in your photographs. You have obviously left such an indelible mark. Love to you and your family.

Cheers,

Robin

From James Yuanxin Li:

2010-12-03T17:02:00.000-08:00

Dear Debra:

You are much in my thoughts this Thanksgiving weekend. The last time we talked, it was over a plate of dolmades at the Greek restaurant in North Beach. That was such a joyful afternoon as your daughter, dressed in her princess dress, wandered amongst the small tables clutching her bright pink wand. You were so proud.

I always looked forward to going to our mutual friend’s events knowing that, halfway through the evening, you’d show up and add your boundless energy to the mix. I think I must have circled the inside of that art gallery in the Embarcadero at least four times looking at all the student artwork before you arrived. Thanks for always being willing to talk about your craft with this point-and-shoot, always-set-on-automatic photographer. You were constantly generous with your time and your words.

James Yuanxin Li

Three years on

2010-11-18T20:32:00.000-08:00

Debra, I still miss you mightily. There aren't many day when I don't think of you, and I so often find myself telling stories about you and our trips together—and the extraordinary people we met—because you found everyone extraordinary.

Love,

Bart

I was thinking about Miah today

2009-11-22T18:29:00.000-08:00

I was thinking about Miah today, she is amazing and funny and beautiful. My best friend is such a strong woman. I thought about what could make her so strong- in the heart, the mind and the spirit. My thoughts went to Debbie. How she must miss her, long for her. How everyday Debbie’s courage must inspire her. My heart goes out to all that knew her better, all that she made stronger. Those who she touched, even with just a smile or a hello. We all miss her, even the world who didn’t know her.

Thank you so much, I wish you the best in the world

Caroline

2009-11-18T16:14:00.000-08:00

Thinking of you today and always!

Debra

2009-07-27T08:54:00.000-07:00

Thank you for your inspiration and all the gifts you bestowed on me.
I miss you so much.

-Peggi

Miss you

2009-07-25T00:36:00.001-07:00

Thinking of You...

2009-07-24T20:59:00.000-07:00

It's your birthday and I am thinking of you...I find myself doing that more and more these days.
-Tracy

Debra in Scotland

2009-06-04T16:39:00.000-07:00

I came across some more photos of Debra from our photo expedition to Scotland in 2000 that I had somehow misfiled. Here she is loading film into her Pentax using both hands and her mouth.

These photos were taken in Daviot Scotland.

Everytime I hear it, I think of you.....

2009-03-27T08:08:00.000-07:00

Why did she have to go
So young I just don't know why
Things happen half the time
Without reason without rhyme
Lovely, sweet young woman
Daughter, wife and mother
Makes no sense to me
I just have to believe.

She flew up to Heaven on the wings of angels
By the clouds and stars and passed where no one sees
And she walks with Jesus and her loved ones waiting
And I know she's smiling saying
Don't worry 'bout me.

Loved ones she left behind
Just trying to survive
And understand the why
Feeling so lost inside
Anger shot straight at God
Then asking for His love
Empty with disbelief
Just hoping that maybe.

She flew up to Heaven on the wings of angels
By the clouds and stars and passed where no one sees
And she walks with Jesus and her loved ones waiting
And I know she's smiling saying
Don't worry 'bout me.

--- Instrumental ---

It's hard to say goodbye
Her picture in my mind
They'll always be of times I'll cherish
And I won't cry 'cause.

She flew up to Heaven on the wings of angels
By the clouds and stars and passed where no one sees
And she walks with jesus and her loved ones waiting
And I know she's smiling saying
Don't worry 'bout me.
Don't worry 'bout me.

Don't worry 'bout me...

_ She Walks In Beauty

2009-01-01T19:20:00.000-08:00

by George Gordon, Lord Byron (1788-1824)

Composed June, 1814

She walks in beauty, like the night
Of cloudless climes and starry skies;
And all that's best of dark and bright
Meet in her aspect and her eyes:
Thus mellow'd to that tender light
Which heaven to gaudy day denies.

One shade the more, one ray the less,
Had half impair'd the nameless grace
Which waves in every raven tress,
Or softly lightens o'er her face;
Where thoughts serenely sweet express
How pure, how dear their dwelling-place.

And on that cheek, and o'er that brow,
So soft, so calm, yet eloquent,
The smiles that win, the tints that glow,
But tell of days in goodness spent,
A mind at peace with all below,
A heart whose love is innocent!

For my friend, my family, my love

I will look for you always..

With Love

Elaine Hollifield Kuykendall

Memory from Anthony G

2008-12-28T21:32:00.000-08:00

Debra was very nice to me. I only talked to her twice, maybe three times.

Not that it matters, it really takes one time to remember her. It wasn't just because she was beautiful, she had a certain spirit that glowed beneath the surface of her skin.

Finding this tribute and watching the video was moving, emotional and very special. I could feel how powerful her spirit was thru the words that were written and the photographs that were posted. That video was amazing, it made me feel like I just got taught a lesson on how to live and especially how to smile. What a smile, such joy and energy!

How fortunate are all of you who really knew her beyond a couple of conversations. My heart goes out to you, I can feel your heartache. Although, I can say with confidence, that she will live thru your love, which is a thing that cannot be measured, but, be assured, that your love is so tremendous, it can genuinely touch a person who barely knew Debra.

I hope your grief and sorrow can eventually transform into a celebration of her life and that you can honor Debra by living your life as fully as she did.

—Anthony G

Letter to Debbie

2008-11-18T13:53:00.000-08:00

Dear Debbie:

Time passes by and slightly changes the colour of grief. As you affected us in your life, you still do. Deb, I know you would be happy to hear this:

I went to Asheville in April. I reconnected with your family. You know how important you were. It is a gift to have them back in my life.
Ray took me out for breakfast. Remember how he would take us out for biscuits and grits before school? He is still the best hugger there is. He makes the world a better place with his hugging.
I talk to Sue regularly. She is still one of the most amazing women I know. Always was, always will be.
Sue kindly gave me the black sweater I knitted for you in 1986. I wear it in my workspace at home when I work late evenings. In the beginning it was sad, now it gives warmth and brings back memories.
I have one of your framed and signed pictures from the mountains of North Carolina facing me when I wake up in the morning.
Judith and I have re-established our friendship. We just spent three days in New York together. We played “Hey Jude” very loud in the hotel room and Judith demonstrated to me how you used to sing that song to her every time you spotted her in high school.
We talked about you many many many times. Judith and I always cried together, still do. We also laughed and giggled at good memories and knew that you would be thrilled by us being together again. I introduced her to Chianti wine from Italy. We missed you there at the table.
Danny is my friend on Facebook. We mail. I hope he can teach my boys to waterski one day when I bring them to North Carolina and Lake Lure. His girls are extremely beautiful.
Miah is going to Paris. I hope she will make it to Oslo.

Thank you Debbie for the positive impact you still have on our lives.

Marna

My Kind of Girl...

2008-11-18T12:52:00.000-08:00

"She wore a raspberry beret. The kind you find in a second hand store." Thanks for the great memories, Debbie. You were one in a million!

hey little buddy

2008-11-18T10:44:00.000-08:00

i really miss you.

love bye.

letter to Debra

2008-11-18T09:03:00.000-08:00

Dear Debra:

I can't believe it's been a year. A long, strange, horrible, sad, hard year, not just for me but for so many people I know. But it's looking up — there's a new sense of optimism around here, and across the country as well, because of Obama, and I think you would have loved that. I wish you were here to feel it, to be warmed by it.

I didn't know you very well, not like most of the people on this blog. I knew you first as one of those two beautiful blonde girls always coming into the Red Herring with Bart for photo shoots. Then I knew you as one of his best friends, who he would travel with every year for fun, and I confess I was jealous of that for a while. Not because I didn't trust you two together, because I did, but because you seemed to have so much fun and I wanted to join in. It was only in the last five or six years that I got to know you as you, the electric talented laughing dancing celebrating always-late Debra, the flame to which so many moths were drawn. If we had met outside of Bart I like to think we would have been close friends, we might have made space in our lives for each other. But as it was I really enjoyed getting to know you, to see you change and grow with Frankie. You are my role model for graceful, non-"helicopter" parenting.

These are the things I remember about you today:

Us talking about fiction. We were always swapping books, like Running With Scissors. You told me you loved it when people asked to use your photos on their book jackets Someday I had hoped one of yours would be on a book of mine. :-(
You coming into our house carrying the 2-year-old Frankie under your arm like a rolled-up carpet, laughing
The dinner party you had where you managed to get Kelly and other people to cook everything while you played sparkling host
Your fearless fashion sense, which I always envied
You at our wedding: You came straight from the airport and got up in front of the mic to "witness" for Bart, even though you were so, so sad, and tired, and the only reason you gave for why Bart should marry me was because I would "let him go on trips with us [you and Kate]!" And I am so sorry that I wasn't always gracious about that.

Debra, we will always love you, always miss you. And even though we weren't close, who you were as a woman, an artist, and a mother deeply inspired me, and I will carry little pieces of you in my heart and my head forever.

love Bonnie

I cry all the time.....

2008-11-17T19:30:00.000-08:00

It's seems like yesterday I spoke to her on the phone....

...........it's hard to believe today is the day i received the terrible call...

The tears still find me when I think of her.

The sound of her voice always made my day better.

But now it makes me cry...

I love her...I miss her...

a lifetime ago

2008-11-17T19:08:00.000-08:00

it's hard to believe it's been a year...it seems like a lifetime ago that we had her in our lives and it seem like yesterday that we could hear her laughing....or crying....or consoling or making us feel like the most special people in the world...
i haven't written anything on this blog yet, mostly because i can hardly explain how any of this feels, or has felt over the last year, and mostly because everything i ever seem to write about her hardly seems worthy of the love she gave us all...
so now, a year later, i just want to say that i still miss her terribly..and i know everyone feels the same way....and i know that feeling will never go away.
and i'm glad to feel the pain of losing her so powerfully now because it makes me feel closer to her. and it helps me remember the sound of her voice..
i'm not in town now, but i hear it's very hot there and i can imagine that she would have loved this time of year....celebrating frankie's birthday on a hot sf day....and getting ready for thanksgiving...and enjoying obama....:) and plotting when she would meet him...
dear debra, i love you and i miss you, and i have so much to talk to you about....please come visit soon....

love, kate

OBAMA WINS!

2008-11-05T08:36:00.000-08:00

Debra would have loved loved loved this. In May of last year she outlined her secret plan for us to meet the Dalai Lama and encourage him to endorse Barack Obama. She knew someone who was going to see the Dalai Lama and we going to tag along and take photos, and ask him for the endorsement.

That would have been such a gas to see the Dalai Lama meet Debra.

Debra McClinton exhibition and online print sale Aug 28-Sept 1

2008-08-26T22:07:00.000-07:00

Dear friends and family of Debra/Debbie:

The "Celebrating the Photography of Debra McClinton" exhibition starts this Thursday, August 28th, and runs through Monday, September 1 in San Francisco. An opening reception will be held Thursday from 6-9 p.m. at Gallery 291 at 291 Geary Street (on Union Square). We tried to send an email or a print invitation to everyone for whom we had contact info.

The purpose of this exhibition is not only to publicize Debra's stunning photographic legacy, but also to make it possible for those who loved her to own a piece of her art at an affordable price. The good news is, even those of you who can't make it to the show will have the opportunity to purchase a print basically at cost. A 16"x20" print is $200, a 20"x24" is $300, and a 30"x40" is $400.

A secure e-commerce website has been set up, and you can order prints using a major credit card or PayPal starting midday Thursday, August 28, through Monday, September 1 only. The limited window is because this opportunity is just for friends and family, not the general public.

The gallery website has the images that will be in the show and for sale, and there is a separate secure e-commerce site where, starting Thursday, you can purchase prints. If you have questions, they are probably answered here.

The show and the image sale are made possible by the generous donations of time, materials, or images by Alex & Becca Ashton of ZipFly Design, Ed Carey of Gallery 291, Griff Williams of Urban Digital Color, the McClinton family, Stephanie Rausser, Bart Nagel & Bonnie Powell, Kate Powers, and Tony and Frankie Ray Hollifield. We all hope to see you at the show Thursday night.

I’ll Never Forget Her Spirit

2008-08-18T19:31:00.000-07:00

I crossed paths with Debra for nine days only back in March 2001, when I met her at a yoga retreat in Costa Rica. When I embarked on this trip I felt nervous and shy, going with a group of people I did not really know. Debra was one of the first people I met before we even left San Francisco on the flight. I was immediately struck by her beauty and energy. She had such a unique fashion sense that she wore so well. But mostly, she was just so nice! I don’t know how it got decided that we would be hut-mates once we arrived, but I was glad to share the living quarters with her. She made this shy, invisible person feel important and interesting. She wanted to know about me; she wanted to know about everyone she met, and she listened intently when you spoke to her.

She moved around so athletically and gracefully and was a wonderful yogini—with a little baby on board. She took photos of everything, everybody, capturing moments in time in this beautiful environment. I sat back, closed off a little, reserved but wanting to come out of my shell. And she epitomized what I wanted to be—a free spirit! But one thing I never forgot—something she did for me that was just from a place of love and true compassion.

One night, I had a real scare when I passed out after becoming dehydrated. I was in and out of consciousness for a long time, and people were trying to bring me back to earth. I truly felt I could have died at any time, but the strength of people around me brought me back, and I came to…slowly and weakly.
When I went back to the hut, Debra came too. She talked to me for a long time about anything/nothing important and I didn’t want her to stop because it made me know I was alive. I told her I was scared to go to sleep- scared I wouldn’t wake up. So she offered to have me sleep next to her, and she spoke to me until I drifted off, calmly resting. I’ll never forget her kindness and nurturing towards me- someone she’d just met a few days prior. And I’ll never forget her spirit which inspired me to come out of my shell a little, through her influence. It’s like she was an angel, demonstrating how to truly live and love and appreciate all in every moment. All this from nine days of knowing someone. I can understand how much she impacted those who knew her longer, and my heart goes out to you. I’m sure we will all carry a little piece of what she left us in memory and spirit forever.

Dinene

Most days, I do.......

2008-07-27T09:21:00.001-07:00

I didn't forget....

2008-07-27T09:07:00.000-07:00

I just couldn't bring myself to this page on her birthday....

I still miss her everyday and think about her everyday.....

It still breaks my heart that she will not be here to see Frankie Ray

grow up, get married, and see her grandchildren.

I breathe a litte more everyday but not as much as i used to.

I wish her happy birthday in my dreams.

As thats where she will only be...

I miss you

I miss your smile

And I still shed a tear

Every once in a while

And even though it's different now

You're still here somehow

My heart won't let you go

And I need you to know

I miss you

-MC

Happy Birthday, to my dearly departed sister.......

Meghan

B I R T H D A Y . 4 0

2008-07-25T08:00:00.000-07:00

Last year on your birthday I called you from Tunisia. Happy birthday Debra. Now I can only call you when I'm dreaming—it's almost satisfying in its weird way—but I still miss you in the day-to-day and I miss stealing you away ...to New York, to Vancouver, to Scotland.

I couldn't remember if you had a favorite flower—but then I thought that no matter what flower I gave you, you would say it was AMAZING and the best flower ever—you always appreciated everything so much. So here is my little floral mix for your birthday.

You are missed by all.

Love,
Bart

Happy Birthday Debra

2008-07-25T00:01:00.000-07:00

From Christabel Savalas:

Here is what I would like to say for Debra as she turns 40 in heaven.

Debra was a ray of sunshine and she spread so much warmth and light that touched everyone who crossed her path. She will always be a part of us, as she always lives in our hearts. No matter how much time passes, Debra will always be with us in spirit. She is probably busy taking photos of the angels and everything that is around in heaven.

—Love Christabel

for Debra McClinton

A message from Robin...

From James Yuanxin Li:

Three years on

I was thinking about Miah today

Debra

Miss you

Thinking of You...

Debra in Scotland

Everytime I hear it, I think of you.....

_______ She Walks In Beauty ______

Memory from Anthony G

Letter to Debbie

My Kind of Girl...

hey little buddy

letter to Debra

I cry all the time.....

a lifetime ago

OBAMA WINS!

Debra McClinton exhibition and online print sale Aug 28-Sept 1

I’ll Never Forget Her Spirit

Most days, I do.......

I didn't forget....

B I R T H D A Y . 4 0

Happy Birthday Debra

_ She Walks In Beauty