City resident and artist Tad van der Weele passed away in Albuquerque on Nov. 13, 2008, after a battle with cancer. Tad was born in Rochester, Ind., on Sept. 13, 1953, and grew up on a dairy farm in Argos, Ind.
He received a BA degree in English literature from Indiana University at Bloomington and a Master's degree in social work from the University of Washington-Seattle.
Tad and his partner of 13 years, Patrick Conlin, moved to Silver City in 1999. A simpler life, blue skies, and a vibrant, supportive arts community are what drew them here. Tad loved Silver City, and appreciated his clay and painting studios on Market Street, where he was able to work full time and create his sculptural ceramic pieces, abstract paintings, and digital prints. Tad was a computer whiz, great cook, voracious reader and poet, and distinguished himself as a member of the local arts community. He was honored this year when his three-piece ceramic work, titled "The Mutability Compass," was, selected by the NM Capitol Arts Commission to be placed in the permanent art collection of the state of New Mexico. It hangs in Santa Fe at the State Capitol Annex building.
In addition to being survived by his partner Patrick (and three beloved Airedale terriers Max, Maggie and Boomer), Tad is survived by his parents, Lynn and Virginia van der Weele of Argos; sisters, Teri Bair and Tami Brock; brothers. Jack and Jon van der Weele; 13 nieces and nephews, all of Indiana; and an aunt, Ann Lemon of Lake Oswego, Ore.
Tad followed the beliefs of Tibetan Buddhism in his life and in his art. He often practiced at Iron Knot Ranch in southwestern New Mexico, a retreat center founded on the belief that the true nature of all living beings is inherently pure, wise and compassionate. A celebration of Tad's life will be held in the future. |