 A Caregiver's Garden By John R. Hastings Everett, Washington: John R. Hastings, 2017. Edition of 20. 4 x 3.25"; 12 pages. Accordion structure. Six panels sewn in the middle fold to the wrappers forming two three-panel fold outs. Printed on HP Presentation Paper using an Epson Stylus Photo 2200 printer with pigment inks. Cover printed on acid-free Moab Entrada paper. Lucida Calligraphy font. Numbered. Signed and dated by the artist. John Hastings, colophon: "In 2013 my partner, Charlotte Murray, was diagnosed with a rare brain disease called Frontotemporal Degeneration (FTD). As yet, there is no treatment and no cure. The disease causes behavioral, speech, and physical challenges, as well as dementia. I struggle with the ramifications of her illness as I care for her at home, and am always looking for ways to find some respite. Creating artist books is one way I do this." John Hastings, A Caregiver's Garden: "In the fall of 2001, Charlotte and I were asked if we would consider being on the 2002 Everett Garden Tour. We fancied ourselves as quite the gardeners; and being the kind of people who have always loved 'show and tell', we told the organizers we would be glad to do it. ... So, beginning on January 1, 2002, we worked nearly every day in the garden until the end of June trying to improve on things... by the time we were done we had just over 600 varieties of plants in our garden .... "That 6 month period was the pinnacle of our gardening frenzy, but Charlotte and I continued to enjoy working in the garden for another ten years or so. As her interest waned, I began to look for ways to simplify the workload. High maintenance plants fell by the wayside to be replaced by shrubs and evergreens. In recent years, I have gone back to planting perennials and annuals, but mostly in areas that can easily be seen from inside the house. A few years ago Charlotte was still looking out the windows and commenting on the flowers and colors. Now she no longer does, but I will keep planting them. Now it's as much for me as it is for her."
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