MOD TEAM NOTE May 30 2009: Read this for an update about Gwendy.


Hi guys.

I was going through some of the past artworks and I came across some of Gwendy's works again. I went to her Quills and Spills site (haven't been there in AAAAGES) and apparently she's vanished.

Can anyone shed some light on this? I tend to let the gallery pile up with new works before looking at it again, so I'm unclear on what happened to Gwendy. She, along with Stefy, are my favourite H/Hr artists .

Many thanks in advance .

Scorpix

Its not fair I loved her art work....It's brilliant...but lets not spread the word because some ppl will steal her art...if they haven't already...

Hey! I just signed up at portkey. I'd like to know as well why Gwendy isn't drawing anymore? I used to love looking at her work, before I signed up here.
Sabriel

It seems like a relative of hers passed away a little while ago... She even put her site on Hiatus, promising she'd be back as soon as she'd recover from it. Guess it was her grandfather or something alike...

Here's what's written on Quills'n'Spills whenever you try to enter the website:

To all Q&S fans...

I know a lot of you are probably sad, angry, irritated, enraged that I have not updated for months. I only hope you'll come to understand my reasons for it.

This summer was the worst in my life. My dearly beloved grandfather, whom I had told you countless times about, passed away from cardiac arrest due to complications from pneumonia, brought upon, possibly by the two strokes he previously experienced.

Everything else is too painful for me to write, as the immense grief is still fresh in my heart. Please give me time to grieve and in time, I'll return.

My grandfather was a great man who loved everyone and was loved by everyone. He supported me in my dreams and loved me as he would his own daughter. He gave his time to each of his grandchildren, telling them stories, making them laugh...

I bid you goodbye for now. For those who expect to see more, I can tell you that I may have better versions of the videos soon, including those from the Goblet of Fire.

Thank you for understanding.

Gwendy2006

Hope I've been helpful!

Luv,
Joanne

I know how she feels, I've hardly drawn anything, with the exception of stuff I had to draw at school, since my grampa passed away in March, and I feel like anything I do draw is really cold and unfeeling, and I really screwed up this semester because of it. I went through a similar dry spell when my great-gramma passed away in 2003, and it took me over a year to really get back into my groove, and I never really got the will to draw any HP stuff again (before that, that was *all* I drew), except on a rare occasion.
Unfortunately, she may draw again, but it might not be H/Hr, or HP at all. Death of someone so close can really jack you up pretty bad. I've noticed this not only with myself, but with many other artist friends of mine, your art *always* drastically changes.

Artistic block seems quite common when you lose someone close. For you (and Gwendy) it was a grandfather. I had a similar problem when my mother died in January. It can take a long time to deal with grief, especially if the deceased is someone you were very close to. When you're grieving, you don't have a lot of energy for artistic stuff, whether it's writing, drawing or music. Some days you're lucky you get out of bed and go to work or school. Just my opinion. I didn't really start writing again until about 3 months after my mom died. I wouldn't say that my writing has changed a lot, but I do seem to be writing more angst than I used to.

I'm sorry for your loss, and for Gwendy's. I've loved her art for several years.

*points at 3-year gap between posts* hiding this temp in the Spotlight team's "Staff Room", as part of our background research for our feature on Gwendy.

EDIT May 30 2009: Time now to share this with the rest of Portkey, along with Gwen's interview.

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Email to Gwen: April 5 2009

Hi Gwen,

I guess we could start with the circumstances behind your disappareance from the fandom. Can you tell us about it? Here's an incomplete timeline I've gathered from various sources. Feel free to fill in details, or to tell us which ones you don't want to elaborate on.


QnS = Quills n Spills.portkey.org, Gwendy's site.
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• Apr 2005 – your family moved to a new home - I guess in same city?
  Reference
  
  
• May 2005 – you had to move to another part of the country to work as a cartoonist. Publishing companies expressed interested in your original comic and novel.
  Reference
  
  Gwen's QnS announcement:
  

  I went there to look for a job as a cartoonist...and I got hired on the spot! [Publisher] is now turning the wheels to get my very own creation, "Talisman Dimensions", into the comic book market. If all goes well, it will make its first debut in their mainstream comic book series, "Charm". Thank you so much to everyone who has supported my in my artworks. It is because of your encouragement that I was able to gain confidence in myself to reach out for my dreams.
  
  Also, a publishing company for romantic novels ... has taken interest in a novel I wrote. They've requested the full manuscript of my novel, "Across Oceans of Destiny", which I will be submitting to them after some legal and grammar matters are discussed. Hopefully, I will also become a published author. Again, I would like to thank those who supported me in my Harry/Hermione fiction (though I only made one...sorry...) as well as my other fictions.
  
  It is for these reasons, that sadly, I may have less time to do more artworks, much less update but I'll still try my very best.

  
  
  
• Jun 23 2005 - PK member GiantSquid uploaded a video tribute to your art
  
  GiantSquid's comments in Portkey Gallery:
  
  

  After a several month unexpected hiatus by the amazing Gwendy, she all of a sudden came back to life...and needless to say, I was ecstatic. So this is for her, and for all of you to see just how amazing she is.
  
  Also...it's only rated PG-13 because one of the fanarts is rated the like. And, not mentioned in the credits - the song is 'Everything You Want' by Vertical Horizon. Enjoy
  

  
  
  EDIT late APR 2009: By coincidence, GiantSquid has re-uploaded that video in YouTube. I couldn't tell her yet that we've touched base with Gwendy again!
  
  <object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/eFpGCP-bLQM&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/eFpGCP-bLQM&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>
  
  GiantSquid had originally uploaded this video in a site before the YouTube era. That other site soon went defunct, rendering her video's URL broken for a long time. She recently found her original video file, prompting her to re-upload this video in YT and sharing its URL with PK-mates. We've inserted the YT link in her PK gallery entry. You're all welcome to leave comments (not flames) there, in YT or here about her vid.
  
  
• Jul 2005 – your grandpa had a stroke
  Reference
  
  Gwen's QnS announcement:
  
  

  You see, me and my cousins all love my Lolo Tanciong. He is the perfect grandfather! He jokes along with us, tells us different stories (our favorite of which is "Daguruan", a story about a white crocodile) and his experiences in World War II as a civilian volunteer (which I took into account for my current working novel, "Pearl of the Red Sun"). He also makes fishing poles for us and takes us fishing and boating. Truly the kindest....simply BEST grandfather ever!
  
  Just last month, he had a stroke. All of us immediately went over to see him in the province. He thankfully pulled through and is walking and smiling and laughing along with us like he always does. We stayed long enough to nurse him back to health. I even celebrated my birthday there, for the first time, in my mother's ancestral home.
  
  The day after we went home, August 1, he had another attack and was sent to a hospital here in my city. Me and my sis rushed there at dawn. I offered to be Lolo's watcher for the next few days in the hospital. He pulled through again but is now weaker than he was before. That's why I have to drop everything and help him along with my other relatives. He is currently staying at my uncle's house. My aunt and uncle watch over him during the day. I take the night shift.
  
  Please bear with me and pray for us during these troubled times.
  
  To my grandpa, Lolo Tanciong, "Pag-pa-ayu na Lo! Dapat kita pa ka sa among mga anak!" We love you, Lolo Tanciong!

  
  
  
• Aug 2005: Your grandpa's still recuperating from his stroke. You were also disappointed with HBP and JKR's interview.
  Reference
  
  Gwen's QnS announcement:
  

  I would also like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to those who sent me their prayers and well wishes. My grandfather, though weak, is doing well and is currently recuperating with my aunt's (a doctor) care, though she had to take him to her home in another city. I miss my grandpa something terrible, but me and my other cousins are holding on, still praying for him. ...
  
  I don't know if I'll be saying as much as the others, but I share your sentiments: to say I'm hurt is an understatement. I don't want to bad-mouth anyone, but it feels like having your own mother (you know who I'm talking about) strike a knife at your back and if that wasn't enough, stabbing you all the way and twisting the sharp blade.

  
  
  
• Sep 2005 – you put up QnS v10 portal, gothic design, which stayed up until late 2008. You had also said you might go back to college.
  Reference
  
  Gwen's QnS announcement:
  
  

  I may be going back to college to take up my dream course, FINE ARTS! My dad's going to Australia and he can now send me to school! But it's still no sure thing so please pray for us.

  
  
  
• Mar to Jul 2006
  Reference
  
  Portkey-ers wondered, "whatever happened to Gwendy?" They quote your announcement (copied below) about your grandpa's demise.
  
  
• Jun 2006: your grandpa passed away
  Reference
  
  
  Gwen's QnS announcement:
  

  To all Q&S fans...
  
  I know a lot of you are probably sad, angry, irritated, enraged that I have not updated for months. I only hope you'll come to understand my reasons for it.
  
  This summer was the worst in my life. My dearly beloved grandfather, whom I had told you countless times about, passed away from cardiac arrest due to complications from pneumonia, brought upon, possibly by the two strokes he previously experienced.
  
  Everything else is too painful for me to write, as the immense grief is still fresh in my heart. Please give me time to grieve and in time, I'll return.
  
  My grandfather was a great man who loved everyone and was loved by everyone. He supported me in my dreams and loved me as he would his own daughter. He gave his time to each of his grandchildren, telling them stories, making them laugh...
  
  I bid you goodbye for now. For those who expect to see more, I can tell you that I may have better versions of the videos soon, including those from the Goblet of Fire.
  
  Thank you for understanding.
  
  Gwendy2006
  

  
  
  
• Jul 2007:
  
  Gwen's QnS announcement:
  
  July 23, 2007:
  

  I've added the last (so far) of my Harry and Hermione artworks, something I failed to do for a long time. It's the artwork I used for this layout. Check the PORTRAITS section for more.

  
  
  
  July 21, 2007:
  

  Shocking that I updated, isn't it? Well, there are new things happening in my life. I'm still me, though I'm no longer as enthusiastic about Harry Potter, though I will remain, and I forever will be a Harry and Hermione Fan, regardless of what happens in Book 7. Harry Potter, for me, stopped at Book 5. Now, it's 2007, and today, Book 7 will be released.
  
  Why have I decided to update after all this time? First of all, let me take this moment to thank the people at portkey.org for bearing with me and keeping my site accessible. I know I haven't been around in a while, so when I had the chance to check, I was pleasantly surprised to find the site still intact. Thanks, guys. You're great!
  
  Back to why I've decided to update. Because now, I have unlimited access to the internet, at least, for as long as I don't get fired. I've just found a job. Also I'm bored, I'm sick of Harry Potter but still love Harry and Hermione so there, I decided to log-in. Also, I've come to terms with my grandfather's death. 2006 was a hard year for me and my family, but I know my grandfather wouldn't want me to sulk every night and day. So here I am, trying to move on with my life.
  
  To the question as to whether I will have more Harry and Hermione artworks, unfortunately, not any time soon, because of my schedule and because my computer's back at home, an ocean away (I'm speaking literally) from my hometown. I'm working in a new city now. I have to move on. Hopefully, I'll get to buy my own laptop and scanner again soon, but I don't think I'll be able to. Not with my salary.
  
  With the advent of YOUTUBE, I have plans of deleting the Harry and Hermione videos section, though for now, you may not be able to access several of the Harry and Hermione sections. I'll fix that as the days go by, and you'll be able to access more of the site by then.
  Thank you for your continued support to Harry and Hermione and to Quills and Spills. I look forward to being with you again.
  
  ~*Gwendy*~
  
  ***On a final note, you can NO LONGER CONTACT ME in my e-mail. It's too full of spam. I have a new one, but I won't be divulging it anytime soon. I'm sick and tired of SPAM and FLAMES. My job is stressful as it is. Last updates (2005)
  

  
  
  
• Early 2008 – last time you accessed Q n S.
  After that, you somehow lost access to Portkey's server. You also lost access to your quillsnspills email account.
  
  
• April 2008 - Quills n Spills site was still online (at least its home page) when Portkey staff included it in Other H/H sites links
  
  
• Aug 2008
  Reference
  
  This Portkey post indicates that Q n S was still online as of that date.
  
  
• Nov 2008
  I'm not sure, but I think I last visited Q n S in November and saw its portal page still up. I don't remember navigating beyond that.
  
  
• Jan 2009 - Portkey staff noticed that your Q n S site went completely offline, including the portal page. Last time I saw the portal page was in mid- to late 2008.
  
  This got us PK staff worried but we couldn't tell whether you've deleted the files yourself or if it's a technical issue. We then scoured the internet for email addresses with which to contact you. From Jan to Mar 2009, we've sent messages to: [insert at least four email addresses here], until you finally replied to our Mar 23 email!!!

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co-mods - please be careful when editing this as it has the max # of quotes allowed per post

Rather than tell you all how much people like and miss Gwendy and her site, why don't we let you see it for yourself? If you wish to see the original messages, simply click on the quote boxes' arrows. If you don't have time, it's okay. We've copied below the parts that relate to Gwen.

From HH fans' shippy dreams - I Had The Weirdest Dream... thread:



From the Filipino Portkey-ers forum:


Translated into: QuillsnSpills is very nice, though I'm not an H/Hr shipper, but it's very nice nonetheless



From the Fanart for Ron/Luna thread:











From the Draco/Ginny Debate Thread #1:




From the bday greetings thread:








From games:











From an H/H fanart thread:





From an H/H fic challenge thread:

From D/G - How & when did you come to support them:




From a game thread:






From Fanart Requests forum:




From the Welcome to Portkey forum:



.

From the Official R/L essays site here:

















From the Why Ron/Luna + Roll Call of R/LL shippers? thread:



.

From a thread about Book 6:




From an H/H fanart thread:




From an H/H shirt? thread:




From an H/H fic challenge:




From a game 5 Fave Things at the moment:




Plenty of Gwendy mentions here.


From a post-Book 6 H/H thread:








From an H/H fic challenge:




From an H/H music thread:







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From an H/H art thread:




From the original Harmonian of the Month thread:






From a discussion of H/H theories:






From a game:




From Feeling Pretty Optimistic, Enter and and you will feel it too... (I hope) thread:




In an RPG:




From how many of us...are still here?, Harmonian count... thread:




In the Best H/Hr Fanartists? discussion:











In an H/H ficlet thread:




From an H/H fic challenge:



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Portkey discussions about Gwen's essays or theories:

2004: History Repeats Itself: H/Hr relating to J/L (By: Gwendy & Others) - http://talk.portkey.org/index.php?act=find...&pid=141774

2004: Thank Lucky 7, 7 for H/Hr - http://talk.portkey.org/index.php?act=find...&pid=142707

2007: Magical Dream Theory - http://talk.portkey.org/index.php?act=find...&pid=343029

2007: Cheerful Patronus Theory - http://talk.portkey.org/index.php?act=find...&pid=349749


.

More instances of Gwendy love:


Using our board's admin panel advanced search, we get these stats:

• At least 65 PK'ers currently use Gwendy's work for their avatars &/or sig images &/or forum photo;
• At least 32 PK'ers still display the Faithfuls banner with Gwendy's drawing on their sigs. Banner shown here. on their sigs;
• At least 44 PK-ers have named Quillsnspills in their "other fav HP sites" field.
  
  
  A sampling of Portkey fan-artists who've paid tribute to Gwen's art:
  
• Gwendy makes it to this fanart rec list in LJ by rjade829 and mirtilla87, who both have PK artist accounts
  
  
• A few instances of PK artists borrowing her art:
  
  Tribute Video
  Wallpapers here, here, here, here, here
  And a retouched drawing

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Slight edit to insert Gwen's Jul 2007 announcement. That's the one posted in her site's "Changes" section as of today.

Found this by chance, so might as well add them here. These are possibly the first mentions of Gwendy's art in PK.

From the H/H art / avatars thread

This one was before PK offered to host Gwendy's site:


PK has started hosting her Quills n Spills site shortly after that message:



EDIT May 30: Found more quotes after searching for quillsnspills.





























.

We've been itching for months to make this announcement:

We've very thrilled to have gotten hold of Gwendy in March. To celebrate that, we've featured her in our Spotlight project's maiden issue. Click here to read it!

<img src=http://talk.portkey.org/index.php?act=Attach&type=post&id=1172 align=left hspace=20 width=110 height=92 border=0 alt="PK Spotlight logo"><h3>PK Spotlight on

Gwendy
</h3>