Feature Article: Roxsane K. Tiernan – A Life of Adventure, Art, and Inspiration
Roxsane K. Tiernan’s story is one of boundless energy, resilience, and creativity, a narrative that spans continents, disciplines, and a lifetime of learning and sharing. At 84 years old, she continues to inspire the world with her vivid art, her poetic voice, and her memoir Zip, which reflects on a life rich in adventure and transformation. Through her work as an educator, artist, author, and advocate, Roxsane’s journey encapsulates the spirit of resilience, the power of creativity, and the importance of making a difference in the lives of others.
A Global Educator with a Passion for Cross-Cultural Connection
Born and raised in Greater Vancouver, Roxsane’s early life was not without its challenges. From working in a one-room school on Harrison Lake to becoming an international educator, Roxsane’s story is a testament to her unyielding drive and her deep commitment to education. She completed her Teacher’s training at the University of British Columbia (UBC) and went on to teach in various countries, including Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Japan, and Mexico.
Her passion for learning and teaching was matched only by her love for connecting with people from diverse cultures. As she immersed herself in the local customs and languages, Roxsane’s perspective broadened, and she learned to appreciate the rich tapestry of the human experience. Her travels not only made her a well-rounded educator but also ignited a spark of creativity that would shape her later artistic career.
Personal Tragedy and Triumph: Zip – A Memoir of Resilience
One of the pivotal moments in Roxsane’s life came with the tragic loss of her youngest daughter, Marcia, to a brain tumor in 1981. This profound loss, compounded by the subsequent breakdown of her marriage, could have easily shattered her. But Roxsane’s unwavering resilience, taught to her by her mother’s saying, “Soldiers don’t cry”, propelled her forward. Instead of succumbing to grief, Roxsane chose to reinvent herself.
In the years that followed, she returned to university to complete her Bachelor of Education and began teaching at the high school level, specializing in marketing. She also found new meaning through her art, poetry, and writing. Her memoir, Zip, was born from this period of reinvention. The title itself speaks to Roxsane’s outlook on life: always moving forward, always in motion, always embracing new experiences.
Zip is more than just a memoir; it’s a reflection on Roxsane’s entire life journey, marked by movement, exploration, and growth. The book chronicles her adventures across thirty countries, her deeply personal reflections, and the moments that shaped her. With clarity and humor, she recalls the highs and lows of her life, offering readers a unique window into a soul that has lived fully and continues to do so with grace and enthusiasm.
From Tragedy to Artistic Triumph: Chigiri-e and Acrylics
While Zip focuses on her life story, Roxsane’s creative expression through art also plays a significant role in her journey. After spending years teaching, traveling, and experiencing life on a global scale, Roxsane discovered her passion for art. During her time in Japan, she stumbled upon Chigiri-e, a traditional Japanese torn-paper collage technique, which ignited her creative spark.
Chigiri-e was the gateway to her current artistic endeavors. Roxane was fascinated by the texture and versatility of paper, its fragility and strength, and how it could be transformed into something beautiful through delicate and intricate processes. As she perfected this technique, Roxsane’s artistry evolved. Her works became more vibrant and expressive, and she started experimenting with mixed media, combining acrylic paints with paper for a bold, audacious style.
Her involvement with the Burnaby Artists Guild, where she served as Past President, led to collaborative efforts that produced large-scale public art, including mosaic murals for prominent locations like the Tommy Douglas Library and BC Children’s Hospital. Roxsane’s artwork not only reflects her deep appreciation for the natural world but also her commitment to community and her belief in the power of creativity to heal and connect.
A Lifelong Commitment to Giving Back: Girl Guides and Global Impact
In addition to her work in education and art, Roxsane has maintained a lifelong commitment to service, particularly through her involvement with the Girl Guides. For over seven decades, the Girl Guides have played an integral role in Roxsane’s life. From joining as a teenager to organizing international camps and delegations, her work with the organization has helped foster global understanding and instill values of empathy, kindness, and leadership in young women around the world.
Roxsane’s belief in the importance of community service and global citizenship is evident in every facet of her life. Whether leading handcraft programs for thousands of Girl Guides or helping to organize art delegations, her efforts have always been rooted in bringing people together and fostering mutual respect.
Living with Purpose: The Power of Art, Poetry, and a Positive Outlook
Roxsane’s journey is not just about survival and it’s about thriving in the face of adversity. In addition to her memoir and art, she has published a collection of poetry titled Art and Soul, which offers a deeply personal glimpse into her inner world. Her poetry reflects her growth and understanding of life’s complexities. Through verse, she addresses the human experience—loss, love, resilience, and the ongoing pursuit of meaning.
Roxsane’s belief in the importance of creativity, self-expression, and spiritual connection shines through in her work. She’s not just an artist or author, she’s a mentor, a guide, and a source of inspiration to those around her. Her resilience in overcoming personal tragedy and her ability to find joy and meaning in the world has touched countless lives.
Roxsane K. Tiernan continues to live with a sense of wonder and purpose. She remains an active artist, poet, and author, with upcoming projects including a sequel to Zip and further artistic endeavors. Her energy and passion for life show no signs of slowing down. Through her books, artwork, and public service, Roxsane has built a legacy of inspiration, proving that age is no barrier to creativity, growth, and contribution.
Her story is a reminder that it’s never too late to reinvent yourself, find new passions, and make a difference in the world. Roxsane’s work encourages us all to live fully, embrace change, and keep moving forward, no matter the obstacles we may face.
Roxsane K. Tiernan’s life is a testament to the power of resilience, creativity, and the unwavering pursuit of purpose. From her early career as an educator to her evolution as an artist and author, Roxsane has created a body of work that inspires and empowers others. Her memoir Zip is more than just a collection of memories; it is a blueprint for living a life of passion, adventure, and constant reinvention. Through her artwork, poetry, and global efforts, Roxsane continues to touch hearts and minds, reminding us all that it is never too late to live a meaningful, inspired life.
Explore Roxsane’s art and books through her official website roxssart.com.
