There are so many emotions that come with a cancer diagnosis and with cancer survivorship. Creating art out of this challenging experience can be both therapeutic for you and inspiring to others. If you have artwork that you've created, and that you're proud of, we invite you to share it with the CURE® community. Email a .jpg of your art to 

. You will be contacted if your art is chosen for publication! 

Inspired by cancer's challenges, CURE® readers create art that celebrates life in the 2023 calendar. Click on the image below to download a digital PDF and print at-home. For a limited time, you may 

 to request that a printed copy be mailed to your home.

Art Gallery Submission

Breast cancer survivor  (7 years) 
Life has its twists and turns but it is always perfect — just the way it is.  

The Garden of Life

Acrylic on Canvas 2’x2’ 

When I was surviving breast cancer in 2010 I would visualize my stage 2 tumors shrinking. Sunflowers growing and thriving always were a strong symbol of resilience and strength which gave me hope that someday I would be thriving again. Not surprising this year in my 12th year anniversary of being cancer free, it became Ukraine’s symbol too. 

Survivor to Thriver

The first time I had breast cancer I barely told anyone. But they found out and that turned out to be very lucky for me, because I was surprised by the different kinds of love and care friends gave me. And there was a cancer support place called Cornucopia House that gave yoga classes, nutrition talks, knit hats, massages etc. So it was quite wonderful to get the support from my friends and from total strangers.  And that’s what this painting is about ... the different sizes, shapes, and colors of love.

It is Acrylic on heavy paper

Love

Right before my diagnosis, I was making plans to visit Turkey with my family. Due to the treatments, I had to cancel my plans. To cheer myself up, I started thinking of it not as a cancellation but postponement for better days. There is always hope. 

Mediums: Watercolor on paper. Professional watercolor paints on 100% cotton paper. 


Places to Go

Right after my diagnosis, I wanted to hide in a cabin, secluded from the whole world, to escape everything.This cabin is painted with that feeling, but soon I realized I still needed the snuggles and wanted to enjoy the hot chocolates with the family. You do not need to stay frozen. 
 
Mediums: Watercolor on paper. Professional watercolor paints on 100% cotton paper; 8" x 10". 
 

Frozen

Elephants are known to be mighty strong to remove any obstacles and negative forces.They also represent wisdom, long life, memory, and vitality. I feel like this elephant in the painting, facing a number of challenges head-on, but I will prosper and live a healthy life. 
 
Mediums: Watercolor on paper. Professional watercolor paints on 100% cotton paper; 8" x 10". 
 

Like an Elephant

There is no life without hope. It is said that a person can't live without hope for any length of time. Cancer fighters always need hope for survival. When hit with such a life-ending disaster, those impacted are forced to dig deep to find hope in the most unlikely places.

Since being relieved of my day job several years ago because of the debilitating effects of cancer, I have sought many avenues of diversion from the torturing effects of the disease and hope for living. Creative expressions, such as a prolific backyard garden, writing a book about my experiences (MY GOD IT’S CANCER), and oil painting are among the tactics I have employed, as I journey through the experience in faith. 

I have come to relish spring above all seasons. Spring brings the birth of new lives and growth, particularly with the abundance of flowers bursting in radiance with a profusion of brilliance, colors, and shapes. Their delicate blossoms permeate their surroundings with a potpourri of fragrances, diversity, and styles. So easy on the eye, yet complex in design. By enchantment of these wonders of nature, it’s not unlikely to displace hopelessness and fear, with visions of a beautiful, if but for a moment.

Flowers speak life into nature, they show no concern for their short lifespan. Some wilt and die within hours, losing the essence of what defines them. Yet, for the time that God allows them to bloom, they radiate and dance flirtatiously with the breeze, with no worries, nor care. While frolicking and flaunting, their alluring essence naturally entices birds and insects, and even humans, find it difficult to resist the urge to touch, smell and adore this awesome spectacle of creation. They give so much within their short life, incomparable with anything in creation.

This painting titled, Flower Burst, is my expression on an 18 x 24-inch oil on canvas that sought to push and contrast the richness and brilliance of colors and textures to accentuate what nature presented. It is my attempt to capture and preserve hope by extending the lives of these flowers in their exuberance. Essentially, it is my vision of hope through Spring flowers beyond April showers. 



Flower Burst

Cancer has no beginning or end such as the lines in this painting. There is so many directions it can go. It’s chaos.

Chaos

I painted this painting to be put in the cancer center as one of the first things people see as they are going in for their treatment/ appointment. I hope that it gives them just a small amount of peace during the tough times.

Peace

During my cancer treatments, everyday I would tell myself to be strong, to be the lion today. 

Strength

Cancer is something that can consume your mind. The brilliants and strength of an eagle was something I use to help me to keep my mind strong. 

Soar Like an Eagle

I have been in treatment for stage 4 adenocarcinoma lung cancer at Dartmouth Cancer Center in Lebanon, NH since my diagnosis in April 2021.
 
I created a collage that captures much of my story. Except for the photos, all of the items are from my treatment in infusion and radiation; numerous infusion wristbands, IV tubing, and flowers made from flexible tape used over gauze.  Photos include my oncologist, radiation oncologist, and mindfulness teacher; others of me in my Aquaplast mask (!), me and my husband and brother & sister, and images of Buddhist related resources, and my patient reflection posted in the Mettle Heath Community on Instagram.

Adenocarcinoma Collage

Throughout my cancer journey and beyond, creating art has been very therapeutic for me. I created this piece as a reminder to always look for the positive in life. After my journey through cancer, I realized that I needed to appreciate all that I have and not dwell on the difficult time that I was going through. If you start each day being grateful and positive, it sets the mood for the entire day ahead, and helps you to feel better and hopeful for the future, no matter what lies ahead.  
 
This original work of art is 10” x 8”. To create this Mixed Media piece, I used Acrylics on canvas. I then collaged in different papers, some that I created using my Gelli plate. I also added in paper strips with text, to finalize the piece.

Grateful Heart

Watercolor Painting

The collection of flowers and plants represent healing through nature.  I have a love of gardening and then found comfort in learning the new skill of watercolor painting to express my eight years of blessings living with cancer and chemo. Eight years of cancer treatments continue, as I give appreciation and gratitude to my wonderful, amazing medical team. 
Blessings continue to fill my life since my diagnosis in 2014.   


Eight Years of Blessings

Cyanotype on Watercolor paper.
 
In February 2022, I was diagnosed with colon cancer. From the moment, the doctor said he tattooed and took a biopsy of a tumor during my colonoscopy I was stunned, and the surreal experience began. 

Prior to this unexpected diagnosis I felt like I was rarely sick, ate well and was healthy. I never expected to hear the words, "you have colon cancer." I had no idea what it even really was. I never met anyone with it and so I told myself this isn’t so bad. I will find a doctor and they will remove it and that’s it. 

But what I didn’t realize was it wasn’t so simple. I was now in a club I didn’t choose to be a part of. I didn’t know how to talk about it, and no one had the right thing to say. I felt I needed silence to process and therefore turned back to making my cyanotypes, which is where I would have a conversation with myself and share with others how I was feeling. When making my art, I would forget about the diagnosis and all the things that come with cancer. The art as therapy was healing and gave me the space and time to reflect. I was able to create beauty when I felt the opposite.
 
This is a special piece, the hands include myself, my children, my best friend of 38 years, and her children. I made this collaborative piece with the idea of having a witness of our yearly planned time together, a piece showing our connection, love, sisterhood, motherhood, support, and friendship. The flowers chosen in this image, Queen Anne’s Lace, represents, safety, sanctuary and refuge. Ferns symbolize family, hope for the future generations and new beginnings. Horseshoe crabs come from an ancient line. We love to collect them on the beach. They are a symbol that is used to protect against any form of evil and the horseshoe crab is known to protect many from diseases. Also included a crab which symbolizes resilience, adaptability, change and growth. Crabs are resourceful, they rarely back down from a fight, they aren’t aggressive, but they are not pushovers. Crabs are symbolic of our need to protect ourselves.
 
 
 

Summer Love

Cancer can be a kind of winter, an isolation, a loneliness. And  it can also be an anticipation of new experiences and connections, and that is what this photograph is about.  

Winter has its own beauty but I’m looking forward to the snow melting off of our chairs and sitting with friends and talking and laughing and maybe crying.

Waiting for Spring

My cousin Sandy and I grew up a bridge apart: she in Niagara Falls Canada me in Niagara Falls NY. She is two months younger than I.

During the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, she found out she had breast cancer and had a double radical mastectomy.

She also all her life wanted a King Charles Spaniel. So she got Coffee.
more breast cancer surgery.

She is an amazing brave person and I painted Coffee to give her as a gift.

Its an 11x17 watercolor painted on Arches paper


Im going to see her the 27th of this month and I hope she likes it
    


Coffee, the King Charles Spaniel

My artwork is titled "Music Spiral" and is drawn on a 3.5-inch square heavy-weight artist tile with black Micron pens.
 
"Music Spiral" was inspired by a quote from Albert Einstein: "Human beings, vegetables, or cosmic dust, we all dance to a mysterious tune intoned in the distance by an invisible player."  

It is in "zendala" format, a Zentangle (R) version of a mandala. In this piece, I wanted to reflect the synergy between music and art, both very powerful tools I rely on for physical and emotional healing. When using this for meditation, I move beyond my own immediate health issues and am better able to  appreciate the universality of experience that connects  us all on our journey through cancer. 

Music Spiral

This piece is called "Labyrinth." It is drawn on a 3.5-inch square heavy-weight artist tile with black Micron pens.  

Currently undergoing treatment for multiple myeloma, I chose to create a labyrinth both because of its traditional use as a centering and healing tool and as a representation of the path through the cancer experience. When creating the design, I drew on the meditative qualities of a labyrinth to focus my thoughts.  Now when using the labyrinth, I pause along the path to identify the challenges and potential obstacles of the moment.  Once reaching the center, I reflect on progress and positive developments before retracing the path back to the everyday.

Labrynth

Mediums: Mixed Media including acrylic paint, cardboard, burlap, feathers, embellishments and pen & ink
 
“Fearless” is mixed media composed of a combination of the very different mediums and styles of both my dad and myself resulting in a visually interesting assemblage art piece. This piece features my dad’s stunning leopard pen & ink stipple drawing incorporated into rugged textures and earthly elements. 

It’s an extremely personal piece for me. It represents determination, courage and love. My dad was diagnosed with colon cancer and in the last months of his life, I promised him that I would show his art to the world. He never had the opportunity to do that. He was way too talented for his work to go unnoticed and unappreciated. 

My dad inspired me to become the best artist and daughter that I could be. My mom also died of cancer just 11 months prior to my dad. They were together for 60 years. This piece gave me strength to deal with their deaths. It made me stronger and gave me a purpose go on so I could create more art to inspire people going through a difficult time of loss.
 

Fearless

My name is Jami Millon and I am a 4 and a half year oligodendroglioma survivor.  Due to the location of my tumor, I lost a lot of strength and function in my right (drawing) hand.  I have been working with a local cancer organization for several years to get some function restored. The bird reminds me that even with brain cancer, I can soar and accomplish things with time and patience. This piece was done on watercolor paper with pigmented ink and watercolors.

Watercolor Birds

I am a survivor of both breast cancer and recently ovarian cancer. 

I painted this collage or acrylic mixed media piece after my first cancer and after my husband lost his battle with prostate cancer as we had cancer at the same time .  I was blessed with a friend who later came to be my beau. He has been by my side through everything. He has seen me widowed and living alone for the first time in my life, managing day to day, and at first worrying about scans,  doctor's appointments, chemotherapy,  and reoccurrence of cancer.  

I have at times been overwhelmed with myself trying to do everything. Now, researching for answers and reassurance, and overthinking everything. He wrote me the note in the painting and I had put it on my refrigerator so that it would remind me "One Day at a Time."  

I decided to put it in a piece of my work as I paint to relax and focus on something other than the creeping thoughts. I added "relax and restore" from some piece that I saw on my newspaper recycle pile while I was painting. I see the piece everyday and it reminds me to slow down, breathe,  don't overthink everything, pace myself and that no matter what happens....all will be well! 

Each day is a gift. The simple things in life are gifts  Love and friendship are gifts.  
 

One Day at a Time

My army son had taken the family to a gun range to show us how to shoot. I was terrified. I didn't have much courage. 

This army son, who is 27 years old, won't find out if he is a BRCA2 carrier like myself and my daughter. That is a type of courage which the women in my family have. 

Which courage is greater? 

This mixed media work has the gun range paper from that day underneath the art. 

BRCA2. Mixed Media on Wood

My piece was created after a lung cancer diagnosis and treatment. I had just lost my best friend to stomach cancer when they found my lung cancer. I was treated with radiation. It was a stressful time for me and my family. 
 
This piece was very cathartic in that it allowed me to dispel some of the anger in a non violent manner. You can see the chaos and frustration in the piece. The gold and white represent freedom while the black and dark red represent the fear and anger. It is dark but it brought me light.

The Journey

Long before I was diagnosed with bone cancer as a young adult, I enjoyed the creative process and making art. 
 
Throughout my cancer treatments, I learned to see the transcendent beauty that simple art materials can create while simultaneously providing comfort during times of pain, sadness and grief. The drawings and artwork I created during that time became a visual record of my journey — transforming my fears and challenges into strength and hope.  
 
Over the past decade, I have been creating dozens of tiny roll-up beads with messages of inspiration, love and hope written inside each bead. From the hand-painted canvas strips, to the colored yarn, beads, feathers and charms, every bead in this collection is unique. Every bead is created with intention and purpose. Some beads celebrate a milestone — like a clear scan or follow up visit with my oncologist, while other beads are in memory of loved ones  — both beloved humans and pets affected by cancer. 
 
Just as this bead collection is unique and meaningful, I am a human on a lifetime journey informed by cancer and holding space for hope - one bead at a time. 

Hold Space for Hope

Medium used is Procreate.

This was created shortly after I found out I was in remission post stem cell transplant. For me it represents the calm feeling I had that evening. After so many nights of worrying I could finally take a breath, as a survivor. 

Survivor Starfall

This piece is titled Under My Wings, it is acrylic on an old piece of a picket fence that I sanded by hand.  
 
In this piece, I wanted to reflect on how I will be a protector of my two daughters now and after my death. The wings represent a veil of security of a mothers never ending love.  I have been living with stage 4 Breast cancer for six years, and my biggest fear is leaving my daughters, Caroline and Victoria, motherless.  

I want them to know that I will always be a part of their body and soul no matter where my human body inhabits. My own mother died of this disease when I was 15 and I wish she had left something like this to have as a reminder. 

Under My Wings

This tile was made at Gilda’s Club of Metro Detroit in Royal Oak, Michigan, under the tutelage of Art Therapy instructor Lauren Alfonsi from the Barbara Ann Karmanos Healing Arts Center in Farmington Hills, Michigan, and an artist who demonstrated and helped us with the project, Nancy Opatich.

Since many of the support activities of these organizations are just getting back on track from the pandemic, we met in a tent outdoors at Gilda’s Club on a warm September evening.

This piece relates to my 17-year cancer journey in multiple ways. First and foremost, I have been supported, entertained, encouraged and cared for by a huge number of other cancer patients and support staff whom I have met through Gilda’s Club and the Karmanos Healing Arts Center. I have spent many enjoyable hours being lifted up by the camaraderie and shared experiences of the many fine people I have known.

Secondly, I am not much of an artist, but I was so thrilled as the image revealed itself. There really isn’t a specific name for the technique — I just followed Nancy’s advice and dropped the chosen colors on. She put the fire to it and as the alcohol burned off, it looked just like pictures I had seen of the Aurora Borealis in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan over the course of this summer!

The Aurora Borealis (Northern Goddess of the Dawn) is an incredible phenomenon. Yet it is just one example of the astonishing beauty and majesty of the natural world, and the stability and gentleness of the Earth, with all of her healing powers.

As I have followed this path of cancer survivorship, I have leaned many times on that deep core of grounding that our Earth provides. The brilliant colors and shimmering lights of the Aurora Borealis seem to be guiding my way to new beginnings.



Aurora Borealis

My goal for works such as the attached “Transcendence,” is to inspire others.  It is one of several works I have created incorporating and transforming artifacts from my treatment experience for metastatic breast cancer.  

Initially diagnosed in 2002 with breast cancer, it was found to be metastatic in 2016. Imagery that depicts the patient as a strong, vibrant person, albeit amidst treatment, empowers us to be seen as vital beings despite our diagnosis and gives us strength to go on.

Transcendence transforms the radiation head stabilizer, a necessary but constraining device, as it affixes the patient’s head to the platform for treatment, into a lotus garden arising from within. Inside the mask are waterlilies floating on calm waters; peaceful waters covering the mask are dotted with flowers and strewn with vibrant stems. They bathe the patient and the viewer in serenity and calm.

Transcendence

I am a neuroendocrine cancer survivor living on the coast of North Carolina. I was diagnosed almost 13 years ago during a routine colonoscopy. 

I’m alive and doing well today due to a combination of early detection, excellent medical care and the absolutely wonderful support of my family. 

The photo my wife is submitting for the 2023 CURE calendar is of a painting titled “Moonlight Over The Creek.”  It’s the view from our house she painted for me shortly after I was diagnosed. I have certainly had more good days than bad since diagnosis, but on the worst days this painting has been the source of much comfort. It represents the beauty and serenity of this area and my wife’s absolute and unrelenting support during our journey with cancer.  

I carry the photo of this painting on my phone for all the bad times when I can’t be home to see the scene in person. I would very much like to see it used in next year’s calendar, but even if it’s not I hope everyone who sees it gets as much comfort and joy from it as I have.  My wife and I thank you very much for the opportunity to submit her painting.

Moonlight Over the Creek

When I had cancer, my best friend was with me through the worst times. She gave me a little statue of two old women growing old together.

When she got cancer, her situation was much worse. Neuroendocrine carcinoma was daunting and deathly.

This piece reflects the pain of her death with only one of us left to grow older.

My Best Friend Died

I joined a fiber tribe group at Gilda’s Club during my cancer journey for breast cancer and still participate weekly. This is a crocheted blanket I made for my granddaughter. Zooming with cancer survivors as we create fiber pieces for our loved ones has brought me an immeasurable amount of joy and healing.

Crochet Blanket

Some projects in out wood shop out back that me and my dad worked on. We have made wood chests, bowls and cutting boards from scratch. Very therapeutic and nice to get your mind away from the stressful hospital visits and chemotherapy.

Woodworking

I painted this this year and it is part of a theme called "Fearless Belonging." I did this in acrylic on canvas, 24 x 36 inches as part of my Red Thread Guide training and using the practice of Intentional Creativity.

I painted it about one year after my last chemo, and, just when I was about to paint her hair, I stopped and sat down, realizing that this more truly represented my experience. Since then, I keep her on my bedroom wall and remember how grateful I am to be feeling like myself and even have hair again. 

Fearlessly not knowing. I/we matter.

It is about not feeling less than others because I had cancer, and what was so powerful to me is how vulnerable and naive I was. And how courageous going through cancer treatment is on so many levels.

Fearless Belonging

I used the program Inkscape to create the design

When we are diagnosed with cancer, we involuntarily join a group of people with similar experiences. When I was diagnosed with breast cancer, I joined the “Breast Cancer Sorority.” The picture represents my joining of the “sorority.” 

I decided to use the term “fellowship” as men can get breast cancer too. The graphic represents the treatments I received: chemo, surgery, and radiation along with my transformation. 

I included the breast cancer ribbon at the center of the graphic. The infusion represents chemotherapy, which was the “devil.” The person represents breast surgery. The last stage of treatment was radiation, represented by the person in the radiation machine. The butterfly represents my metamorphosis from life before cancer diagnosis, through life during treatments, and to life after them. 

My transformation on my long-haul journey and living with the undercurrent of recurrence.

Breast Cancer Fellowship

This is a pen & ink painting that I did this year.  It represents myself and how tangled & twisted my feelings are about having NHFL and being on watch and wait, always waiting for the other shoe to drop.  But you'll notice how visual, creative and prolific the strands of her are that keep her afloat, because my creativity is what keeps me from diving down the rabbit hole and instead helps me focus on the beauty this life has given me.

Blowing in the Wind

Acrylic paint on board
 
My story isn’t unique but, it is my story and I hope it will help you realize that you can survive this disease and live a normal life.
 
I’ve always been the type of person who sees the glass half-full, but in the face of cancer, the emotional tug of war seems endless.
There is despair, after learning I have cancer.
There is hope, knowing I will fight and do whatever is necessary to defeat this.
There is despair, because so much is unknown, so much is uncertain.
But, there is hope in the embrace of my family and friends, whose love and support gives me strength.
Yet, now there is only hope. No other word encompasses all that I feel today.
 
As in my painting I grabbed my hair with my right hand and the other to my chest. The background in my painting you see a "V" which is symbolic for victorious.
The colors show you the emotional pain I was in and then the hope I had felt after the treatments.
 
I am now a breast cancer survivor. 
And my painting says it all!
 

My Despair, My Hope

Medium: Hand Blown Glass
 
I created this piece amid a raging storm named Cancer. Undoubtedly, those 
tormented by the disease have experienced this inner discord. You are not alone.

Storm

This piece is 40 x 40 inches charcoal on stretched linen panel.
 
My Mum was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer, a melanoma of the sinuses in December 2015. There was hope that new treatment would help, however she passed in just three months at the end of March 2016. I was on a plane home and did not get to say goodbye. 
 
The piece came as a self portrait of what it felt like to be present yet not through the illness and also the grief. At the time it felt like the cord that tied me to who I was had become untethered. This work was the start along with poetry, writing  to begin the journey through grief of my mother, my best friend and my biggest cheerleader in life. My intent is to create a memoir of art, poetry, writing on the subject as a tribute to her but also to help others on how art can help heal the wounds.
 

Held in Grief

Cancer does not define me, it motivates me. I view my cancer journey a blessing (maybe not the treatment segment, so much) because it afforded me the countless opportunities in enriching my life.  

Through perseverance and determination it has strengthened my mind, body, and spirit. And now I have returned to the roster of life and my lifelong interest in team sports. I am a COMPETITOR! 

Competitors

Mixed media on watercolor paper

These small cards offer antidotes to the negative, lonely feelings that typically follow a cancer diagnosis and the unsure path that lies ahead.

I’m a survivor of stage 2B amelanotic melanoma.

InspoCards (2022)

I graduated from one of the finest design schools in 1978 with my art and design winning awards and appearing all over the world for close to 30 years. Then my successful life imploded and crashed without a sound when it was confirmed that I have a brain cancer tumor and the prognosis is my life will end in three months to three years.
 
So, on Ground Hogs Day, Feb. 2nd 2007 at 5:31 a.m. I began what is now a 15-year adventure.
 
I lost coordinated function of my right side due to this tumor in the left temporal area of my brain and also CNS non-Hodgkin type “B” lymphoma ravaging my body. I survived four brain surgeries with many mistakes, an exploratory lung biopsy, and the toxic cocktail of an aggressive chemotherapy. Toss in the implosion of a marriage of 28 years and everything I ever worked for put on the block. Dark times are an understatement.
 
Despite years of trials and tribulations I regain function of my right side and my creative side has blossomed with encouragement and support of my family, and my neuro team.
 
I’m approaching my sixteenth year of survivorship and have created over eighty artworks in multiple forms of media. 
 
The watercolor artwork I present to you is titled “Olivia”. The woman presented is a model that reminded me of one of my neuro-oncology nurses.

Olivia

slideshow

I am a stage 3 breast cancer survivor, and my scar is a way of creating awareness by getting women to be proactive about their health. 
 

Untitled

I am amazed my the amount of artistry and talent that men and women have used to channel, share or inspire others along their cancer walk.

I do not have walls decorated in such pieces. My husband is an art teacher…and well that was not something I have learned yet. But I immediately thought of my date book for last year. When I untie the ribbon, all of the pictures, cards, special keepsakes to help me remember the good times scatter on my desk. 

This book has gone with me to every appointment, hospital stay, family function and vacation. It is an extension of my brain and heart. But the contents are not what I am sharing with you for your contest. I wanted to share the cover. This is a Hobonichi Techno Cousin yearly planner. I made a collage out of snippets that were close to my heart, stickers, magazine clipables etc. 

The mama bear references, the butterfly that was colored by my son, Garrett. He is 15, has the best heart and lives with autism, anxiety and ADHD. These remind me that no matter what I am his hero, champion and advocate. These along with as positive words or affirmations that I needed to rejoice in the day, good or bad. I should never stop looking for the strength to get through the setbacks and hardship that come with battling (for over nine years) stage 3 breast cancer, double mastectomy, radiation, hormone therapy, physical therapy, chemo brain and next week I face the left side of a flap surgery on my left breast to repair scar tissue and range of motion.

I am a lady of faith that believes God has a plan for my life. I want to be an inspiration for those who need a reason to believe and positive thoughts to put them, like myself, in positive mindsets to face the day.


Planner Collage

On my morning walk near my home, I spotted these beautiful pumpkins. The colors were so gorgeous.

Cancer is not.

I started thinking, cancer attacks every color.

How does this relate to my personal cancer? Well, the roundness of the pumpkins are rather breast like. Need I say more? 
The orange, red, pumpkin, like blood flowing. I also have polycythemia vera. Beautiful photo in my opinion, deeper meaning.

Not Picky

Decorative boxes are a wonderful way to store keepsakes, to surprise a loved one with a hidden treasure or to decorate a shelf or mantel.  
 
The box I've made here was used to enclose various messages that I composed for my daughter so that she could read a different message for inspiration, courage or affirmation now and when I am no longer here to say these things to her in person. With stage 4 lung cancer, I know my time is limited. Making this box was the perfect way to focus on the things I felt were important for her to hear from me.
 
Materials:
 
Book board
Decorative papers
Wet glue
Clear tape
A beaded button and Chinese Penny to facilitate opening and closing the box
Matt knife
Bone folder
Ruler

Decorative Boxes

I painted this mixed media piece to remind myself that although I see most everything in black-and-white, there’s always a little pop of color somewhere, and if we look hard enough, we’ll find it.

Self Portrait

My name is Gail Durant, and I experienced cancer through my husband Bob, in the care I provided for him. He passed in 2013 with glioblastoma multiforme 4. We were extremely close and did everything together. He loved flowers and walks with nature. I just recently started painting when COVID-19 hit. I'll never forget in the infusion room where my husband was being treated for his cancer that there were flowers outside the window and we used to sit and watch the hummingbirds come by. The window with flowers inspired me to paint this and I was pleasantly surprised how well it came out for my third painting. I also incorporated yellow roses as my mom died of lung cancer and yellow roses were her favorite flower. I did all the flowers with a Q-tip and toothpick.

This artwork was originally submitted for the CURE® 2021 Healing Through Hues Calendar Contest.

Window Flowers

For "Stay Close," I wanted to convey the sense of comfort you get from a good scan but in the company you keep. There are people in your life, especially while facing cancer, that just make you feel loved, supported and comforted. Those people give me the same feelings a good scan report does. They give me hope. This piece was hand drawn digitally with Procreate.

This artwork was originally submitted for the CURE® 2021 Healing Through Hues Calendar Contest.

Stay Close

I am a restless, hyperactive individual. I always have to be doing something. So, imagine me confined to my room for years because of cancer. As soon as I could muster up the smallest amount of strength, I was overdoing things with an outrageous sense of urgency. One by one I started to paint the rooms of our house, expanded my backyard garden, wrote and published a book, “My God It’s Cancer,” and resumed oil painting. And yes, I paid the price for violating the doctors’ orders many times. 

This artwork was originally submitted for the CURE® 2021 Healing Through Hues Calendar Contest.

Light Magnolia

"Keep Going" was inspired by the (to me) unhelpful posters of this nature that exist at most cancer centers. I know personally that cancer can take away all of those things - that is the reality. However, cancer cannot conquer you if you keep putting one foot in front of the other each day and keep going. This piece was hand drawn digitally in Procreate. 

This artwork was originally submitted for the CURE® 2021 Healing Through Hues Calendar Contest.

Keep Going

My very good friend, Steffi Goddard, is a professional artist. About six months after my cancer diagnosis, during a particularly rough mental patch, she recommended that I join her for an immersive painting experience to “get out of my head." I had never painted anything before and was a bit nervous. However, her process was incredible. She told me to write a poem or something meaningful to me on the canvas, after which I picked a single color to draw a line revealing my entire life journey. After all the twists and turns and loop-di-loops, I chose three to four water-based acrylics and started painting between those ‘journey’ lines. Splashes and blocks of color magically appeared. And then, the craziest instruction: turn the canvas this way and that way to find the UP that speaks to you. Now, step back. Breathe. Look at it. What did I see? She gave me a piece of charcoal and all of a sudden I sketched a leg and a dress, and a goddess dancing her way to freedom with her arms above her head in ecstasy, and it just kept coming to life. The dress had movement, the fire crackled and the wisteria cried. I added some stencil detail and then she asked me how I felt. I said, “Free - this is my freedom.” Her last instruction: take a piece of charcoal and write that word on the painting somewhere. Now take your other hand and write it again. It was an incredible four-hour experience and I look forward to my next painting.

This artwork was originally submitted for the CURE® 2021 Healing Through Hues Calendar Contest.

Freedom

This painting signifies that everyone has their time and struggles but even in tough times, home with loved ones is a safe place. I am caregiver for my husband who is undergoing treatment for both prostate and colon cancer. We have been fighting advanced metastatic prostate cancer for 16 years and in the past three weeks have added stage 3 colon cancer to our fight. ﻿ Painting is my therapy and takes me “away” from the daily stress and worries at least for a time. 

This artwork was originally submitted for the CURE® 2021 Healing Through Hues Calendar Contest.

It Was A Happy Home

This is a self-portrait from when I had cancer. I had gone through radiation therapy and was just getting the courage to reveal my bare head. My hair was just starting to grow back, having endured the treatment process. The artwork is a pencil drawing that is digitally edited.

This artwork was originally submitted for the CURE® 2021 Healing Through Hues Calendar Contest.

Girl When She Was Bald

This is a self-portrait from when I had cancer and was going through radiation therapy.  I often wore scarves to cover my baldness. The artwork is a pencil drawing that is digitally edited.  

This artwork was originally submitted for the CURE® 2021 Healing Through Hues Calendar Contest.

A Bald Girl With Scarf

I painted this watercolor painting while attending an art therapy class at Ann's Place (a nonprofit serving clients who are facing cancer). I was undergoing chemotherapy for triple negative breast cancer and saw myself in that tiny boat floating precariously in a huge ocean. I felt powerless against my cancer.

This artwork was originally submitted for the CURE® 2021 Healing Through Hues Calendar Contest.

Barely Hanging On

At UCSD La Jolla attending an Expressive Arts class with Alessandra Colfi was part of our therapy and self-expression. It was a wonderful experience to draw from the heart what I was feeling in that moment. It was the first time I drew in my life, and that day was my daughter's birthday - December 17. I drew a birthday card, and with every millimeter I drew, a tear fell from my eyes thinking, "One day I will see you again." This drawing meaning everything to me: happiness, because with every letter of love I express to my daughter that I love her. Those colors she always liked and shapes that don't take you anywhere, happiness, bright flowers, and a dollar bill to bring you luck. But one day we are going to be together and we will remember this journal like the happiest years of our lives. I am strong and healthy. I am the happiest mother. 

This artwork was originally submitted for the CURE® 2021 Healing Through Hues Calendar Contest.

My Daughter's 26th Birthday

This painting signifies how nature can soothe the soul. I am caregiver for my husband who is undergoing treatment for both prostate and colon cancer. We have been fighting advanced metastatic prostate cancer for 16 years and in the past three weeks have added stage 3 colon cancer to our fight. ﻿ Painting is my therapy and takes me “away” from the daily stress and worries at least for a time.

This artwork was originally submitted for the CURE® 2021 Healing Through Hues Calendar Contest.

Calm Serenity

I painted this during my chemotherapy for uterine cancer. I needed to get some anger out and just started with the grey wave. I then found that doing my regular yoga really helped my mood and helped me get through it all so then I added the yoga pose and some blue healing light to the very dark wave.

This artwork was originally submitted for the CURE® 2021 Healing Through Hues Calendar Contest. 

Downward-Facing Wave

I am a seven-year survivor of non-small cell lung cancer which has progressed and is currently stage 4, metastatic and terminal. I’ve been painting and drawing as a hobby since I was about eight years old (I’m currently 69). This is a self portrait in mixed media (pastel, watercolor and colored pencil). In it I try to express my joy for the beauty of living and appreciation for each new day of life.

This artwork was originally submitted for the CURE® 2021 Healing Through Hues Calendar Contest. 

Live, Love, Breathe

This painting is my emotions on canvas about me having cancer and undergoing treatment during a pandemic which has divided our country politically and has also impacted our humanity. The red paint represents rage, the black fear and sadness, the orange worry, the pink love, the yellow hope, the blue kindness and the purple confusion.

Glorious Rage

I am a breast cancer survivor of 1.5 years. I had bilateral mastectomy and breast reconstruction, and I am doing very well. I embarked on photo art as a means to showcase joy and beauty that surround us.

Be Still and Know

I recently completed these two pieces they are 11 x 14 Acrylic. Painting releases stress for me, I find it very rewarding and relaxing. These pieces came through me trying to sleep and worrying and not worrying. I have completed treatment and have scans and an upcoming 3 month follow-up, interesting how we still are concerned although everything should and likely is fine. That is where these two paintings come from. One is "Calm & Concern" a dichotomy that is likely in all of us. The other is "Rise & Reach", about moving on.

Calm & Concern

Rise & Reach

I am undergoing chemotherapy for multiple myeloma. An important outlet for me is Zentangle(R), a meditative art form created by Rick Roberts and Maria Thomas which contributes to pain management and increased focus. It is based on combining structured patterns to create unique images which are non-representational and can be viewed from any angle, with no right or wrong. The Zentangle logo &quot;Anything is possible one stroke at a time(C)&quot; is a good guiding principle for anyone on the journey through treatment. This piece is drawn with a black Micron pen on a standard Zentangle 3-1/2&quot; heavy weight artist tile. I have been practicing Zentangle for several years and teach Zentangle for a local cancer support group.

Swing

April 2020 Oil on Canvas. I don&#39;t think I am alone in thinking, hoping, believing, that when I do the best I can, everything may turn out better than expected. However, now that CV-19 has infected our entire planet, my dream&#39;s are smaller. For now, I am simply grateful to be in my 5th year since diagnosis of Multiple Myeloma, &amp; receiving modern medicine that has worked well for me.

I Made a Home, and Found a Rainbow

In the 1976 book &ldquo;First, You Cry,&rdquo; 39-year-old NBC News correspondent Betty Rollin candidly described the &ldquo;swift kick life had just given in the form of breast cancer.&rdquo; Five years later, she reflected, &ldquo;Although cancer was the worst thing that ever happened to me, it was also the best&hellip; Today I feel that losing a breast saved my life, and wasn&rsquo;t I lucky. And when I think of all the other good things that have come from that loss, I just look at that flat place on my body and think: Small price.&rdquo; 
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As I reach the fifth anniversary of my own mastectomy, Betty Rollin inspires me to reflect on all the good things that have come from that loss. My daughter-in-law, Nicole Sundquist, captures my grateful heart in her painting of me, titled &ldquo;Small Price.&rdquo; The piece is oil on canvas. &mdash; Barbra Ely 
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Small Price

I was diagnosed with multiple myeloma in March 2018 and had a bone marrow transplant in February 2019. During 2018 while I was receiving a chemotherapy treatment, the lady from the cancer support center who runs painting sessions was sharing painting supplies with those of us getting infusions. This is the style she taught me. I enjoyed making it, but didn&rsquo;t give much thought to keeping the painting. My wife kept it, framed it and hung it in our home. When I see the painting, it brings a smile to my face as I think of the woman from the support center bringing smiles to others during a stressful time. God bless her.

Chemo Flowers

I hadn&#39;t painted at all since my surgery in November -- I just didn&#39;t have the heart for it. After doing a couple of small paintings of my horses, I decided I wanted to have a visual memory of this point in my cancer journey. This portrait is one of determination, hope, and strength.

Facing Cancer With Hope

Arab horse

I made this piece after going through uterine cancer that metastasized to my lung. It is made of handmade clay tiles and found objects.

Rebirth

I did this oils on panel painting to remind myself to breathe. For me, it feels like with every hurdle that comes up, I have a little less physical and mental reserves to jump it. When not-great things happen without much time in between to turn the world back right side up, I&#39;m not sure exactly how to weather that. This cancer thing definitely isn&#39;t easy. But then I remember there&#39;s always yellow --&nbsp; and my heart has to smile.

A Yellow-Filled Sunny Day

Living with stage 4 cancer can be consuming. Seems like it&#39;s always something -- another test, another side effect, another obstacle, another pill -- so it can be easy to get swallowed up and lost. But today, I&#39;m reminding myself there&#39;s a world outside of that -- and even if all that mess comes with me, as long as I can still get out there, I will.

Red Hatted Blue Sky Girl

I painted this 16x20 framed watercolor because I love horses and used to ride when I was young. Now I enjoy painting them. I love their beauty, the flow of their mane and the expression in their eyes. I&#39;m hoping that I may be able to go for a ride when I get better, just one more ride.

Regal Horse

This is an acrylic painting I completed recently during a moment when I was feeling unsettled. I started doodling a bird, and then as I added to the painting, my little bird came to life, as did I during those moments of stepping out.

Stepping Out

This is an acrylic painting I just completed which was painted from a photograph I took shortly before my cancer diagnosis. I have discovered a love for painting; it provides moments of focus and calm, control and new feelings of accomplishment! This is spring emerging in the forest where life will begin anew.

Spring Emerges

A few months before my breast cancer diagnosis, I retired from my &ldquo;day job&rdquo; to pursue a second career in photography, taking on assignments photographing corporate and social events. Since my diagnosis and treatment (consisting of surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation), I have continued to take on those assignments, but now I increasingly use my photographer&rsquo;s eye for subjects in nature, waiting for the right moment to capture birds, animals, and sunrises with my camera. This means finding new adventures outdoors, which has brought me considerable peace and has helped me heal.

Heron's Lunch

My husband, Paul, was diagnosed with multiple myeloma in 2011, and I&#39;ve been a caregiver for him. Then, last year, I was diagnosed with cancer, so Paul became my caregiver. 
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During Paul&#39;s treatments at CCHC New Bern Cancer Center in North Carolina, we would look out the window at the waterfall and waterlilies while watching the koi swimming in the pond. This pond helped both of us -- Paul with his treatments and me with my worries about him and his cancer. During a rough time receiving chemotherapy or thinking about prognosis or test results, it was so relaxing and peaceful to look at the pond. 
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More recently, CCHC New Bern moved to merge with CarolinaEast SECU Cancer Center, leaving the pond behind. I wanted to bring some of &quot;our peaceful place&quot; to the new hospital. Now, walking through the door, the first thing you see is my painting hanging on the wall. The koi pond may be gone, but some of its peace and tranquility are still there. It reminds me that we made it through hard times, and together we will make it through whatever life throws our way. It&#39;s been a journey and the ride is far from being over, but there is always hope. 
&nbsp;

Koi Pond 

My photography allows me to experience uninhibited feelings through the lens. Being in the moment to feel hope, happiness, lightness, confidence and connection with the beautiful scenes of nature is a diversion from my oftentimes chaotic journey with cancer. 
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In this photograph, the caterpillar signifies new potential with a promise of life. I took the photograph as part of series featuring the caterpillar and the butterfly. Both photos were taken on a day when I was not feeling quite like myself with no idea that only a few months later I was to learn of my stage 3 cancer diagnosis. Yet, at the time, I was drawn to this enchanting caterpillar, which represents potential, patience and new life. When the caterpillar births into the butterfly, it further signifies endurance, change, hope, transformation and rebirth. Where there is life, there is hope! I look at this photograph often and feel patiently hopeful for the moment, for the day. 
&nbsp;

Hope & Life

I am a 20-year survivor of breast cancer, but I am now struggling with this disease. I am a patient at St. Francis Cancer Institute, and I do watercolor art therapy with the palliative care nurse at the St. Francis Infusion Center while I get my treatments. I called this one Perseverance because I will not give up!

Perseverance 

I&#39;m Eileen Dwyer, nurse manager at St. Francis Cancer Institute. My oncology nurses utilized art therapy to battle compassion fatigue, and we turned the artwork of one of my nurses, Adriana Wise, into a card that we give patients on special occasions. I submitted an image of the front of the card; now, here&#39;s an image of the back.

Art From Our Heart, part 2

My name is Eileen Dwyer, and I am a nurse manager at St. Francis Cancer Institute. My oncology nurses utilized art therapy to battle compassion fatigue, and this is the artwork of one of those nurses, Adriana Wise. From there, we decided to make her artwork into a card. We give our patients this card, individually signed by the nurses, for different celebrations such as birthdays or completion of treatment. Our patients love this card!

Art From Our Heart

The Men&rsquo;s Art Group at Karmanos Cancer Center (Gerald Mitchell, Ken Pieti, Tim O&rsquo;Neill, Jeff Levinson, Howard Katz, Suneel Sekhri, and Andi Sandles) collaborated to create this artwork to represent what it feels like to try to be in the present moment as cancer survivors. With cancer and its anxieties, cancer thrivers are constantly haunted by what the future will bring. While engulfed in fear of the next doctor&rsquo;s appointment, during the limbo period waiting for test results, wondering what the source of that new pain is, and everything else the brain twists and latches onto to ruminate over, time in the present moment is slipping away. Time that was once considered plentiful now seems scarce. &ldquo;Think Ahead&rdquo; is the reminder to use what is experienced in the present moment to plan for the next thing coming instead of living in fear of the possibilities that might or might not come to fruition; to accept that the battle of learning to let go is a constant journey and what it looks like to be on that strenuous journey post-treatment.

Think Ahead

&nbsp;This surrealistic, mixed-media image (acrylic and colored pencil) is a collaboration between Suneel Sekhri and Tim O&rsquo;Neill. We share a journey to beat prostate cancer. The figure in this desert has come upon a wall with a glimpse of comfort and/or hope on the other side, symbolized by the colorful carpet. Our men&rsquo;s cancer support art group meets every Tuesday to share stories of our cancer journey and ideas about our art. As a group, we&rsquo;ve learned there are moments and instances in life that can&rsquo;t be explained, just felt. Embrace this from heart.

(Discovered)... Embracing every moment of life

This watercolor of a faceless patient in the prone position illustrates the shell that often remains after the reproductive system has been removed and after high-dose radiation and chemotherapy for adenocarcinoma of the cervix. Pelvic cancer patients face such stigma and feelings of emptiness and loss. My goal is to end stigma to save lives.

Leftovers: Post Pelvic Cancer

The Vivaldi Flower Petal Table was started in the two-week rest period between the first and second of my stem cell infusions at the Myeloma Center in Little Rock, Arkansas. Though I was not supposed to be in my shop, let alone using power tools, I had to know I was still able to create. The starting of the Vivaldi Flower Petal Table and being back in my studio, though briefly, propelled me through the second go-round of the intense chemotherapy prior to the final stem cell infusion. Though it would be another two years before I could finish the table, knowing it was there waiting to come to life got me through the hundreds of needle pricks, stomach shots, port changes and never-ending bone marrow biopsies. It is made from American black walnut.

Vivaldi Flower Petal Table

This piece expresses a philosophy of sorts for enjoying each day to its fullest. It was made with pen, ink and colored pencil.

Cancer

This is an oil painting I completed that represent the colorful and complex life of living with cancer.

Peace in the city

This is a acrylic multi media painting I did that reflects my focus on beauty and peace. My cancer journey is full of ups and downs and I try to focus on peace and beauty.

Field of flowers 

This is a prisma colored pencil drawing that I completed for a local hospital near me. The drawing is hung within the women&#39;s cancer unit of the hospital. The piece is to encourage women during their cancer journey and their time while they are at the hospital.

Leila

This is a prisma colored pencil drawing that I completed. Horses were the way for me to escape when both my mother and grandmother were facing ovarian and breast cancer. Going to the barn and spending time with the horses was my personal therapy that helped me get through that difficult time within my life.

Horse Healing 

Cancer is random, like paint pour. Cancer is also alien and difficult to fully accept. At best we all need to come to peace with it. I have stage 4 terminal cancer. I&#39;m OK with it.

Peaceful Pilots

This piece is made from metal materials (iron, chrome and copper wire) that flash a blue blinking light between two sauce pot lids.&nbsp;A UFO, like cancer, is often an unknown paradox.&nbsp;

Flashing Saucer

I am a student at the University of Toledo studying graphic and interactive design, and I drew this portrait using colored pencils. 
 
Cancer has the ability to dramatically change a person&#39;s life. When I was a child, both my mother and grandmother were affected by breast and ovarian cancer. I saw how cancer had the ability to shape and change a women&#39;s self esteem and femininity. Cancer shaped their ideas about themselves and gave me a mature perspective about the psychological impact of the disease. Recently, I was given the opportunity to create artwork for the women&rsquo;s cancer unit at a hospital near where I had grown up. This piece is hung within the hospital to help those going through chemotherapy to escape the stresses of cancer treatment. This work is to serve as an encouragement to the women as they are battling cancer, portraying the power, beauty, femininity and strength that each woman has within themselves. 
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Summer Daze

I am a four-year survivor of ovarian cancer. I was married on January 1, 2016 and was diagnosed with stage 3c ovarian cancer. Since then, I have had four recurrences. Art was not a part of my life until I was diagnosed with cancer. Bruno Cancer Center in Birmingham, Alabama had an art therapy group and I decided to see what it was all about. Our art instructor started teaching me art techniques and I practiced until I began seeing a gift that God had given me. Art saved me from all the emotions associated from cancer. I love animals, and I love doing pet portraits. Luther was one of my models. 
 
In the picture, I&#39;m holding my painting and my sister-in-law, Lisa Allen, is holding Luther, her cat.

Luther

I used to photograph and process black-and-white photos. I had a stack of rejects and decided to paint them with watercolors, creating a new medium from an old. All of my artwork relates to my cancer journey, as it takes the edge off anxiety and keeps me sane. This one does that in particular, since my other sanity enhancer is my garden.

Essence of Nasturtium

My husband has multiple myeloma. I painted this bluejay with watercolor and colored pencil. I use photographs and greenery from our yard as inspiration. My husband is doing well. He encourages me to keep creating art during his ongoing chemotherapy, so I do.

Blue Jay

I was diagnosed with small cell lung cancer in January 2014. A year-and-a-half later when I was in thick of treatment, I drew this cartoon because I could find no words to express the frightening, unknowable future that was before me. My work in gouache, ink and pencil is 5 inches by 7 inches and was created in New York, New York on July 15, 2015.

Speechless

My mixed-media work is in alcohol ink and acrylic pen, on 8X10 Yupo. As I push on during treatment for follicular non-Hodgkin lymphoma, so does my creativity. This piece was done as I was going through immumo/chemotherapy.

Art Gallery

2023 CALENDAR: Healing Through Hues

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