Take A Deep Breath… And Hold
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This project is made possible by a stipend from the
Hayti Heritage Center in Durham, NC.
It is a continuous project so check back as I share new works in progress and then more finished art.
Other artists will be invited to show their work on this topic and will be credited when pictured.
Take A Deep Breath… And Hold
This artistic project documents my breast cancer journey. A series of fiber and wood art will capture many emotions from the deeply challenging to the profoundly inspiring.
The project name is taken from the instructions I was given over and over again during radiation treatments. Seemingly simple directions, but at first I could not do it properly. The technician came over a few times and helped me practice. A deep breath in and hold until they said I could relax. I would do this multiple times during the 15 minute session. Finally I asked why it was necessary and it was explained that holding my breath helps protect my heart and lungs by moving them out of the radiation field.
My entire cancer experience can be correlated to taking a deep breath; and holding, and holding, and holding......
Scream Therapy
We Dont Walk Alone
We Dont Walk Alone
Escaping The Ribbon
Escaping The Ribbon
Everyone recognizes the pink ribbon as support for breast cancer. The comradery among women that have suffered this illness is strong and vital. But, no one wants to belong to this pink ribbon club. We want the cancer gone from our bodies and we want to escape with our life!
This 17" x 60" art quilt depicts women lifting each other up and jumping, tumbling, sliding and gliding to escape the ribbon; escape the cancer. At the bottom, after walking down the last steps, we are free and welcoming the sunshine.
Much of the fabric was donated by members of the quilt group which I belong: The African American Quilt Circle of Durham NC.
Song Of The Butterfly
While going through cancer treatment I was very sick. I was practically bedridden most of the time for the first five months. I was also isolated much of the time because it was during the pandemic. Every day I would listen to a song: one that would give me inspiration and some energy. (Cancer patients call it their "fight" song and it may be different for each person.) Music is therapy and so is art.
The flower in this art quilt is soft yet commanding, symbolizing both concealment and resilience. It covers her face as if shielding her from the world of cancer, yet its bloom radiates vitality—a reminder that even in moments of pain, beauty and strength persist.
Suspended around her are three large butterflies, floating freeform. In multiple cultures butterflies represent transformation, fragility, and the possibility of renewal. Each butterfly is a whisper of hope, carrying the promise that life, though altered by struggle, can still take flight in unexpected ways.
Song of the Butterfly is not only an art piece but a meditation on the resilience of women facing cancer. It is a visual hymn to pain, perseverance, and the quiet, unyielding hope that life, like music, finds a way to keep playing.
Machine embroidered Free Standing Lace ribbon butterfly for necklaces or ornaments. The file to create these was provided for free by a commercial company.
Hand painted broaches or I cut larger for wall plaques. Laser cut from wood.
Sometimes designs come by accident. I was designing a simple oval shaped earring file and skewed the design by accident. I thought " Wow, that looks like a breast". Refined it and added the face silhouette. I do these broaches in various combinations of wood and acrylic. Here the translucent pink acrylic is very subtle.
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