If you read my previous blog posts, you know about my diary and how a pen and a paper helped me through my breast cancer journey. You also know how important this diary has become in my efforts to educate others and to remember my own experiences.
Despite my writing, however, I still felt that I was missing something. That something prevented me from truly expressing my inner feelings. Writing was not enough! I felt I had to translate my feelings, my needs as a woman, mother, and friend during the most complex chapter in my life, into images.
I realized this need during my chemotherapy, understanding that I had to capture this new image of myself that, even as the treatment was designed to kill everything in its way, was giving birth to a new me.
It became a vital need to capture those feelings and transform them to images. Not only for me, but also for my family and others trying to understand how patients like me feel. I called my best friend and asked her to jump on the train and bring her camera. I knew that she would be able to spontaneously capture me in that moment when I discovered my “key words,” as well as capture the physical signs of my battle against cancer.
It took only a few hours in the garden at my house to do this. No artifacts. Just us and Mother Nature.
My key words and phrases were:
Unplugged – Love Me – I need You – Touch Me – Introspection – Recto/Verso – Not Me! – Don’t hide – A Serial Killer – Born in 2015 – Mother Nature – Can I have some? – Between Daughters – 4 Forever
We were so proud, all family members! And we felt so good, especially me. I had been able to express everything I wanted. I could finally see my feelings & fears. I could accept even better my body. I felt beautiful, I felt woman, I felt alive, I felt real, and I felt so strong. Invincible. This is not the case for so many women, hence my reason to try to reach out to everyone by any means to invite them to find their way to release their feelings.
In looking at the pictures, someone said, ”This is art!” Indeed, I realized that the forms and contours of the black-and-white pictures of this “once-in-a-lifetime event” could be considered as such!
I couldn’t stop looking at a few, wondering how I could end up like that.
I knew that my family would keep these pictures forever. Maybe show their children one day. I think this was the biggest injection of self-awareness and protection I could provide for my daughters; having them realize that they need to take control as they grow up, be aware and listen to their bodies.
Back to the word “therapy.” Yes, art is considered a cancer therapy and I’m not surprised! When I think about how strongly I needed to accomplish this project to feel better; how empowered I felt during and especially after that photo shoot; how it strengthened my acceptance and reduced my negative view of myself, it’s crystal clear that it helped shape a positive mindset. Many studies find that art therapy can positively affect stress and anxiety and even reduce treatment-related side effects.
I discovered how many cancer patients turn to creative activities, becoming models for sculptures and painters, or doing their own photography or painting. Some creations have a much darker signature than mine and I understand that. It might be tough to look at, but it’s how women are translating their real feelings, needs, and emotions. It’s personal and represents their inner thoughts. It’s just amazing! You can learn more by clicking on the links below.
Please share your projects with us!
Leave a Reply