Artists Make Art in Treatment
This section of the exhibit highlights three artists who had established art careers before their cancer diagnosis.
All three used their art practice to cope with the experiences of the disease.
Two, Val and Laurel, participated in the CSMC art therapy groups and the other, Mack, passed away before those groups were established.
Val's and Laurel's art are testimonies to hope and Mack's, lovingly contributed by his dear friends, is a legacy to his belief in the creative process.
Artists Make Art in Treatment
Ali's Cookies, 2015
Mack McInnis
36" x 9'
acrylic on canvas
Artist: Mack McInnis, Esq.
May 1954 - May 2019
Norman Kenneth McInnis, Esq. (Mack) was a highly regarded Attorney at Law. Never-the-less, those closest to him understood that his love of art and his love to paint was what was truly in his heart. When diagnosed with late stage Multiple Myeloma, it was Mack’s instinct to continue to paint which provided the inspirational power he would need during his most perilous journey. While navigating a myriad of medical procedures and experimental trials, Mack was processing his release from the emotional confines of his professional life. During the grueling course of intensive treatments, he always appreciated the dedication and love from those that cared for him. Mack had been experiencing what he previously believed unattainable: Unconditional Love.
The great big happy swirls on multiple panels titled “Ali’s Cookies” perfectly represents how much his heart had opened up to all that he loved, and to all that loved him back. Mack painted “Ali’s Cookies” as his gift of love for Ali, the 99 year old neighbor that baked those cookies just because she loved him!
What an amazing inspiration Love can be to those who are open to it!
The Other Shoe Dropping, 2020
Laurel Welcome
24" x 36"
oil
I’M HERE
Painting/Writing/being
Pushing away the thought of “The other shoe dropping.”
I’m Here,
With my husband
He is my guardian angel
He always watches out for me
He always tries to understand
Most of the time he gets me
I am most grateful
For his true love of me
I am not alone with him
Yet, we both love
and indulge in our individual
Creative, alone, space
I’m Here,
With my daughter,
My sister,
My brother,
Our reciprocal love is shared
I am most grateful
I’m Here,
With my friend Lily
We laugh a lot, wherein
TIME does not exist
Only our free flowing spirits
I am blessed to have such a friend.
I’m Here, Supported by Unique, Caring, Cedar Doctors
Holding Through the Storm, 2020
Valerie Graniou-Cook
40" x 30"
acrylic
Through pain we learn compassion, love for the self and others, we deepen. Love yourself, recognize and accept how hard it has been. Have compassion for yourself and others.Allow the tears. Allow the pain to come out, feel it and let it go. Thank the experience, the learning and then let it go as much as you can by focusing on gratefulness for the present moment.
Emerging, 2020
Valerie Graniou-Cook
36" x 24"
acrylic-mixed media
“Why do angels fly? Because they take everything lightly”
Light enough to fly.
We cannot always change the conditions of our life but we can become lighter. When we do, it becomes easier and we can fly.
This is a paradigm shift as when external conditions cannot be changed, we need to lighten our perspective which will bring more energy to heal and function properly. We will grow wings that will rise us above the storm."
True North, 2020
Valerie Graniou-Cook
24" x 18"
acrylic-mixed media
Going though cancer treatment is like going through the biggest storm with the biggest waves. The way to make it through for me was to surrender to my True North and to allow the universe to guide me thru. Ride the wave of pain by allowing fear and anxiety to coexist with breathing and surrendering to your True North one step at the time. And one day at the time.
Continue to
Personal Experiences of Cancer
EXPLORE EXHIBITION
-
Hands to heART Introduction
-
Art Psychotherapy Group
-
Expressive Workshop
-
Artists Make Art in Treatment
-
The Imagery of Art Therapists Impacted by Cancer
VIEW EXHIBITION CATALOGUE
