Hi everyone,
I've not updated in a long time. So sorry! This project - or it's continuation, it's evolution - just got put off to the side while I was dealing with various personal challenges. Most of those are settling and I placed some extra time into thinking about what I want for The Art Cure, now and in the future.
I've decided to make the Ebook version of The Art Cure Diaries free, right now available on Blurb.com as an Ipad version only. I'll get the Amazon/Kindle format as soon as I can.
My goal in making the Ebook free is to make it accessible to the majority because it's message and inspiration are priceless and this project was initiated through a desire to make a positive difference with art. Please pass it on to those you know who are dealing with or have dealt with breast cancer.
Lastly, as another option, you can either purchase a print copy, or preview the book in full if you don't have an IPad. Check back for info on other formats I'm working to have availalbe soon. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me here.
Enjoy!
-Tatiana
Saturday, February 2, 2013
Wednesday, August 8, 2012
THE ART CURE DIARIES available on Ipad
- Help support breast cancer awareness. Buy The Art Cure Diaries for $3.99 now and I'll donate $1 from each sale to charity.
Almost two years since my charity work with The Art Cure project and I'm excited to be back into it again - at least a little bit. I've set up an IPAD version of The Art Cure Diaries for a phenomenal price of 3.99!
After unexpectedly dealing with an overseas move just shortly after the completion of this project in October 2012, I fell into some difficult personal times. The women from The Art Cure have served as a great inspiration to me to move forward and survive my own ordeals. If they could survive their life battles, so could I and for this inspiration I'm deeply thankful to "the art cure ladies" as I call them.
One dollar for each sale from now until October 31, 2012 will be donated to breast cancer support organizations as to continue the spirit of inspiring the lives of those who are still working on their "survivor" status. I'm so proud of this book and of the wonderful women who participated. I think of them daily to inspire me out of my own challenges and you could do no better than to support this fantastic collection of survivors' stories and the artwork their inner artist created by purchasing the ebook!
To purchase an IPAD version of The Art Cure Diaries, click here.
For print versions...I'm taking names for pre-orders so contact me or join my newsletter where I'll announce its availability. Currently the print edition is unavailable but if you want a hard copy, please let me know so I can ensure you're aware when it is available!
Finally, I'm also working to bring you a Kindle version of The Art Cure Diaries. I'm about a technologically capable as a baby driving a car so pardon while I figure it all out!
- A few paintings from breast cancer survivors
For the price of a coffee you can purchase a wonderful gift for someone or yourself AND I'll donate $1.00 per sale to breast cancer charity. For a preview of what's inside, view The Art Cure blog or click here to learn more about the book.
- 1 in 8 get breast cancer. Together we can change that.
Remember, 1 out of 8 women contract breast cancer. That's astonishing. Please contribute right now show your support and purchase The Art Cure Diaries on Ipad for only $3.99 right here. Thank you!
Monday, October 25, 2010
The Art Cure Show Opening Walkthrough
Watch this great video to see the full show "live". Remember, it ends this Friday, Oct 29th. Cast your bids this week! You still have a few days left.
Saturday, October 9, 2010
BIDDING INSTRUCTIONS
If you wish to make a bid on any art piece below (58 in all), please email theartcure@gmail.com and Tatiana will make the bid online for you.
In the email please state:
1. Artist and corresponding number
2. Title of work
3. Your bid amount
4. Full name and telephone number
Your identity and contact information will only be disclosed to Tatiana von Tauber and assistants. It will not be disclosed publically. You may leave a general comment to any artist but when bidding, please email theartcure@gmail.com. If a new bid overrides yours, I will contact you so you can decide if you'd like to re-bid.
Thank you for your cooperation and support! Remember, all bids proceeds go straight to the Young Survival Coaltion Savannah and Susan. G. Komen Coastal Georgia Affiliate with 50% going to each organization.
In the email please state:
1. Artist and corresponding number
2. Title of work
3. Your bid amount
4. Full name and telephone number
Your identity and contact information will only be disclosed to Tatiana von Tauber and assistants. It will not be disclosed publically. You may leave a general comment to any artist but when bidding, please email theartcure@gmail.com. If a new bid overrides yours, I will contact you so you can decide if you'd like to re-bid.
Thank you for your cooperation and support! Remember, all bids proceeds go straight to the Young Survival Coaltion Savannah and Susan. G. Komen Coastal Georgia Affiliate with 50% going to each organization.
Friday, October 1, 2010
Artist: Matthew Rose (55)
Contributing artist, Paris France
"Me You"
14 and 3/4 by 18 and 3/4 inches (378mm x 478mm)
Handpulled three color silkscreen print
dated and numbered 111/XX
Artist Proof
"Me You"
14 and 3/4 by 18 and 3/4 inches (378mm x 478mm)
Handpulled three color silkscreen print
dated and numbered 111/XX
Artist Proof
Sold
Artist: Kris Sperring (54)
Contributing artist, Savannah GA
"Lady & Sons"
12" x 15"
Acrylic on Acetate
sold
"Lady & Sons"
12" x 15"
Acrylic on Acetate
Kris Sperring
sold
Artist: William Kwamena-Poh (53)
Contributing artist, Savannah GA
"Respite"
29" x25"
Giclee
"Respite"
29" x25"
Giclee
William Kwamena-Poh
Artist & Survivor: Jackie Heinz-2 (52)
Contributing artist, Savannah GA
"Daisy"
4" x 4"
hand painted tile, framed
"Iris"
4" x 4"
hand painted tile, framed
"Daisy"
4" x 4"
hand painted tile, framed
"Iris"
4" x 4"
hand painted tile, framed
Artist: Phyllis Lang (51)
Contributing artist, Savannah GA
"Bosom Buddy"
Silver, Bronz & Ink Broach
size TBA
"Bosom Buddy"
Silver, Bronz & Ink Broach
size TBA
Phillis Lang
Artist: Brian MacGregor (50)
Contributing artist, Savannah GA
"Maori Reunion"
23.5" x 19"
Oil on board
"Maori Reunion"
23.5" x 19"
Oil on board
Brian MacGregor
Artist: Carrie Christian (49)
Contributing Artist, Savannah GA]
"Tiny's Bedroom"
39" x 32"
original watercolor
"Tiny's Bedroom"
39" x 32"
original watercolor
Carrie Christian
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Artist: Marlene Seidman (48)
Contributing artist, Savannah GA
"Looking Over Her Shoulder"
Digital Ink Jet
16" x 20" framed
"Looking Over Her Shoulder"
Digital Ink Jet
16" x 20" framed
Marlene Seidman holds a Master of Fine Arts degree from the Visual Studies Workshop in Rochester , NY and received a Master of Education degree from Lesley University in Cambridge , MA
Sold
Artist: Jack Wegenar (47)
Contributing artist, Savannah GA
"Ultimately"
8" x 10"
Silver gelatin, hand printed photograph
I am a professional photographer specializing in artistic nude photography. Since 1975 I have produced gelatin-silver photographs for art galleries and collectors in addition to accepting private commissions from clients who wish to obtain prints of themselves but who do not want the images ever displayed or sold publicly. Photography of the nude is not the only photography I do but it is what I am best known for and what I have devoted most of my professional life to creating. I am based in Savannah, Georgia (USA).
*Represented by Horizon Gallery.
"Ultimately"
8" x 10"
Silver gelatin, hand printed photograph
I am a professional photographer specializing in artistic nude photography. Since 1975 I have produced gelatin-silver photographs for art galleries and collectors in addition to accepting private commissions from clients who wish to obtain prints of themselves but who do not want the images ever displayed or sold publicly. Photography of the nude is not the only photography I do but it is what I am best known for and what I have devoted most of my professional life to creating. I am based in Savannah, Georgia (USA).
*Represented by Horizon Gallery.
Sold
Artist: Amy Hillenbrand (46)
Contributing artist, Austin TX
"Sole Sister"
8" x 10"
Oil on canvas
I am awed and inspired by the works of art all around us, that in this fast paced world, we may forget that a designer, a craftsman, or artist has lovingly poured their heart and soul into each and every detail of their craft. My intention is that by the restfulness of the backgrounds and the gentle palettes the viewer will be transported to the miraculous silent calm where the spark of inspiration is ignited.
Amy Hillenbrand was born in Racine, Wisconsin and lived in several different states before landing in her current home town of Austin, TX. She received a B. S. from the University of Wisconsin in Madison. She began her career in the creative world as an Interior Designer. She owned her own successful commercial interior design and architectural firm for fifteen years. Prior to her current art career, she was a successful life coach utilizing various healing art modalities in her practice.
"Sole Sister"
8" x 10"
Oil on canvas
Amy Hillenbrand
Artist Statement
Artist Statement
I am awed and inspired by the works of art all around us, that in this fast paced world, we may forget that a designer, a craftsman, or artist has lovingly poured their heart and soul into each and every detail of their craft. My intention is that by the restfulness of the backgrounds and the gentle palettes the viewer will be transported to the miraculous silent calm where the spark of inspiration is ignited.
Biography
Amy Hillenbrand was born in Racine, Wisconsin and lived in several different states before landing in her current home town of Austin, TX. She received a B. S. from the University of Wisconsin in Madison. She began her career in the creative world as an Interior Designer. She owned her own successful commercial interior design and architectural firm for fifteen years. Prior to her current art career, she was a successful life coach utilizing various healing art modalities in her practice.
Sold
Artist: Dana Ellyn (45)
Contributing artist, Washington DC
"Pledge"
9" x 12"
Pen and Ink on paper
Dana Ellyn is a DC resident and full-time painter who lives and paints in her studio in a subsidized artist housing unit in downtown Washington DC. Ellyn committed herself to full-time status in 2002 when she decided to leave her corporate job and pursue painting. Her work is exemplified by a risk-taking vision, strong content, and colorful critiques of social norms.
Ellyn's style sits on the fence between social realism and expressionism. Having spent her childhood and college years honing her skills and striving to be technically correct, during the past 8 years she has tasked herself with unlearning those restrictive habits. Ellyn strives to infuse more emotion and meaning in to each new painting she creates.
Ellyn's paintings have stories to tell and opinions to profess. She delivers hard slaps to myths of all kinds - from religion, to politics to what it means to be a woman. Ellyn's goal is to employ humor when holding a subject up to her artistic scrutiny. But, humor is as subjective as art and Ellyn's brand of humor has tended to be a polarizing factor in her art. Love it or hate it, she definitely starts a dialogue.
From childhood until about the age of 30, Ellyn was quiet and reserved. She has now found her voice and she s making up for lost time.
"Pledge"
9" x 12"
Pen and Ink on paper
Dana Ellyn is a DC resident and full-time painter who lives and paints in her studio in a subsidized artist housing unit in downtown Washington DC. Ellyn committed herself to full-time status in 2002 when she decided to leave her corporate job and pursue painting. Her work is exemplified by a risk-taking vision, strong content, and colorful critiques of social norms.
Ellyn's style sits on the fence between social realism and expressionism. Having spent her childhood and college years honing her skills and striving to be technically correct, during the past 8 years she has tasked herself with unlearning those restrictive habits. Ellyn strives to infuse more emotion and meaning in to each new painting she creates.
Ellyn's paintings have stories to tell and opinions to profess. She delivers hard slaps to myths of all kinds - from religion, to politics to what it means to be a woman. Ellyn's goal is to employ humor when holding a subject up to her artistic scrutiny. But, humor is as subjective as art and Ellyn's brand of humor has tended to be a polarizing factor in her art. Love it or hate it, she definitely starts a dialogue.
From childhood until about the age of 30, Ellyn was quiet and reserved. She has now found her voice and she s making up for lost time.
Artist: Cyndy Carstens (44)
Contributing artist, Glendale AZ
"Sweeping Color"
Oil
5" x 5" matted and framed to 10" x 10"
"Sweeping Color"
Oil
5" x 5" matted and framed to 10" x 10"
Born in Minnesota, Cyndy Carstens currently lives and works in Phoenix, AZ. She won her first art competition at 6 years old – a summer scholarship at the Minnesota Art Institute.
An intense desire for pursuing a life in the arts ensued. Working in a range of mediums including oil, acrylic, watercolor and mixed media, her work has won a number of awards and is among numerous private and corporate collections in North America. 15% of all of Carstens’ art sales are donated to charity.
Sold
Artist: Nancy Lorenz (42)
Contributing artist, New York NY
Untitled
5"x7"
Mother of Pearl and blackened silver leaf
Untitled
5"x7"
Mother of Pearl and blackened silver leaf
Nancy Lorenz
Sold
The paintings of Nancy Lorenz juxtapose luxurious materials and a reverence for fine craft with the looser gestures of abstract expressionism. A kind of reinterpreted Japanese aestheticism is often fused with incidental marks and unrestrained brushwork. Having lived in Tokyo for five years, the artist has admired and incorporated the idea that decorative materials, such as mother of pearl inlay, lacquer, and gold leaf, can be used in a painterly, sublime way.
After living in Japan, Nancy Lorenz earned a BFA in Painting and Printmaking. In 1988 she received her MFA in Painting from the Tyler School of Art, studying in Philadelphia and Rome.
Lorenz received a John Simon Guggenheim award in 1998, and participated in the Cill Rialaig artist in residence program in Ireland in 2008 and 2010. She lives and works in New York City, with her husband and two children.
Artist: Luc Ebner (41)
Contributing artist, Savannah GA
Co-owner of Horizon Gallery
"Pinkish"
Oil on glass
12" x 15" matted and framed
Sold
Co-owner of Horizon Gallery
"Pinkish"
Oil on glass
12" x 15" matted and framed
Sold
Monday, September 27, 2010
Artist: Michael S. Troop (40)
Contributing artist, Savannah GA
"The Caress"
3" x 5" matted to 8" x 10", framed
Photograph
"The Caress"
3" x 5" matted to 8" x 10", framed
Photograph
Fine Art Photographer, Michael S. Troop
Artist: Michele Snell (39)
Contributing artist, Savannah GA
Horizon Gallery co-owner
"Path of Oak"
11" x 14"
giclee (on canvas)
Sold
Horizon Gallery co-owner
"Path of Oak"
11" x 14"
giclee (on canvas)
Sold
Artist: Zo Haynes (38)
Contributing Artist, name & location not stated
Untitled
Photocopy of painted hand, framed
8" x 10"
Untitled
Photocopy of painted hand, framed
8" x 10"
Artist: Margaret Brennan (37)
Contributing artist, Savanna GA
Untitled
18" x 24"
Photograph matted and framed
Untitled
18" x 24"
Photograph matted and framed
Local photographer Margaret Brennan exhibits a wide range of material inspired by life along the Georgia Coast…familiar sights like ‘Tybee Island Pier’ achieve an other worldly elegance in Brennan’s hands as she emphasizes the color, contrast and geometry of architectural marvels…Brennan who is best known for her floral photography creates intimate portraits of flowers, captured in extreme close-up as they unfurl their plush petals… ,”Allison Hersh, art critic for The Savannah Morning News.
Sold
Artist: Diana Donoslovic (36)
Contributing artist, Savannah GA
"Hope"
11" x 14"
Digitally enhanced photograph, framed
I was born in Subotica, Serbia and moved to the US at the age of 8. After playing Division 1 tennis for Southeast Missouri State University, I transferred to SCAD, where I am currently pursuing a Bachelor’s of Fine Arts in Performing Arts. Art is something that I have always enjoyed immensely and something I believe makes life better every time it is seen, no matter the type or medium or place seen. I am very grateful for the opportunity to be able to contribute my art for such a worthy and very important cause. Hopefully with our combined efforts will be able to make a difference and yield results!
"Hope"
11" x 14"
Digitally enhanced photograph, framed
Diana Donoslovic
Artist: Kerry Harried (35)
Contributing artist, Savannah GA
"Butterfly in Pink"
Orginal Gouache
miniature matted & framed to 8" x 10"
"Butterfly in Pink"
Orginal Gouache
miniature matted & framed to 8" x 10"
Artist: Dennis Roth (34)
A Horizon Gallery contributing artist , Savannah GA
"Deep Creek"
16" x 20"
Limited serie print 7/25
I love watercolor paintings. And, I love painting in watercolor. As you can see from my works [...] my style is fluid and free.
"Deep Creek"
16" x 20"
Limited serie print 7/25
I love watercolor paintings. And, I love painting in watercolor. As you can see from my works [...] my style is fluid and free.
Artist: Lance Novak (33)
Contributing artist, Savannah GA
"Swimming"
8" x 10"
Acrylic on canvas
"Swimming"
8" x 10"
Acrylic on canvas
Sold
Artist: Mike Ring (32)
Contributing artist, Savannah GA
"Angel Oak"
20" x 30"
Photograph on canvas
Mike’s photographic vision is always evolving as he explores the cities and small communities of our great country. He finds himself drawn to subjects that have an historical aspect to them.
Mike is on a journey to discover and learn about these places that he is photographing. He has really come to appreciate the incredible craftsmanship and detail in the historical homes and places that he has visited. To him, they are works of art and an inspiration that he wants to share with others.
Sold
"Angel Oak"
20" x 30"
Photograph on canvas
Mike’s photographic vision is always evolving as he explores the cities and small communities of our great country. He finds himself drawn to subjects that have an historical aspect to them.
Mike is on a journey to discover and learn about these places that he is photographing. He has really come to appreciate the incredible craftsmanship and detail in the historical homes and places that he has visited. To him, they are works of art and an inspiration that he wants to share with others.
Sold
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Update: Have You Watched the Press?
If you haven't already, be sure to watch my interview on Talking Real where I discuss The Art Cure show and auction and get a better sense of why we're all so excited. The opening is next Friday!
http://theartcure.blogspot.com/2010/09/update-press-book-info.html
http://theartcure.blogspot.com/2010/09/update-press-book-info.html
Monday, September 20, 2010
Survivor-in-the-making: Patra Rickman (31)
Painted during TAC third painting session with her daughter / 2 works contributed
"Colorful World"
16" x 20"
Acrylic on canvas
"Circles"
16" x 20"
Acrylic on canvas
"Colorful World"
16" x 20"
Acrylic on canvas
Sold
"Circles"
16" x 20"
Acrylic on canvas
Patra's Story:
I am recently (just last month) diagnosed with breast cancer have just started chemo and am still coming to terms with it. I know everything will end fine in part because I come from a family of strong women a with many breast cancer survivors, including my mother so I know everything is going to end well. My 7-year old daughter, Maia, is inspiring me and helping me along this new path in my life with her laughter and constant reminders of all the joys in life, big and small.
Survivor: Donna F. Watson (30)
Painted during TAC third painting session
"With Love"
16" x 20"
Acrylic on canvas
My Story – My Victory / Diagnosed October 24, 2008
My name is Donna Watson and I am a breast cancer survivor.
In May 2008, upon returning from Los Angeles after spending a few months taking care of my aunt before her passing, I noticed I had begun to experience tenderness in my left breast. That tenderness turned into a very noticeable pain. My first thought was that maybe I had pulled a muscle in my chest while caring for my aunt, or maybe I hurt myself somehow and just didn’t remember how. Or maybe I had drank too much coffee, although I only drank decaffeinated. I had never had pain in my breast in the past. My oldest sister, Sandra, had been diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer in May 2007, so I was even more aware of changes in my breast what was normal for me.
It didn’t take long for my breast to begin to hurt to the point that I couldn’t stand to sleep without wearing a bra and it hurt pretty bad to take my bra off. Just turning from side to side would hurt and now my right breast had begun to have some tenderness.
I called my insurance provider and explained what I was feeling and asked the representative if it were okay if I got my annual mammogram earlier than my scheduled date. She said, it would be okay and that it didn’t matter which month I got it in the calendar year. Normally, I was scheduled to have my annual around the end of October to mid-November. After speaking with the insurance representative, I called my doctor and asked to be seen for my problem. My doctor was out of the office for a few days, but I agreed to be seen by his nurse practitioner, who examined both of my breasts. She examined my right breast first and to my surprise, it hurt me very bad and I could hardly lie still on the table. I had never had a painful breast exam before. While examining my right breast, she said she could feel a little something that concerned her. I told her that the left breast was the one that prompted me to call and ask to be checked. She continued to check it and said again that she could feel a little something there. Then, she examined my left breast. The left breast exam didn’t hurt as bad as the right breast did. She said, the left breast felt normal, but she would order a mammogram and ultrasound for both breast.
Every year, after my pap was done, my OBGYN scheduled my mammogram to be done at St. Joseph’s Imaging Center in Savannah, Georgia.
Anyway, on June 26, 2008, my wedding anniversary, I got the mammogram and ultrasound. The ultrasound did not reveal anything, and the mammogram technician said I shouldn’t worry about anything. However, when the radiologist viewed my film, he asked her to call me back to repeat two of the views. I got the message when I got home in Hinesville. I returned her call and returned the following morning around 10am.
The results were sent to my doctor’s office and I was asked to come in. When I went in the nurse told me that I had an abnormal result on my right breast and the doctor was referring me to a specialist and ordering a biopsy.
In mid-July, I had my first visit at the JC Lewis Cancer Pavilion in Savannah, Georgia. I took my film with me for the doctor to review. My girlfriend, Grace, went to the appointment with me for support.
I was examined and given an appointment to have a stereotactic biopsy at the Mary Telfair Pavilion at Candler Hospital. Lying on my stomach with my right breast hanging through a hole in the table, the nurse compressed my breast several times in search of the abnormal area. After several failed attempts to find the area by imaging, and getting me up and making additional mammogram film, then back to the hole in the table, the technician called the radiologist in to see if he could see anything.
The radiologist released me from the table’s grip and helped me sit up. He explained to me that because they were unable to find the area, he did not want to try to do the biopsy and take a chance on missing it and giving me a report with a false negative. He explained that if that happened, I could walk around with cancer with the belief that I was okay. He sent a report to my referring doctor at Lewis.
On my follow-up with the Lewis doctor, the doctor decided to recheck me in three months, which was in October of 2008.
In the meantime, the only other person I had spoken with about my situation and doctor visits was my daughter, Candace. I didn’t want to cause any alarm in my family, because a month and a half after my sister was diagnosed, her husband was diagnosed with stage 2b pancreatic cancer in July 2007; in November 2007, my mother’s other sister was diagnosed with stage 4 esophageal cancer and passed in December 2007; then in January 2008, my sister’s older son was diagnosed with brain cancer at the age of 27. On April 30, 2008, my aunt in California died as I held her hand, and on October 11, 2008, my sister’s husband passed from pancreatic cancer. With so much going on in our family, I did not wish to be the straw that broke the camel’s back. Our family had not had any cancer diagnoses since I was four years old and my grandfather [mother’s father] passed from brain cancer.
For about two weeks in October, I had been noticing that my right breast felt like it was getting heavier and that I could feel a hard ball of a sort pressing against the inner part of my right arm. I could feel it with my fingers and pressing on my arm when I lay on my back. I tried to convince myself that it was there all along or that maybe it was just fibrocystic breast tissue. My husband and I traveled to Memphis, Tennessee to attend my brother-in-law’s funeral and returned to Georgia on the 19th of October.
The next day, I stood in the mirror to shave under my arms. When I raised my arm, there it was, protruding out like a big lemon and I could see where it caused the skin to appear creased around the edges of the knot. I felt it and put my arm down and looked at it in a front view. Yes, it was there without a doubt. I was only a few more days out from my three month appointment, so I thought I would just wait and be seen then. The next day, while on my way to Savannah, I called my girlfriend and told her what I had discovered the day before. She immediately told me to hang up the phone and call the doctor’s office and tell them that I found it and needed to be seen. I did and the nurse told me to come to them right then and that she would pull my chart and get me into a room as soon as I arrived. There was only about 45 minutes left before they were to close for the evening.
I arrived, was put into an exam room, and was given the PINK paper vest to put on. The doctor came in and greeted me. She stood in front of me and looked and said she didn’t see anything different. Then she asked me to hold my arms up over my head. She looked and asked me to turn so she could see the side of my right breast.
She couldn’t believe it. There it was sticking out. She said, “Where did that come from?! That wasn’t there three months ago! You have a big nodule there.” She asked me to lay back and she examined it with her hands. She was so surprised. She said it was there alright and that she didn’t understand how it could grow that large so fast. She said since we can see it, she didn’t need to do another mammogram to find it. She asked me to walk across the hall to another room where she would do an ultrasound. She called a nurse in who began to do the ultrasound. I laid there and watched the screen as she measured this big area on the screen. The doctor said since we see it, feel it, and know exactly where it is, she would go ahead and do a biopsy right then. It seemed like so much was happening so fast. I was handed a clipboard, I signed the papers to have the biopsy, and before I had time to really think about what was about to happen, my breast was washed, instruments were laid out, and a big needle was quickly inserted into the area to numb it before doing the biopsy. Six tissue samples were taken that day. I was bandaged up, given another appointment, and sent on my way. This time, I didn’t ask Grace to meet me there because she was at work earlier when we spoke on the phone. She told me that she would have come if only I had called her.
My follow-up appointment for the biopsy results was the afternoon of October 24, 2008. The news I would get that day would change the rest of my life. It seemed like I waited forever for the doctor to come into the exam room.
Around 4:45 p.m., the doctor came in with chart in hand. She spoke and asked how I was doing. She placed the chart on the counter and looked at me and said, “We have a breast cancer and we have to decide on the best way to treat it.” She told me that she had taken six tissue samples and cancer was in all of them.
She said it was invasive Lobular carcinoma of the breast, infiltrating. She explained the surgery options to me and said that some cancers are removed by lumpectomy and some are removed by mastectomy. She said that I would probably require a radical mastectomy. That day, I was introduced to my oncology nurse navigator, Krista, who came in and spoke with me so compassionately. She gave me the green expandable folder containing all the literature along with her contact information. Krista was with me for nearly every test and surgery after that day. I was scheduled to have an MRI a few days later. So much happened so fast. Grace was there for my results. Next, I was scheduled to have a sentinel node biopsy and was scheduled to have a radical mastectomy on Thursday, November 6, 2008. Just as I was there for my sister and her husband, my sister was here with me for support along with my husband, daughter, and of course, my dear friend, Grace. Later, the decision was made to place a port in my chest and to treat me with 8 rounds of chemotherapy. When I met my oncology doctor for the first time, he asked me how did I know and how did I discover there was a problem. He told me that the pathology tests revealed that there were three tumors in my breast and that I was stage 1. During my treatments, I experienced a low white blood cell count, which caused me to become very ill and I was hospitalized for one week in February 2009. My last chemotherapy treatment was May 20, 2009. During my treatments, I also went to occupational therapy at Candler to get me right arm moving again. On August 20, 2009, I underwent a Tram Flap reconstruction and in December. On November 5, 2009, I underwent a left breast reduction. On January 28, 2010, my port was removed from my chest. Finally, on March 18, 2010, modifications were done to my reconstructed breast and abdominal scar.
I must say that I am blessed to share my story with you. People say that I don’t look like I’ve been sick a day in my life. When asked how I’m doing, I like to reply that I am GRATEFUL.
I currently am cancer-free and I now see my doctors every four months. My sister and her son are both now cancer-free and doing very well.
I praise God for revealing that there was a problem with my breast so that I could be taken care of by such gifted and wonderful doctors.
"With Love"
16" x 20"
Acrylic on canvas
Donna's Story:
My Story – My Victory / Diagnosed October 24, 2008
My name is Donna Watson and I am a breast cancer survivor.
In May 2008, upon returning from Los Angeles after spending a few months taking care of my aunt before her passing, I noticed I had begun to experience tenderness in my left breast. That tenderness turned into a very noticeable pain. My first thought was that maybe I had pulled a muscle in my chest while caring for my aunt, or maybe I hurt myself somehow and just didn’t remember how. Or maybe I had drank too much coffee, although I only drank decaffeinated. I had never had pain in my breast in the past. My oldest sister, Sandra, had been diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer in May 2007, so I was even more aware of changes in my breast what was normal for me.
It didn’t take long for my breast to begin to hurt to the point that I couldn’t stand to sleep without wearing a bra and it hurt pretty bad to take my bra off. Just turning from side to side would hurt and now my right breast had begun to have some tenderness.
I called my insurance provider and explained what I was feeling and asked the representative if it were okay if I got my annual mammogram earlier than my scheduled date. She said, it would be okay and that it didn’t matter which month I got it in the calendar year. Normally, I was scheduled to have my annual around the end of October to mid-November. After speaking with the insurance representative, I called my doctor and asked to be seen for my problem. My doctor was out of the office for a few days, but I agreed to be seen by his nurse practitioner, who examined both of my breasts. She examined my right breast first and to my surprise, it hurt me very bad and I could hardly lie still on the table. I had never had a painful breast exam before. While examining my right breast, she said she could feel a little something that concerned her. I told her that the left breast was the one that prompted me to call and ask to be checked. She continued to check it and said again that she could feel a little something there. Then, she examined my left breast. The left breast exam didn’t hurt as bad as the right breast did. She said, the left breast felt normal, but she would order a mammogram and ultrasound for both breast.
Every year, after my pap was done, my OBGYN scheduled my mammogram to be done at St. Joseph’s Imaging Center in Savannah, Georgia.
Anyway, on June 26, 2008, my wedding anniversary, I got the mammogram and ultrasound. The ultrasound did not reveal anything, and the mammogram technician said I shouldn’t worry about anything. However, when the radiologist viewed my film, he asked her to call me back to repeat two of the views. I got the message when I got home in Hinesville. I returned her call and returned the following morning around 10am.
The results were sent to my doctor’s office and I was asked to come in. When I went in the nurse told me that I had an abnormal result on my right breast and the doctor was referring me to a specialist and ordering a biopsy.
In mid-July, I had my first visit at the JC Lewis Cancer Pavilion in Savannah, Georgia. I took my film with me for the doctor to review. My girlfriend, Grace, went to the appointment with me for support.
I was examined and given an appointment to have a stereotactic biopsy at the Mary Telfair Pavilion at Candler Hospital. Lying on my stomach with my right breast hanging through a hole in the table, the nurse compressed my breast several times in search of the abnormal area. After several failed attempts to find the area by imaging, and getting me up and making additional mammogram film, then back to the hole in the table, the technician called the radiologist in to see if he could see anything.
The radiologist released me from the table’s grip and helped me sit up. He explained to me that because they were unable to find the area, he did not want to try to do the biopsy and take a chance on missing it and giving me a report with a false negative. He explained that if that happened, I could walk around with cancer with the belief that I was okay. He sent a report to my referring doctor at Lewis.
On my follow-up with the Lewis doctor, the doctor decided to recheck me in three months, which was in October of 2008.
In the meantime, the only other person I had spoken with about my situation and doctor visits was my daughter, Candace. I didn’t want to cause any alarm in my family, because a month and a half after my sister was diagnosed, her husband was diagnosed with stage 2b pancreatic cancer in July 2007; in November 2007, my mother’s other sister was diagnosed with stage 4 esophageal cancer and passed in December 2007; then in January 2008, my sister’s older son was diagnosed with brain cancer at the age of 27. On April 30, 2008, my aunt in California died as I held her hand, and on October 11, 2008, my sister’s husband passed from pancreatic cancer. With so much going on in our family, I did not wish to be the straw that broke the camel’s back. Our family had not had any cancer diagnoses since I was four years old and my grandfather [mother’s father] passed from brain cancer.
For about two weeks in October, I had been noticing that my right breast felt like it was getting heavier and that I could feel a hard ball of a sort pressing against the inner part of my right arm. I could feel it with my fingers and pressing on my arm when I lay on my back. I tried to convince myself that it was there all along or that maybe it was just fibrocystic breast tissue. My husband and I traveled to Memphis, Tennessee to attend my brother-in-law’s funeral and returned to Georgia on the 19th of October.
The next day, I stood in the mirror to shave under my arms. When I raised my arm, there it was, protruding out like a big lemon and I could see where it caused the skin to appear creased around the edges of the knot. I felt it and put my arm down and looked at it in a front view. Yes, it was there without a doubt. I was only a few more days out from my three month appointment, so I thought I would just wait and be seen then. The next day, while on my way to Savannah, I called my girlfriend and told her what I had discovered the day before. She immediately told me to hang up the phone and call the doctor’s office and tell them that I found it and needed to be seen. I did and the nurse told me to come to them right then and that she would pull my chart and get me into a room as soon as I arrived. There was only about 45 minutes left before they were to close for the evening.
I arrived, was put into an exam room, and was given the PINK paper vest to put on. The doctor came in and greeted me. She stood in front of me and looked and said she didn’t see anything different. Then she asked me to hold my arms up over my head. She looked and asked me to turn so she could see the side of my right breast.
She couldn’t believe it. There it was sticking out. She said, “Where did that come from?! That wasn’t there three months ago! You have a big nodule there.” She asked me to lay back and she examined it with her hands. She was so surprised. She said it was there alright and that she didn’t understand how it could grow that large so fast. She said since we can see it, she didn’t need to do another mammogram to find it. She asked me to walk across the hall to another room where she would do an ultrasound. She called a nurse in who began to do the ultrasound. I laid there and watched the screen as she measured this big area on the screen. The doctor said since we see it, feel it, and know exactly where it is, she would go ahead and do a biopsy right then. It seemed like so much was happening so fast. I was handed a clipboard, I signed the papers to have the biopsy, and before I had time to really think about what was about to happen, my breast was washed, instruments were laid out, and a big needle was quickly inserted into the area to numb it before doing the biopsy. Six tissue samples were taken that day. I was bandaged up, given another appointment, and sent on my way. This time, I didn’t ask Grace to meet me there because she was at work earlier when we spoke on the phone. She told me that she would have come if only I had called her.
My follow-up appointment for the biopsy results was the afternoon of October 24, 2008. The news I would get that day would change the rest of my life. It seemed like I waited forever for the doctor to come into the exam room.
Around 4:45 p.m., the doctor came in with chart in hand. She spoke and asked how I was doing. She placed the chart on the counter and looked at me and said, “We have a breast cancer and we have to decide on the best way to treat it.” She told me that she had taken six tissue samples and cancer was in all of them.
She said it was invasive Lobular carcinoma of the breast, infiltrating. She explained the surgery options to me and said that some cancers are removed by lumpectomy and some are removed by mastectomy. She said that I would probably require a radical mastectomy. That day, I was introduced to my oncology nurse navigator, Krista, who came in and spoke with me so compassionately. She gave me the green expandable folder containing all the literature along with her contact information. Krista was with me for nearly every test and surgery after that day. I was scheduled to have an MRI a few days later. So much happened so fast. Grace was there for my results. Next, I was scheduled to have a sentinel node biopsy and was scheduled to have a radical mastectomy on Thursday, November 6, 2008. Just as I was there for my sister and her husband, my sister was here with me for support along with my husband, daughter, and of course, my dear friend, Grace. Later, the decision was made to place a port in my chest and to treat me with 8 rounds of chemotherapy. When I met my oncology doctor for the first time, he asked me how did I know and how did I discover there was a problem. He told me that the pathology tests revealed that there were three tumors in my breast and that I was stage 1. During my treatments, I experienced a low white blood cell count, which caused me to become very ill and I was hospitalized for one week in February 2009. My last chemotherapy treatment was May 20, 2009. During my treatments, I also went to occupational therapy at Candler to get me right arm moving again. On August 20, 2009, I underwent a Tram Flap reconstruction and in December. On November 5, 2009, I underwent a left breast reduction. On January 28, 2010, my port was removed from my chest. Finally, on March 18, 2010, modifications were done to my reconstructed breast and abdominal scar.
I must say that I am blessed to share my story with you. People say that I don’t look like I’ve been sick a day in my life. When asked how I’m doing, I like to reply that I am GRATEFUL.
I currently am cancer-free and I now see my doctors every four months. My sister and her son are both now cancer-free and doing very well.
I praise God for revealing that there was a problem with my breast so that I could be taken care of by such gifted and wonderful doctors.
Survivor: Eufemia M. Gabinoza-Gamba (29)
Painted during TAC third painting session
"The Plight of Cancer Patients"
16" x 20"
Acrylic on canvas
Title of Painting: “The Plight of Cancer Patients “(This is only my opinion as a cancer patient. The course of the river is to find the sea no matter how difficult the way may be. Along the way, breakthroughs in technology, support groups, and a whole lot of good-hearted people, makes it possible for a cancer patient to survive. )
I was diagnosed with invasive breast cancer in February, 2009 and had double mastectomy the following month. I was so scared for I was told after the surgery, I would need chemotherapy. I dreaded chemotherapy based on what I read about its side effects. I am thousands of miles away from home and I just felt it would be too hard for me to do everything by myself. Miraculously, after the surgery, my doctors decided I would not need any chemotherapy or radiation. I was grateful at first but soon after, I began to have doubts about my decision since the cancer I had, was found to be non-invasive contrary to the initial finding. I was consumed with guilt feelings. I found solace in attending Yoga classes for cancer survivors and joining support groups. It was a relief knowing I am not alone in this plight and there are people who really understand what I am undergoing. I have indeed found a new “family” among these support groups. Without them, I don’t know what could have happened to me.
"The Plight of Cancer Patients"
16" x 20"
Acrylic on canvas
Eufemia's Story:
Title of Painting: “The Plight of Cancer Patients “(This is only my opinion as a cancer patient. The course of the river is to find the sea no matter how difficult the way may be. Along the way, breakthroughs in technology, support groups, and a whole lot of good-hearted people, makes it possible for a cancer patient to survive. )
I was diagnosed with invasive breast cancer in February, 2009 and had double mastectomy the following month. I was so scared for I was told after the surgery, I would need chemotherapy. I dreaded chemotherapy based on what I read about its side effects. I am thousands of miles away from home and I just felt it would be too hard for me to do everything by myself. Miraculously, after the surgery, my doctors decided I would not need any chemotherapy or radiation. I was grateful at first but soon after, I began to have doubts about my decision since the cancer I had, was found to be non-invasive contrary to the initial finding. I was consumed with guilt feelings. I found solace in attending Yoga classes for cancer survivors and joining support groups. It was a relief knowing I am not alone in this plight and there are people who really understand what I am undergoing. I have indeed found a new “family” among these support groups. Without them, I don’t know what could have happened to me.
Daughter of Survivor: Catherine Mulligan (28)
Painted during TAC third painting session
"Amazing Grace"
16" x 20"
Acrylic on canvas
“How you climb up the mountain is just as important as how you climb down the mountain. And so it is with life, which for many of us becomes one big gigantic test followed by one big gigantic lesson. In the end it all comes down to one word. Grace. It’s how you accept winning and losing, the good luck and the bad luck, the darkness and the light.”
“I’m climbing up my mountain”, my mom whispered quietly. She was fresh off the surgery table after a double mastectomy and lying down in the post surgery room. We brushed this goofy comment off our shoulders, assuming that she was just too drugged up to make any sense. Truth is - my mom was making a ton of sense. She was referring to the quote above.
My mother’s mountain was steep. It happened fast. It consisted of a double mastectomy, and rigorous sixteen week chemotherapy treatment. She made the climb look like a cake walk though. She handled it with grace. She graced winning, losing, good luck, bad luck, darkness, and light. She did it all. Gracefully, she would never know that though. She doesn’t know how gorgeous her head was, bald and shiny. She doesn’t know how much I admired her strength when she was lying in bed sick. She’ll never know how unbelievably graceful she is, because it is impossible for her to realize this. She is so humble.
She has taught me to face every mountain with positivity, confidence, humor, and grace. I know that anything is possible. An obstacle is a chance to become stronger, and then to help others become stronger. You have to be proactive against this mountain, and when you’re on top to scream and shout and get your message out. This is my mother, the mountain climber, and she is my amazing grace.
"Amazing Grace"
16" x 20"
Acrylic on canvas
Catherine Mulligan – Daughter of Survivor
“How you climb up the mountain is just as important as how you climb down the mountain. And so it is with life, which for many of us becomes one big gigantic test followed by one big gigantic lesson. In the end it all comes down to one word. Grace. It’s how you accept winning and losing, the good luck and the bad luck, the darkness and the light.”
“I’m climbing up my mountain”, my mom whispered quietly. She was fresh off the surgery table after a double mastectomy and lying down in the post surgery room. We brushed this goofy comment off our shoulders, assuming that she was just too drugged up to make any sense. Truth is - my mom was making a ton of sense. She was referring to the quote above.
My mother’s mountain was steep. It happened fast. It consisted of a double mastectomy, and rigorous sixteen week chemotherapy treatment. She made the climb look like a cake walk though. She handled it with grace. She graced winning, losing, good luck, bad luck, darkness, and light. She did it all. Gracefully, she would never know that though. She doesn’t know how gorgeous her head was, bald and shiny. She doesn’t know how much I admired her strength when she was lying in bed sick. She’ll never know how unbelievably graceful she is, because it is impossible for her to realize this. She is so humble.
She has taught me to face every mountain with positivity, confidence, humor, and grace. I know that anything is possible. An obstacle is a chance to become stronger, and then to help others become stronger. You have to be proactive against this mountain, and when you’re on top to scream and shout and get your message out. This is my mother, the mountain climber, and she is my amazing grace.
Survivor: Mary Ellen Mulligan (27)
Painted during TAC third painting session
"With All My Hearts"
16" x 20"
Acrylic on canvas
Following a routine mammogram, I was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 51 on Christmas Eve of 2009. With a family history of breast cancer, I always knew I had a stronger chance of developing the disease. I chose aggressive treatment including a double mastectomy and sixteen plus weeks of chemotherapy.
Although the breast cancer journey was certainly not one that I would have volunteered to take, I can wholeheartedly say I am a better person today as a result. I have a greater appreciation for life and a sincere love for the many wonderful people who supported me then and continue to support me today.
Throughout the initial diagnosis, the surgery and the chemotherapy treatments, the overwhelming support of others is what ultimately gave me the strength to get through the toughest days. Each one brought something special to assist in my healing.
“With All My Hearts” symbolizes the nine various groups who contributed to my physical, mental, emotional and spiritual wellness throughout the journey. A heartfelt thank you to my family, friends, colleagues and teachers, students, yoga and exercise instructors, medical team, church and prayer groups, breast cancer sisters, and new friends, all of whom I couldn’t have survived without. I love you all.
"With All My Hearts"
16" x 20"
Acrylic on canvas
Mary Ellen's Story:
Following a routine mammogram, I was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 51 on Christmas Eve of 2009. With a family history of breast cancer, I always knew I had a stronger chance of developing the disease. I chose aggressive treatment including a double mastectomy and sixteen plus weeks of chemotherapy.
Although the breast cancer journey was certainly not one that I would have volunteered to take, I can wholeheartedly say I am a better person today as a result. I have a greater appreciation for life and a sincere love for the many wonderful people who supported me then and continue to support me today.
Throughout the initial diagnosis, the surgery and the chemotherapy treatments, the overwhelming support of others is what ultimately gave me the strength to get through the toughest days. Each one brought something special to assist in my healing.
“With All My Hearts” symbolizes the nine various groups who contributed to my physical, mental, emotional and spiritual wellness throughout the journey. A heartfelt thank you to my family, friends, colleagues and teachers, students, yoga and exercise instructors, medical team, church and prayer groups, breast cancer sisters, and new friends, all of whom I couldn’t have survived without. I love you all.
Saturday, September 18, 2010
Survivor: Jackie Heinz (26)
"And the Greatest Gift is Love"
16" x 20"
Acrylic
His answer was, if I was lucky I might see Jack have his first birthday. With the mastectomy, chemotherapy and radiation I might be able to buy myself a year or two at best. Again, I’m thinking this has got to be some big mistake. I’ve hardly ever been sick my whole life. I don’t smoke, I don’t drink (well, not much) and I feel great. Eventually, the news sunk in and I realized there was no big mistake. I had breast cancer. The next day I checked into the hospital and by the afternoon I woke up minus my right breast; 14 days later I started chemotherapy followed by radiation therapy.
During this time I was sent to classes that were meant to help me deal with the idea I didn’t have long left in this world. I was given guidance on how to get my affairs in order and how to tell my children and loved ones good-bye. Two weeks into this nonsense I stood up, gave my best wishes and prayers to the others in the room and told them this was not working for me. I didn’t need to learn how to die; I needed to learn how to live. It was the best decision I ever made.
It didn’t make the doctor or the therapist very happy, they thought I was crazy and in denial, that what I did was very unhealthy. Long story short, deciding to live and not waiting to die was the best thing I could’ve done for myself. I now tell every new patient never give up hope. The will to live is in all of us and it is a powerful thing if you let it loose. My diagnosis of 1 to 2 years has turned into 20. I know not everyone can survive this terrible disease, I have watches several lovely women lose their battle with breast cancer but I saw them bravely fight and live their lives till the end. Each will be missed but their love and courage will live on in our hearts.
My prayer is that someday no one will ever have to hear that dreaded diagnosis but until then I hope for those that do, they’ll know they can take control and don’t have to sit passively by. I wish for all the strength, courage and hope to live.
16" x 20"
Acrylic
Jackie's Story:
Two months after my second son Jack was born, I found a lump in my right breast. Three months and five doctors later, I sat in a chair with my then 5 month old son in my lap and heard a doctor tell me I had breast cancer. He went on to tell me the cancer was extremely aggressive and I would need to have a mastectomy to have any chance at survival. My first thought was, this has to be a mistake. I’m only 32 and there’s no history of breast cancer in my family. Then, of course, I had to ask the question we all ask, what are my chances for survival and how long do I have. Big mistake, why do we do this to ourselves?
His answer was, if I was lucky I might see Jack have his first birthday. With the mastectomy, chemotherapy and radiation I might be able to buy myself a year or two at best. Again, I’m thinking this has got to be some big mistake. I’ve hardly ever been sick my whole life. I don’t smoke, I don’t drink (well, not much) and I feel great. Eventually, the news sunk in and I realized there was no big mistake. I had breast cancer. The next day I checked into the hospital and by the afternoon I woke up minus my right breast; 14 days later I started chemotherapy followed by radiation therapy.
During this time I was sent to classes that were meant to help me deal with the idea I didn’t have long left in this world. I was given guidance on how to get my affairs in order and how to tell my children and loved ones good-bye. Two weeks into this nonsense I stood up, gave my best wishes and prayers to the others in the room and told them this was not working for me. I didn’t need to learn how to die; I needed to learn how to live. It was the best decision I ever made.
It didn’t make the doctor or the therapist very happy, they thought I was crazy and in denial, that what I did was very unhealthy. Long story short, deciding to live and not waiting to die was the best thing I could’ve done for myself. I now tell every new patient never give up hope. The will to live is in all of us and it is a powerful thing if you let it loose. My diagnosis of 1 to 2 years has turned into 20. I know not everyone can survive this terrible disease, I have watches several lovely women lose their battle with breast cancer but I saw them bravely fight and live their lives till the end. Each will be missed but their love and courage will live on in our hearts.
My prayer is that someday no one will ever have to hear that dreaded diagnosis but until then I hope for those that do, they’ll know they can take control and don’t have to sit passively by. I wish for all the strength, courage and hope to live.
Sold
Survivor: Susan Richardson (25)
Painted during TAC third session
"One in 8"
16" x 20"
Acrylic on canvas
I was diagnosed with stage 1 invasive lobular breast cancer. I had a mastectomy and have been cancer free for 4 years this October. I decided to have my surgery in Savannah. I had a wonderful team of doctors that saved my life and I will forever be grateful. Family and friends were my cheerleaders and they continue to help me as I continue my journey as a "survivor".
I am "living my life like a song" .
"One in 8"
16" x 20"
Acrylic on canvas
Susan Richardson Age 66
After having my yearly mammogram for 22 years and treating it as a "routine" process, I received the call "we need you to come back in" I had just moved to Savannah to live near my son and his family and did not have doctors established in Savannah. I prayed about the approach I should take. Should I have the follow up mammogram in Savannah or in Florida where the "suspicious" mammogram was performed? My journey began and my faith played an important part in my choices. I was diagnosed with stage 1 invasive lobular breast cancer. I had a mastectomy and have been cancer free for 4 years this October. I decided to have my surgery in Savannah. I had a wonderful team of doctors that saved my life and I will forever be grateful. Family and friends were my cheerleaders and they continue to help me as I continue my journey as a "survivor".
I am "living my life like a song" .
"Cause I'm living on things that excite me,
I'm just trying to get by being quiet and shy,
"Quietly, quietly, quietly making noise" -JB
Sold
Friday, September 17, 2010
Artist: Roseann Caputo (24)
Contributing artist, Massachusetts
"Blessings"
digital media
16" x 10"
"Blessings"
digital media
16" x 10"
Artist Statement
My art comes from music and dreams. It comes from the state of mind or the state of emotion. It comes from my imagination. It comes from my spirit. It comes from deep inside my soul. My illustrative works bring to life fantasy and science fiction. Abstract works show the chaos of the mind and the emotion with 3d expressionism. Others show the wild ride through the world of fractals. My photography brings to life nature in the form of landscapes and animals. Sometimes the camera captures the majesty of architecture.
Artist Bio
Roseann Caputo was born in New England where she’s lived most of her life. She also spent a number of years in the Bronx, NY. Fascinated at an early age visually, sticks and dirt were often her mediums. If there was pencil and paper, she was either doodling or scribbling. Fast forward to present day and she’s pursuing her Bachelor’s Degree in Graphic Design, with a focus in illustration. The Art Cure is her first show.
My art comes from music and dreams. It comes from the state of mind or the state of emotion. It comes from my imagination. It comes from my spirit. It comes from deep inside my soul. My illustrative works bring to life fantasy and science fiction. Abstract works show the chaos of the mind and the emotion with 3d expressionism. Others show the wild ride through the world of fractals. My photography brings to life nature in the form of landscapes and animals. Sometimes the camera captures the majesty of architecture.
Artist Bio
Roseann Caputo was born in New England where she’s lived most of her life. She also spent a number of years in the Bronx, NY. Fascinated at an early age visually, sticks and dirt were often her mediums. If there was pencil and paper, she was either doodling or scribbling. Fast forward to present day and she’s pursuing her Bachelor’s Degree in Graphic Design, with a focus in illustration. The Art Cure is her first show.
Sold
Artist: Pamela Goldberg (23)
Contributing artist, Savannah, GA
"Fire in the Belly"
14" x 18" matted
Limited print
Painting or the process of making images is a journey toward wholeness, a practice for understanding and celebrating life. It is an act of healing for my self and the viewer, whose engagement with the artwork continues the life and vitality of that artwork. Painting as healing is a strong motivation in my work. The awe inherent in nature and personal/archetypal images that surface through meditation, combined with the healing power of color is my vehicle. It is my belief and my hope that by distilling the imagery and the healing powers of color through their own being, the viewer’s soul is sparked and nurtured with inspiration and the joyful recognition of the interconnectedness of all. Thus viewing art is not a passive act but a truly dynamic healing process.
The original imagery came to me during meditation. The images evolved during the process of creating the paintings. Spirituality being rooted in our interconnectedness with the earth, with the universe, and the idea of spirit evolving is expressed in my work. The elements of life: gestation, birth, growth, death, and the changing seasons are significant in my paintings, as they are symbolic of spiritual growth and the importance in recognizing and embracing the truth that we can not have dominion over that which we are an integral part.
"Fire in the Belly"
14" x 18" matted
Limited print
Painting or the process of making images is a journey toward wholeness, a practice for understanding and celebrating life. It is an act of healing for my self and the viewer, whose engagement with the artwork continues the life and vitality of that artwork. Painting as healing is a strong motivation in my work. The awe inherent in nature and personal/archetypal images that surface through meditation, combined with the healing power of color is my vehicle. It is my belief and my hope that by distilling the imagery and the healing powers of color through their own being, the viewer’s soul is sparked and nurtured with inspiration and the joyful recognition of the interconnectedness of all. Thus viewing art is not a passive act but a truly dynamic healing process.
The original imagery came to me during meditation. The images evolved during the process of creating the paintings. Spirituality being rooted in our interconnectedness with the earth, with the universe, and the idea of spirit evolving is expressed in my work. The elements of life: gestation, birth, growth, death, and the changing seasons are significant in my paintings, as they are symbolic of spiritual growth and the importance in recognizing and embracing the truth that we can not have dominion over that which we are an integral part.
Artist: Tatiana von Tauber (22)
Contribution by Tatiana von Tauber, Founder of The Art Cure
"Self-Radiation"
11" x 17"
Digital original print
limited ed.
"Self-Radiation"
11" x 17"
Digital original print
limited ed.
Tatiana von Tauber/ Bio
I don't know what it's like to have cancer of the body but I also do not believe suffering discriminates. In other words, to suffer is to suffer and equal value comes to the one who experiences such.
"Self-Radiation" is intended to bring attention to the heart and the waves of self-love energy that transforms.
Mission Statement: Tatiana von Tauber is an internationally published boudoir photographer, feminist writer and multi-skilled artist whose goal is to help women discover their importance and value in society through the power of the arts.
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Update: Press & Book info
Here's my latest interview with Sarahlyn U. Argrow from Savannah's "Talking Real" webcast. Part two will air Wed. the 22nd.
Direct link:
http://savannahnow.com/talking-real-artist-boudoir-photographer-tatiana-von-tauber
Part 2:
Direct Link: http://tinyurl.com/2esjvyv
***
A story about The Art Cure will be appearing in Richmond Hill Reflections Magazine in their next issue. Be sure to look for it (locals) and I'll post to it when it is published.
***
Presenting The Art Cure Diaries, 152 pages of the work and stories you see on this blog by survivors documented as a work of art itself.
Book retails for $49.95. Purchase and view here.
For instant preview click here.
Direct link:
http://savannahnow.com/talking-real-artist-boudoir-photographer-tatiana-von-tauber
Part 2:
Direct Link: http://tinyurl.com/2esjvyv
***
A story about The Art Cure will be appearing in Richmond Hill Reflections Magazine in their next issue. Be sure to look for it (locals) and I'll post to it when it is published.
***
Presenting The Art Cure Diaries, 152 pages of the work and stories you see on this blog by survivors documented as a work of art itself.
Book retails for $49.95. Purchase and view here.
For instant preview click here.
Survivor: Toni Sylvester (21)
Painted during TAC session three
"Mothers & Daughters"
16" x 20"
Acrylic on canvas
I found a lump, but I was not particularly concerned. Still, I had an ultrasound, which led to a mammogram, which led to biopsy. Then suddenly I had cancer. I had surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy. So now, a few years later, I am cancer-free.
I am a woman and sometimes even a girl. I am a wife, a sister, a daughter and a friend. I am Auntie to some and Doctor to many. I am "too young for cancer" as I am often told. I am one in eight. My mother is one in eight. I am the daughter of a survivor. I am a survivor.
"Mothers & Daughters"
16" x 20"
Acrylic on canvas
Toni's Story:
I found a lump, but I was not particularly concerned. Still, I had an ultrasound, which led to a mammogram, which led to biopsy. Then suddenly I had cancer. I had surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy. So now, a few years later, I am cancer-free.
I am a woman and sometimes even a girl. I am a wife, a sister, a daughter and a friend. I am Auntie to some and Doctor to many. I am "too young for cancer" as I am often told. I am one in eight. My mother is one in eight. I am the daughter of a survivor. I am a survivor.
Survivor: Andrea N. Graham (20)
Painted during TAC session three
"Teddy GRAHAM"
16" x 20"
Acrylic on canvas
Andrea's Story:
I found a lump in my left breast while in the shower doing my monthly self-examination. I didn’t stress because 17 months earlier I found a similar lump in my right breast. It was non-cancerous, and I had the lump removed. I made an appointment to have my second lump checked and removed, same ole routine, so I thought. I received a call on Monday August 17, 2009 informing me that I had breast cancer. WOW!!!! I had just moved to the area, had just signed into my unit, the 260th Quartermaster Battalion 3rd Sustainment Brigade based at Hunter Army Airfield. Simply put, I was scared. How do I tell my Commander? Better yet, how do I lead Soldiers? I didn’t want to look sick; and I definitely didn’t want to lose my hair.
On Tuesday, 8 September 2009, I had a lumpectomy and I found out that I had Stage One breast cancer. Moreover, I found out that my lump was 1.2 centimeters. My journey has been a roller coaster, but I never feared death. I have undergone chemotherapy, radiation, and currently Herceptin treatments as well as a 5-year daily dose of Tamoxifen.
I have learned that having hair doesn’t define my beauty; beauty comes from within. Life is a test to see if you can recover from bumps and bruises. Life for me has been a test to pick up the pieces and move forward. I have realized that I am not the same Soldier I used to be; however I am still a Soldier. I have a lot to celebrate; I have been cancer free for 3 months, and for that, I celebrate Life.
"Teddy GRAHAM"
16" x 20"
Acrylic on canvas
Andrea's Story:
I found a lump in my left breast while in the shower doing my monthly self-examination. I didn’t stress because 17 months earlier I found a similar lump in my right breast. It was non-cancerous, and I had the lump removed. I made an appointment to have my second lump checked and removed, same ole routine, so I thought. I received a call on Monday August 17, 2009 informing me that I had breast cancer. WOW!!!! I had just moved to the area, had just signed into my unit, the 260th Quartermaster Battalion 3rd Sustainment Brigade based at Hunter Army Airfield. Simply put, I was scared. How do I tell my Commander? Better yet, how do I lead Soldiers? I didn’t want to look sick; and I definitely didn’t want to lose my hair.
On Tuesday, 8 September 2009, I had a lumpectomy and I found out that I had Stage One breast cancer. Moreover, I found out that my lump was 1.2 centimeters. My journey has been a roller coaster, but I never feared death. I have undergone chemotherapy, radiation, and currently Herceptin treatments as well as a 5-year daily dose of Tamoxifen.
I have learned that having hair doesn’t define my beauty; beauty comes from within. Life is a test to see if you can recover from bumps and bruises. Life for me has been a test to pick up the pieces and move forward. I have realized that I am not the same Soldier I used to be; however I am still a Soldier. I have a lot to celebrate; I have been cancer free for 3 months, and for that, I celebrate Life.
Sold
Survivor: Connie Rudd (19)
Painted during TAC session three
"In The Blink of an Eye"
16" x 20"
Acrylic on canvas
Connie's Story:
In looking back in time, life’s learning and life’s major events seem to have happened and continue to happen “in the blink of an eye”. The experience and knowledge from each “blink” has been and continues to be far reaching and meaningful in my life.
Beginning with the first awareness as a child and continuing on into the present.
Family, friends, loves of my life, education, professional careers, marriage, motherhood, death of my wonderful Grandmother and others, widowed after twenty-eight years, grieving, finding love again, breast cancer, marriage, becoming a grandparent. Yes, that is the order of things.
May, 2001 begins a new and different chapter in my life. I was a proud parent. I was so in love and engaged to be married. I sold my house of thirteen years. My fiancé and I were buying a new home in which to create new memories.
I discovered a lump in my right breast and, because I have had fibroid cystic disease. I immediately made an appointment with my Gynecologist. There was a referral for a mammogram. There was a whirl of activity and “In the Blink of An Eye” there was the diagnosis of Breast Cancer. My fiancé, my daughters, my best friends gathered at my new home to comfort and support me.
I made justification after justification as to why my life should be “put on hold” until we could see what the near future was to bring. Well, no one was comfortable with that, so, on May 14, 2001, driving down Abercorn Street to check in for my mastectomy, my then fiancé (now husband) started making phone calls to confirm our wedding, wedding reception, and honeymoon.
I need to insert here that I was given the opportunity to participate in a study that was exploring “sentinel node” identification. I believe it is routine now. At the time, it was not. The doctors could see the lymph nodes that needed to be removed . I willingly joined the study. I truly think that this was the point I personally headed in the direction of a much stronger faith and an attitude that there was a lot more living that I needed to do.
Medically, we believed that the cancer was removed. As a precaution, chemotherapy was recommended. Not physically pretty. But my body was strong. Emotionally, it was challenging .There was a second opportunity to involve myself in a study. This one involved using Procrit proactively instead of waiting until the red blood count was so very low.
My Oncologist and her staff were more than wonderful! It was arranged that, along with my wig, clothes, etc, along went a Procrit shot Blood work was done mid-honeymoon, much to the surprise of the medical facility where we stopped. The shot was needed and my new husband was the hero that gave me the injection
I want to stop here with the story of the treatment to tell you, that in the midst of it, some very wonderful things were occurring at the same time. My husband and I purchased a motor boat. Actually, it was bought a week or two before our marriage And, “In The Blink of An Eye” on July 14, 2001, we were married in a small but beautiful ceremony celebrating life and love.
After approximately 12 weeks of chemotherapy, I thought the treatment was over. However, it was determined that 30 treatments of radiation were needed. Every afternoon after work (oh, yes I continued to work), I drove across town for my radiation treatment. During this, guess what? Yep! In “The Blink of An Eye”, my hair was growing.
Now for the best parts: During my recovery my husband bought our first digital camera. He wanted to take photos and make memories to share with my daughters and friends. We are many digital cameras down the road. We have taken thousands of nature photographs and have even sold some! Imagine that! Along the way, we decided to take a trip to the Caribbean. St. Croix, USVI! That is the island where we began our love for scuba diving. My husband has taken those skills to a very high level. Me, not so much. I do have my Advanced Open Water Certification and some Specialties. Nothing like jumping into the water to see the beautiful landscape and living creatures under the sea.
I am thankful for having the opportunity to share my story. My intention is to remind myself how very fortunate I am. To thank my family, friends, and medical staffs for standing by me, loving me, and helping me live life to the fullest. I am also thankful for the chance to tell others that the choices we make in life to be positive have, in my opinion, such a profound effect on the outcomes of our experiences. Also, you can never minimize the effects of humor. I can recall many funny moments to mix in with the very serious moments of breast cancer.
To sum it up: I LOVE LIFE
P.S. The painting is actually taken from a close-up of the eye of a Burrfish taken by my husband in Cozumel, 2010
"In The Blink of an Eye"
16" x 20"
Acrylic on canvas
In looking back in time, life’s learning and life’s major events seem to have happened and continue to happen “in the blink of an eye”. The experience and knowledge from each “blink” has been and continues to be far reaching and meaningful in my life.
Beginning with the first awareness as a child and continuing on into the present.
Family, friends, loves of my life, education, professional careers, marriage, motherhood, death of my wonderful Grandmother and others, widowed after twenty-eight years, grieving, finding love again, breast cancer, marriage, becoming a grandparent. Yes, that is the order of things.
May, 2001 begins a new and different chapter in my life. I was a proud parent. I was so in love and engaged to be married. I sold my house of thirteen years. My fiancé and I were buying a new home in which to create new memories.
I discovered a lump in my right breast and, because I have had fibroid cystic disease. I immediately made an appointment with my Gynecologist. There was a referral for a mammogram. There was a whirl of activity and “In the Blink of An Eye” there was the diagnosis of Breast Cancer. My fiancé, my daughters, my best friends gathered at my new home to comfort and support me.
I made justification after justification as to why my life should be “put on hold” until we could see what the near future was to bring. Well, no one was comfortable with that, so, on May 14, 2001, driving down Abercorn Street to check in for my mastectomy, my then fiancé (now husband) started making phone calls to confirm our wedding, wedding reception, and honeymoon.
I need to insert here that I was given the opportunity to participate in a study that was exploring “sentinel node” identification. I believe it is routine now. At the time, it was not. The doctors could see the lymph nodes that needed to be removed . I willingly joined the study. I truly think that this was the point I personally headed in the direction of a much stronger faith and an attitude that there was a lot more living that I needed to do.
Medically, we believed that the cancer was removed. As a precaution, chemotherapy was recommended. Not physically pretty. But my body was strong. Emotionally, it was challenging .There was a second opportunity to involve myself in a study. This one involved using Procrit proactively instead of waiting until the red blood count was so very low.
My Oncologist and her staff were more than wonderful! It was arranged that, along with my wig, clothes, etc, along went a Procrit shot Blood work was done mid-honeymoon, much to the surprise of the medical facility where we stopped. The shot was needed and my new husband was the hero that gave me the injection
I want to stop here with the story of the treatment to tell you, that in the midst of it, some very wonderful things were occurring at the same time. My husband and I purchased a motor boat. Actually, it was bought a week or two before our marriage And, “In The Blink of An Eye” on July 14, 2001, we were married in a small but beautiful ceremony celebrating life and love.
After approximately 12 weeks of chemotherapy, I thought the treatment was over. However, it was determined that 30 treatments of radiation were needed. Every afternoon after work (oh, yes I continued to work), I drove across town for my radiation treatment. During this, guess what? Yep! In “The Blink of An Eye”, my hair was growing.
Now for the best parts: During my recovery my husband bought our first digital camera. He wanted to take photos and make memories to share with my daughters and friends. We are many digital cameras down the road. We have taken thousands of nature photographs and have even sold some! Imagine that! Along the way, we decided to take a trip to the Caribbean. St. Croix, USVI! That is the island where we began our love for scuba diving. My husband has taken those skills to a very high level. Me, not so much. I do have my Advanced Open Water Certification and some Specialties. Nothing like jumping into the water to see the beautiful landscape and living creatures under the sea.
I am thankful for having the opportunity to share my story. My intention is to remind myself how very fortunate I am. To thank my family, friends, and medical staffs for standing by me, loving me, and helping me live life to the fullest. I am also thankful for the chance to tell others that the choices we make in life to be positive have, in my opinion, such a profound effect on the outcomes of our experiences. Also, you can never minimize the effects of humor. I can recall many funny moments to mix in with the very serious moments of breast cancer.
To sum it up: I LOVE LIFE
P.S. The painting is actually taken from a close-up of the eye of a Burrfish taken by my husband in Cozumel, 2010
Survivor: Terri Floyd (18)
Painted during TAC session three
"Circle of Life"
16" x 20"
Acrylic on canvas
"Circle of Life"
16" x 20"
Acrylic on canvas
Survivor: Jenny Sheppard (17)
Painted during TAC session three
"Hope"
16" x 20"
Acrylic on canvas
My mom and my aunt had breast cancer, so I started getting mammograms at age 30 because of my increased risk of developing the disease. My mom was 57 and my aunt was 65, so I figured it was just a precaution to start at 30 and I had nothing to worry about for several years.
On March 29, 2006, I had my annual “squeeze” test and I got the all-clear post card about 2 weeks later. Less than a week later, I stumbled over a lump in the shower. Despite the family history, I wasn’t particularly vigilant about self-exams, so I was lucky to have found it.
I initially dismissed the lump because I had just had the mammogram, but when it didn’t go away after 2 weeks, I started to get a little worried. My husband and friends insisted I go to the doctor, so I did.
I had to show the doc where the lump was, but he felt like it was no big deal and probably a result of me coming off of birth control 6 months earlier. Thankfully, the family history prompted him to send me for a repeat mammogram, just in case.
The next day at Telfair Women’s Hospital, they cut right to the chase and skipped the repeat mammogram in favor of an ultrasound. After all, I had just been there 5 weeks prior and there was nothing found. On the ultrasound, the spot was obvious, even to me. The radiologist ordered a biopsy for the following Tuesday. I still figured it was nothing because I wasn’t supposed to get breast cancer until I was at least 55, just like my mom and aunt. 37 was just too young for breast cancer in my family.
At the biopsy, I got no indication of what the results might be. On Thursday, afternoon, I got a call from the manager of nurses at Telfair asking if I could come over right away to discuss the results. I fell apart at work and thankfully, my best friend/co-worker insisted on going with me. My husband on a plane headed home from a business trip.
When I got to Telfair, I was immediately ushered back to the conference room where a radiologist and a patient navigator from the Lewis Cancer Center were waiting on me. I knew exactly what I was about to hear.
As a mother of two young children and a family history of breast cancer, I didn’t want to go through this experience again, so I opted to have a bi-lateral mastectomy, with simultaneous reconstruction. This was followed by 6 rounds of chemotherapy and 34 rounds of radiation. I am also participating in a 5 year clinical trial specifically for younger women, but it comes with the fun of early, and in may case permanent menopause.
I think my family history of breast cancer is the only thing that prompted my doctor to send me back to Telfair. There are many women without a family history that might have been dismissed given a similar situation. This is why I feel strongly that all women need to advocate for their own health, educate themselves, and do regular self breast exams. As my case is proof, mammograms are not 100% reliable in any woman and are especially inaccurate in women under 40. No woman should count on it as their only screening mechanism.
There is nothing like cancer to make you sit up and take inventory of your life. My husband and I have come to realize what really matters – family, friends, and health. We also learned through the experience what an incredible support system we have and we recognized how truly blessed we are.
My daughter once asked me what my favorite age was. I thought for about 2 seconds and said “whatever age I am at the moment you ask me”. I just feel fortunate to be here answering the question.
"Hope"
16" x 20"
Acrylic on canvas
Jenny's Story
Diagnosed May 2006 at age 37
My mom and my aunt had breast cancer, so I started getting mammograms at age 30 because of my increased risk of developing the disease. My mom was 57 and my aunt was 65, so I figured it was just a precaution to start at 30 and I had nothing to worry about for several years.
On March 29, 2006, I had my annual “squeeze” test and I got the all-clear post card about 2 weeks later. Less than a week later, I stumbled over a lump in the shower. Despite the family history, I wasn’t particularly vigilant about self-exams, so I was lucky to have found it.
I initially dismissed the lump because I had just had the mammogram, but when it didn’t go away after 2 weeks, I started to get a little worried. My husband and friends insisted I go to the doctor, so I did.
I had to show the doc where the lump was, but he felt like it was no big deal and probably a result of me coming off of birth control 6 months earlier. Thankfully, the family history prompted him to send me for a repeat mammogram, just in case.
The next day at Telfair Women’s Hospital, they cut right to the chase and skipped the repeat mammogram in favor of an ultrasound. After all, I had just been there 5 weeks prior and there was nothing found. On the ultrasound, the spot was obvious, even to me. The radiologist ordered a biopsy for the following Tuesday. I still figured it was nothing because I wasn’t supposed to get breast cancer until I was at least 55, just like my mom and aunt. 37 was just too young for breast cancer in my family.
At the biopsy, I got no indication of what the results might be. On Thursday, afternoon, I got a call from the manager of nurses at Telfair asking if I could come over right away to discuss the results. I fell apart at work and thankfully, my best friend/co-worker insisted on going with me. My husband on a plane headed home from a business trip.
When I got to Telfair, I was immediately ushered back to the conference room where a radiologist and a patient navigator from the Lewis Cancer Center were waiting on me. I knew exactly what I was about to hear.
As a mother of two young children and a family history of breast cancer, I didn’t want to go through this experience again, so I opted to have a bi-lateral mastectomy, with simultaneous reconstruction. This was followed by 6 rounds of chemotherapy and 34 rounds of radiation. I am also participating in a 5 year clinical trial specifically for younger women, but it comes with the fun of early, and in may case permanent menopause.
I think my family history of breast cancer is the only thing that prompted my doctor to send me back to Telfair. There are many women without a family history that might have been dismissed given a similar situation. This is why I feel strongly that all women need to advocate for their own health, educate themselves, and do regular self breast exams. As my case is proof, mammograms are not 100% reliable in any woman and are especially inaccurate in women under 40. No woman should count on it as their only screening mechanism.
There is nothing like cancer to make you sit up and take inventory of your life. My husband and I have come to realize what really matters – family, friends, and health. We also learned through the experience what an incredible support system we have and we recognized how truly blessed we are.
My daughter once asked me what my favorite age was. I thought for about 2 seconds and said “whatever age I am at the moment you ask me”. I just feel fortunate to be here answering the question.
Artist: Jessica Knapp (16)
Contributing artist, Savannah GA
"The Perfect Accessory"
16" x 20"
Acrylic on canvas
I am a Scad Graduate- Class of 1999, BFA Industrial Design. I have been in the toy industry as an inventor/designer for 10 plus years and just recently broke out on my own and created my company Cherrybox Studios. I recently moved back to Savannah, GA and continue to design & invent toys for the mass market, as well as do my own thing with my crafty plushies and bags. I have also shown art works in galleries throughout the country such as CBGB Gallery 13, MF gallery and The New York Gallery and had recent solo shows in Savannah at Black Orchid , Gallery Espresso, and Hangfire. Cherrybox Studios has been killing cute things since 2005. It's a mixture of the taxidermied Plushkill Forest plus a variety of other fun goodies like pasties, hats, jewelery, playful prints, and home goods.
"The Perfect Accessory"
16" x 20"
Acrylic on canvas
Jessica Knapp / Bio
I am a Scad Graduate- Class of 1999, BFA Industrial Design. I have been in the toy industry as an inventor/designer for 10 plus years and just recently broke out on my own and created my company Cherrybox Studios. I recently moved back to Savannah, GA and continue to design & invent toys for the mass market, as well as do my own thing with my crafty plushies and bags. I have also shown art works in galleries throughout the country such as CBGB Gallery 13, MF gallery and The New York Gallery and had recent solo shows in Savannah at Black Orchid , Gallery Espresso, and Hangfire. Cherrybox Studios has been killing cute things since 2005. It's a mixture of the taxidermied Plushkill Forest plus a variety of other fun goodies like pasties, hats, jewelery, playful prints, and home goods.
Sold
Artist:Dan McCormack (15)
Contributing artist, New York
"Lucia & Sarah_10-31-09--06AB"
pinhole camera image/digital pigment print
12.25" x 11" matted to 20" x 16"
Dan McCormack / Bio
I began studying Photography around 1963 at the Institute of Design in Chicago. At the School of the Art Institute of Chicago around 1967, I began photographing the nude with Wendy, my wife. Then for over forty years I explored various techniques and processes while photographing the nude as a central theme.
In 2009, I won the Ultimate Eye Foundation’s grant for Figurative Photography and had my work featured in an exhibition at the Peninsula Museum of Art in Belmont, CA.
I currently head the Photography program at Marist College in Poughkeepsie, New York where I teach photography.
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