CANCER And Art
Cancer and art are not necessarily BFF’s but life happens and we have to play the cards we’ve been dealt.
In 2024 I have had no less than 5-6 surgeries for skin cancer, but in July I began to suspect I had a different kind o cancer. Fortunately, I didn’t delay after I received my first symptom and go in to my OB-GYN almost immediately. She sent me to a specialist and a definite diagnosis was made.
“Mrs. Graves, you have uterine cancer and you will need surgery ASAP,” the specialist said. “I’m scheduling you for August 8.”
Hold the phone I said. I have an artist of the month show in Vevay, Indiana that day and it’s been on the calendar for over a year. Here’s where Cancer and Art collided.
“OK,” he said. “How about August 16?”
I’m good with that and all things were immediately scheduled. August 16th came and after 3 hours in surgery, I was assured they got it all and no further treatment would e necessary.
Now Comes The Hard Part
I went home the next day and immediately went to sleep. You know how much sleep you get in the hospital, right. I slept almost completely for the next three weeks. I could not get any energy or motivation.
Back to the hospital
After 3 weeks at home, it became painfully obvious I needed to return to the hospital. After 3 additional days in the hospital I returned home and began healing all over again. Sheesh! I slept for another 3 weeks. Still no energy or motivation.
Every artist has blocks. Mine came with cancer. I could not believe how exhausted I was and that I had no motivation to do anything. I have several auto immune illnesses so I was pretty sure I wasn’t going to heal quickly. I did not disappoint!!!
Finally after 12 weeks of trying to recover, my motivation and energy began coming back.
In the video I explain how an artist can get past blocks whether they be emotional blocks or health blocks.
Things to do to get past a block:
- Watch videos of others painting or creating
2. Listen to beautiful music with videos of gorgeous scenery for inspiration.
3. Visit local art galleries and museums.
Watch the video to go deeper into overcoming a block. CANCER AND ART.
If you are in a block currently, you need to keep this in mind. Every artist goes through blocks. Some last much longer than others but you can get through them and get back on the road to creativity.
One of the main things to remember is to not beat yourself up because of the block. It’s not permanent, although it might feel like it is. Keep trying to paint or do some other creative endeavor. It’s sort of scary getting back to painting after a long lay off. You begin to doubt if you can do it or not. That’s why it’s so important to not get down on yourself.
I’d love to hear your comments on the video about your block and what you did to get out of it.
Have a great day and let’s paint together soon.