Art has the power to heal, inspire, and connect us in ways words often cannot. For acclaimed sculptor Re Jin Lee, participating in Twist Out Cancer’s Brushes with Cancer program was a profound experience that allowed her to use her artistic talents to support someone navigating the complexities of grief and cancer.
Re Jin met Jenna, the Founder and CEO of Twist Out Cancer, through Jenny Indig, a mutual friend and Twist Out Board Member. Jenny encouraged Re Jin to consider participating in the program because she was not only an extraordinary artist but also had personal experience serving as a caregiver.
Brushes with Cancer pairs artists with “Inspirations” – individuals whose lives have been touched by cancer. Re Jin was paired with Julia Gomes, a woman mourning the loss of her husband to pancreatic cancer while simultaneously supporting her son-in-law facing a relapse of testicular cancer.
The emotional weight Julia carried was enormous. The grief of losing a loved one, coupled with the fear and uncertainty of her son-in-law’s diagnosis, created a heavy burden. Re Jin’s role was to translate these complex emotions into a visual representation, offering a creative outlet for Julia’s journey and a testament to her resilience.
Through conversations and shared experiences, Re Jin and Julia built a strong bond. Re Jin carefully listened to Julia’s stories and learned about her husband’s vibrant life. This deep understanding formed the foundation of her artwork “Stride” which beautifully captures the essence of Julia’s love and relationship with her husband Frank.
“I had the privilege of matching with Julia, whose story significantly moved me, and through our conversations, I felt a deep connection. When we finally met, it seemed we had known each other for a long time. One moment that stood out to me was when Julia shared how she and Frank took walks together every day, a ritual that became central to their relationship. While I typically work intuitively, often avoiding literal representations, for the first time, I felt compelled to bring this sentiment into the artwork. The walks Julia and Frank shared were more than just physical movement; they symbolized their connection and unity. Inspired by this, I wanted the piece to reflect their bond. The intertwined forms of the letters F and J lean into one another, supported by a grounding stride. It is a visual tribute to the strength of their relationship, their shared steps, and the warmth of the love they cultivated. The metallic glaze was chosen to reflect this energy, as I hope the reflection carries on the bond between Frank and Julia, allowing others to feel its strength.
The artwork serves as a visual reminder of hope and healing. By participating in Brushes with Cancer, Re Jin not only supported Julia on her journey but also contributed to Twist Out Cancer’s mission of providing psychosocial support to individuals touched by cancer.
Re Jin’s experience highlights the transformative power of art and its ability to foster connection, empathy, and healing.
“Stride” by Re Jin Lee will be part of the Brushes with Cancer Fall program collection. The art will be on public display at Old City Jewish Arts Center from Nov.1 through Nov. 29th. Make an appointment online.