“I’m Grounded Like The Earth…Yet I Flow like The River”
Barbara Bigelow
Buzzards Bay, MA
www.Barbigwire.com
Metastatic Breast Cancer – Stage IV
Twist on Cancer: I have had a long and winding road with cancer over the last 20 years, with multiple procedures, interventions, and surgeries, including a 2-month hospital stay where I lost my ability to walk and swallow. I live scan to scan, always on the edge. It has made me live my life more freely and with greater intention. Consequently, I am very open about all aspects of my life, writing a blog that chronicles my path and I am much more laid back.
I think the intersection of art and cancer is an important one in helping us tell our stories and impacting others in a way that words alone can’t. My artist and I are different in every way, yet there was a humanity and common ground to be discovered and explored. Our conversations over the past several months were wide ranging and varied— the meeting of an extrovert and an introvert that changed as we became more comfortable and open, both of us invested in the process.
Briana Green
Philadelphia, PA
https://www.moonflowerleeart.com/
@themoonflower_lee
“I’m Grounded Like The Earth…Yet I Flow like The River”
Mixed Media
24” x 30” ¾”
$350
Artist Statement: “I’m Grounded Like the Earth…Yet I flow like The River
I admit as an artist that creating a concept for the piece was a little challenging. Although my inspiration was very open with her journey, I still didn’t know how to convey her story into a work of art. My inspiration is such a strong woman. She has been through so many hurdles with cancer, ones that many will not be able to handle, let alone face. “I’m grounded like the earth”, refers to her staying grounded with what has come with this ailment, and she did not let it shatter her life or character. She’s grounded as a wife, mother, and for many people who have experienced the same turmoil. “Yet I flow like the river”, refers to the adjustment to whatever life brings. While speaking with my inspiration, she explained that whatever comes in life comes. There’s no such thing as something happening for a reason. Life gives us choices, challenges, people, and things that are just part of this lifetime. It was a pleasure working with Barbara as an inspiration. In our short amount of time getting to know each other, she has taught me something. She has taught me to stay grounded with any force that comes, yet flow like a river to maintain my peace.”