Dannelle Larsen-Rife and Erin Brazill
The Story
Dannelle Larsen-Rife
Dannelle Larsen-Rife
Davis, CA
Cancer thriver living with metastatic breast cancer
Twist On Cancer: Participating in this program has helped me to more fully realize the complexities of living with cancer and provided a new perspective to understand my experiences. Communicating about my experiences and then seeing art developed based on those conversations provides a visual representation of feelings and experiences that are difficult to convey with words. It has also helped me to understand that art may help me continue to process the excruciating experiences I have had because of cancer.
I was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer while raising young children. Doctors thought I'd only live four months, at best, and put me on palliative care. Doctors believed they had no treatments to prolong my life and gave me no hope. I was willing to try anything that might extend my life to see my children grow up. I have been in active treatment (every three weeks) for more than seven years, including chemotherapy, multiple surgeries, radiation, and many integrative and alternative treatments. I am grateful for every single day I am alive and for this bonus time with my family, no matter how hard it is. My children and I have learned we can do hard things. Because of cancer, I have a deeper understanding of the fragility of life and how precious every single moment is, and how unimportant nearly everything else is.
Davis, CA
Cancer thriver living with metastatic breast cancer
Twist On Cancer: Participating in this program has helped me to more fully realize the complexities of living with cancer and provided a new perspective to understand my experiences. Communicating about my experiences and then seeing art developed based on those conversations provides a visual representation of feelings and experiences that are difficult to convey with words. It has also helped me to understand that art may help me continue to process the excruciating experiences I have had because of cancer.
I was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer while raising young children. Doctors thought I'd only live four months, at best, and put me on palliative care. Doctors believed they had no treatments to prolong my life and gave me no hope. I was willing to try anything that might extend my life to see my children grow up. I have been in active treatment (every three weeks) for more than seven years, including chemotherapy, multiple surgeries, radiation, and many integrative and alternative treatments. I am grateful for every single day I am alive and for this bonus time with my family, no matter how hard it is. My children and I have learned we can do hard things. Because of cancer, I have a deeper understanding of the fragility of life and how precious every single moment is, and how unimportant nearly everything else is.
Erin Brazill
Erin Brazill
Victor, NY
@erin.k.brazill
“Across Landscapes”
Mixed media and embroidery on canvas
24” x 24” x 1.5”
$500
Artist Statement: “Across Landscapes” represents the connection and transcendence of the unique and shared journeys my Inspiration and I experienced with cancer. The layering and weaving of watercolor papers and Fineline imagery collectively represent the complexities of thriving while living through cancer experiences. Dyeing, painting, and weaving paper – to create mountaintops and echoes of body scans, peaks and valleys, (de)lights and shadows – help to reflect the undulating nature of coping with and overcoming illness. The embroidered French knots throughout the central sunprint, and the journey – from ground to sky, darkness to light, heaviness to weightlessness – are meant to capture the internal locus of control, the life journey, and the ongoing strength of my Inspiration. The piece celebrates her beautiful life force: trying to live every moment with intention and resiliency.
Victor, NY
@erin.k.brazill
“Across Landscapes”
Mixed media and embroidery on canvas
24” x 24” x 1.5”
$500
Artist Statement: “Across Landscapes” represents the connection and transcendence of the unique and shared journeys my Inspiration and I experienced with cancer. The layering and weaving of watercolor papers and Fineline imagery collectively represent the complexities of thriving while living through cancer experiences. Dyeing, painting, and weaving paper – to create mountaintops and echoes of body scans, peaks and valleys, (de)lights and shadows – help to reflect the undulating nature of coping with and overcoming illness. The embroidered French knots throughout the central sunprint, and the journey – from ground to sky, darkness to light, heaviness to weightlessness – are meant to capture the internal locus of control, the life journey, and the ongoing strength of my Inspiration. The piece celebrates her beautiful life force: trying to live every moment with intention and resiliency.