Mara Weiner and Susan Isaacson
The Story
Mara Weiner
Deerfield, IL
Social Media
Survivor
Twist on Cancer: “Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass, it’s about learning how to dance in the rain.” -Vivian Greene.
A beautiful woman, who was taken from this Earth too soon, lived by this quote. It has always resonated with me, but never more than during the last four years. Having cancer while raising two strong little girls, in the middle of a pandemic, means there is no downtime to sulk in misery. So, is there a better way to go through life than to live, laugh and love through the rainstorm? I’ve decided not to dwell on things I cannot change. I’ve decided to surround myself with people who lift me up. I’ve decided I am the luckiest to have the most loving and supportive family and friends who will always be here for me. I’ve decided that I am forever indebted to my parents for saving my life and always taking care of me when I need them. I’ve decided it is a privilege to get older and be able to watch my girls grow up. I’ve decided to tell my story so I can hopefully be the light and inspiration for someone in the middle of their darkest days.
Social Media
Survivor
Twist on Cancer: “Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass, it’s about learning how to dance in the rain.” -Vivian Greene.
A beautiful woman, who was taken from this Earth too soon, lived by this quote. It has always resonated with me, but never more than during the last four years. Having cancer while raising two strong little girls, in the middle of a pandemic, means there is no downtime to sulk in misery. So, is there a better way to go through life than to live, laugh and love through the rainstorm? I’ve decided not to dwell on things I cannot change. I’ve decided to surround myself with people who lift me up. I’ve decided I am the luckiest to have the most loving and supportive family and friends who will always be here for me. I’ve decided that I am forever indebted to my parents for saving my life and always taking care of me when I need them. I’ve decided it is a privilege to get older and be able to watch my girls grow up. I’ve decided to tell my story so I can hopefully be the light and inspiration for someone in the middle of their darkest days.
Susan Isaacson
Glencoe, IL
www.susanisaacsonphotography.com
Social Media: @sbisaacson (IG)
“Making Rainbows”
Archival Pigment Print
12” x 18” unframed; 20” x 26” framed
$750
Artist Statement: When I met Mara Weiner, I was immediately taken by her bright smile and sparkle in her eyes. Her story and sense of purpose have inspired me beyond Brushes With Cancer. Mara is a young mother of two daughters, who were only three and five years old when she was diagnosed with breast cancer at the beginning of the Covid pandemic. When asked what got her through her treatments in this unprecedented time, she unequivocally replied, “My daughters.” Not only was it her desire to be there for them, but the joy they brought each other during her recovery at home. She shared a photo from that time with one of her daughters, both laughing with gleaming eyes. She explained that her reason for getting involved with BWC was to provide hope for other young women who are experiencing cancer. She also shared that she believes in intuition and spirit guides, both of which served her during her process of healing and ongoing wellness interventions.
Several ideas from our conversations influenced the abstract piece I created. I wanted to communicate Mara’s positive energy and desire to be a light for others and also represent her daughters in the work. I experimented with the radiant light of the mineral calcite. In the spiritual world, calcite is believed to amplify energy, healing, learning and awareness, all part of Mara’s journey. I incorporated her daughters’ favorite colors, blue for Shay and pink for Dylan. And, in merging two images a butterfly appeared.
www.susanisaacsonphotography.com
Social Media: @sbisaacson (IG)
“Making Rainbows”
Archival Pigment Print
12” x 18” unframed; 20” x 26” framed
$750
Artist Statement: When I met Mara Weiner, I was immediately taken by her bright smile and sparkle in her eyes. Her story and sense of purpose have inspired me beyond Brushes With Cancer. Mara is a young mother of two daughters, who were only three and five years old when she was diagnosed with breast cancer at the beginning of the Covid pandemic. When asked what got her through her treatments in this unprecedented time, she unequivocally replied, “My daughters.” Not only was it her desire to be there for them, but the joy they brought each other during her recovery at home. She shared a photo from that time with one of her daughters, both laughing with gleaming eyes. She explained that her reason for getting involved with BWC was to provide hope for other young women who are experiencing cancer. She also shared that she believes in intuition and spirit guides, both of which served her during her process of healing and ongoing wellness interventions.
Several ideas from our conversations influenced the abstract piece I created. I wanted to communicate Mara’s positive energy and desire to be a light for others and also represent her daughters in the work. I experimented with the radiant light of the mineral calcite. In the spiritual world, calcite is believed to amplify energy, healing, learning and awareness, all part of Mara’s journey. I incorporated her daughters’ favorite colors, blue for Shay and pink for Dylan. And, in merging two images a butterfly appeared.