Artistic Expression with our Survivors and Thrivers

This page is dedicated to the creative efforts of breast cancer survivors and thrivers in our community. Each person’s journey will look and feel different. The journey has often inspired creative expression in countless forms. We are thankful to these artists for making the world a bit more beautiful with their creations. These artists have generously donated select pieces to To Life! to be included in our fundraising auctions. Their contributions help To Life! continue supporting fellow survivors.

Here is a sampling of survivor artists who submitted art to be auctioned at The Pink Ball fundraiser.

Ann Marie Lizzi

Ann Marie Lizzi photo.jpg     Ann Marie Lizzi - Albany-Madison Theater.jpg

Artist's statement:

As of this past July, I am celebrating 10 years cancer-free and am so thankful! I have been a visual artist in many mediums – studio art, photography, film and television. While I was recovering on my couch after each chemo during treatment, I did turn to my art for comfort and for a sense of purpose. It brought me joy at a very challenging time.

One winter-evening while I was walking my pup I happened upon this magical scene. As I have always been drawn to the cinema, The Madison Theatre shone like a warm beacon & refuge in the chilly, quiet, still and beautiful winter’s night.

 

Bronwyn Perez

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Artist's statement:

I was 28 years old when I was first diagnosed with Stage 3 Invasive Ductal Carcinoma, and my oldest daughter had just turned 1.  Although I have been an artist in various stages of my life, I attribute my recent focus to my daughters, now ages 7 and 10, who gifted me with a set of colored pencils and a pad of paper for Christmas in 2020.  Since then, I have not stopped creating.  They inspire me to thrive every day.

This piece, entitled “Scars to Your Beautiful,” is a self-portrait of a survivor and thriver.

“There’s a hope that’s waiting for you in the dark

You should know you’re beautiful just the way you are.”

~ Alessia Cara, “Scars to Your Beautiful”

Cindy Marra

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Artist's statement:

My name is Cindy Marra, and November 17 will mark 30 years(!) since my diagnosis. At that time, as a working mom to a 3-year-old and a newborn, there wasn’t much time to pursue creative outlets.

With the advent of digital photography, I found that spending time in nature, looking for the “perfect shot” (still looking!) allowed me the peace that had eluded me since diagnosis.

Ellie Prakken

Elllie Praaken photo.JPG     Ellie Prakken Framed Art.jpg

Artist's statement:

In 2015 I was diagnosed with Stage 1 breast cancer. The diagnosis came before a planned sailing trip in the Caribbean. Fortunately, I was able to go on the trip and have my lumpectomy after I returned. I was also lucky to have only a short round of radiation treatments and no chemotherapy. I have been cancer free since!

I have been an artist all of my life, including ceramics, graphic arts and experimental mixed media. I worked for the Times Union/Knickberbocker News for 10 years as an editorial artist, and subsequently created many logos for local organizations, including the Albany County Helderberg Hudson Rail Trail. I started doing experimental mixed media in 2007, which has been my passion ever since. I like my paintings to be happy, colorful and bring joy to the viewer.

Jill Fishon-Kovachick

Jill Fishon-Kovachick photo.PNG     Jill Fishon-Kovachick pottery.jpg

Artist's statement:

The world in which we live brings us challenges daily.  Varying in subject and intensity in my experiences, as we grow older, we accept these challenges with worry, strength and dignity. Women in particular, whether we speak our minds or keep our thoughts private, experience unique struggles. The clay forms that I create are brought forth by those challenges – the destruction and reconstruction of ourselves. They are a response to what God gives to us and how we manage it. As people and as women. It is important for all of us to remember that we can communicate and process our everyday experiences through art, which allows others to do the same. In this way, we honor our efforts in staying strong through the different passages of life.

I was diagnosed in 2016 and have been working with clay since I was eleven years of age. It is my passion and always will be.

Kendra Muckle

 Kendra Muckle photo.jpg       Kendra Muckle framed photo.jpg

Artist's statement:

My work showcases the beauty I discover in nature. As long as I can remember I’ve always loved art and have explored many mediums. However, it wasn’t until my cancer journey began in 2017 that I found my passion for photography. Now even the smallest leaf or flower seem to speak to me. I hope the person who takes this photograph home feels the joy I felt while taking it.

Rita Cox    

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Artist's statement:

I've been making things since I was a child. It's just what I do. The medium changes with time but there is always something new underway. The feeling of seeing something come together in your hands that I can't put into words.

When I was dealing with breast cancer 13 years ago, there were so many things I couldn't do. Things as simple as taking our dog for a walk were impossible. However, I could knit. It helped me feel productive and in control when it seemed like everything else was in a crazy downward spiral.

Breast cancer is gone, but I'm still making things. Whether knitting, weaving, or quilting, there are always multiple projects underway. One of my greatest joys is knowing that they bring warmth or a smile to someone else.  

Tammy Ogsbury

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Artist's statement:

I was diagnosed with Triple Negative Chondroid Metaplastic breast cancer in October of 2018 at the age of 32.

Quilting has always been a way for me to relax and one of the things I enjoyed while going through treatments. My Aunt Diana B, who taught me how to quilt, made me what I called my “chemo quilt” while going through treatments. I took it with me every chemo day and loved how it felt like she was hugging me tight with that quilt in such a hard time in my life.

Remembering how loved I felt with that quilt is one of the reasons I continue to quilt now and have made and donated many “chemo quilts” to newly diagnosed cancer patients in the area. I hope it brings them a little love and hope in their hard times.

I hope you love it as much as I loved making it.