This piece is called "Labyrinth." It is drawn on a 3.5-inch square heavy-weight artist tile with black Micron pens.  

Currently undergoing treatment for multiple myeloma, I chose to create a labyrinth both because of its traditional use as a centering and healing tool and as a representation of the path through the cancer experience. When creating the design, I drew on the meditative qualities of a labyrinth to focus my thoughts.  Now when using the labyrinth, I pause along the path to identify the challenges and potential obstacles of the moment.  Once reaching the center, I reflect on progress and positive developments before retracing the path back to the everyday.

Mediums: Mixed Media including acrylic paint, cardboard, burlap, feathers, embellishments and pen & ink
 
“Fearless” is mixed media composed of a combination of the very different mediums and styles of both my dad and myself resulting in a visually interesting assemblage art piece. This piece features my dad’s stunning leopard pen & ink stipple drawing incorporated into rugged textures and earthly elements. 

It’s an extremely personal piece for me. It represents determination, courage and love. My dad was diagnosed with colon cancer and in the last months of his life, I promised him that I would show his art to the world. He never had the opportunity to do that. He was way too talented for his work to go unnoticed and unappreciated. 

My dad inspired me to become the best artist and daughter that I could be. My mom also died of cancer just 11 months prior to my dad. They were together for 60 years. This piece gave me strength to deal with their deaths. It made me stronger and gave me a purpose go on so I could create more art to inspire people going through a difficult time of loss.
 

Fearless

My artwork is titled "Music Spiral" and is drawn on a 3.5-inch square heavy-weight artist tile with black Micron pens.
 
"Music Spiral" was inspired by a quote from Albert Einstein: "Human beings, vegetables, or cosmic dust, we all dance to a mysterious tune intoned in the distance by an invisible player."  

It is in "zendala" format, a Zentangle (R) version of a mandala. In this piece, I wanted to reflect the synergy between music and art, both very powerful tools I rely on for physical and emotional healing. When using this for meditation, I move beyond my own immediate health issues and am better able to  appreciate the universality of experience that connects  us all on our journey through cancer. 

Labrynth

By Roberta L. Hughes

October 19th, 2022

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