My goal for works such as the attached “Transcendence,” is to inspire others.  It is one of several works I have created incorporating and transforming artifacts from my treatment experience for metastatic breast cancer.  

Initially diagnosed in 2002 with breast cancer, it was found to be metastatic in 2016. Imagery that depicts the patient as a strong, vibrant person, albeit amidst treatment, empowers us to be seen as vital beings despite our diagnosis and gives us strength to go on.

Transcendence transforms the radiation head stabilizer, a necessary but constraining device, as it affixes the patient’s head to the platform for treatment, into a lotus garden arising from within. Inside the mask are waterlilies floating on calm waters; peaceful waters covering the mask are dotted with flowers and strewn with vibrant stems. They bathe the patient and the viewer in serenity and calm.

I am a neuroendocrine cancer survivor living on the coast of North Carolina. I was diagnosed almost 13 years ago during a routine colonoscopy. 

I’m alive and doing well today due to a combination of early detection, excellent medical care and the absolutely wonderful support of my family. 

The photo my wife is submitting for the 2023 CURE calendar is of a painting titled “Moonlight Over The Creek.”  It’s the view from our house she painted for me shortly after I was diagnosed. I have certainly had more good days than bad since diagnosis, but on the worst days this painting has been the source of much comfort. It represents the beauty and serenity of this area and my wife’s absolute and unrelenting support during our journey with cancer.  

I carry the photo of this painting on my phone for all the bad times when I can’t be home to see the scene in person. I would very much like to see it used in next year’s calendar, but even if it’s not I hope everyone who sees it gets as much comfort and joy from it as I have.  My wife and I thank you very much for the opportunity to submit her painting.

Moonlight Over the Creek

This tile was made at Gilda’s Club of Metro Detroit in Royal Oak, Michigan, under the tutelage of Art Therapy instructor Lauren Alfonsi from the Barbara Ann Karmanos Healing Arts Center in Farmington Hills, Michigan, and an artist who demonstrated and helped us with the project, Nancy Opatich.

Since many of the support activities of these organizations are just getting back on track from the pandemic, we met in a tent outdoors at Gilda’s Club on a warm September evening.

This piece relates to my 17-year cancer journey in multiple ways. First and foremost, I have been supported, entertained, encouraged and cared for by a huge number of other cancer patients and support staff whom I have met through Gilda’s Club and the Karmanos Healing Arts Center. I have spent many enjoyable hours being lifted up by the camaraderie and shared experiences of the many fine people I have known.

Secondly, I am not much of an artist, but I was so thrilled as the image revealed itself. There really isn’t a specific name for the technique — I just followed Nancy’s advice and dropped the chosen colors on. She put the fire to it and as the alcohol burned off, it looked just like pictures I had seen of the Aurora Borealis in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan over the course of this summer!

The Aurora Borealis (Northern Goddess of the Dawn) is an incredible phenomenon. Yet it is just one example of the astonishing beauty and majesty of the natural world, and the stability and gentleness of the Earth, with all of her healing powers.

As I have followed this path of cancer survivorship, I have leaned many times on that deep core of grounding that our Earth provides. The brilliant colors and shimmering lights of the Aurora Borealis seem to be guiding my way to new beginnings.



Transcendence

By Karen Koster Burr

October 19th, 2022

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