This became an inspirational piece for anyone who has struggled with the fear and sadness associated with a cancer diagnosis. When going through chemo and the changes it makes on our bodies and our identity, many of these feelings percolate deep inside of us. If we can dig deep and find ourselves again we will discover our own inner beauty and strength. As a six year stage 4 ovarian cancer fighter, I know first hand the changes of emotion we go through. But, I choose to wear my sunglasses because each day that I get here, surviving and thriving, is so bright....I have to wear shades!

According to Chinese astrology, I was born in the year of the Tiger; I created this glass and tile mosaic as a personal Feng Shui piece. The color red is believed to have a protective function and other color choices are influenced by the date and time of my birth. As a two-time cancer survivor, I welcome the idea of protection! My tiger travels a path through the jungle, over stones large and small, and who knows what he will encounter along the way? Butterflies fly in the jumbled canopy overhead. The upper corners are pieces of mirror, reflecting the changing conditions of the sky (and even a touch of greenery from my yard, as the photograph was taken outdoors). Some of the pieces are iridescent and their colors change with the light. The frame was lovingly made by my husband. I had a lot of fun creating this piece! And I kind of like the idea of being a tiger...

Tiger in the Jungle

Initially, one sees the roundness of a tumor and the blood vessels that feed it. Yet, after viewing for a moment, the viewer can see that this is turning into a rose. Kiln glass and a genuine rose were used. The light of universal healing created the transparent, transformational effects here. Submitted in memory of my mother Ruth Reinherz, who succumbed to breast cancer, my teenage son who survived a very rare form of bladder pre-cancer, and in honor of my 40+ friends who are various survivors. You are blooming!

Breaking Free

By Janet Little

August 14th, 2019

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