Medium used is Procreate.

This was created shortly after I found out I was in remission post stem cell transplant. For me it represents the calm feeling I had that evening. After so many nights of worrying I could finally take a breath, as a survivor. 

This piece is titled Under My Wings, it is acrylic on an old piece of a picket fence that I sanded by hand.  
 
In this piece, I wanted to reflect on how I will be a protector of my two daughters now and after my death. The wings represent a veil of security of a mothers never ending love.  I have been living with stage 4 Breast cancer for six years, and my biggest fear is leaving my daughters, Caroline and Victoria, motherless.  

I want them to know that I will always be a part of their body and soul no matter where my human body inhabits. My own mother died of this disease when I was 15 and I wish she had left something like this to have as a reminder. 

Under My Wings

Long before I was diagnosed with bone cancer as a young adult, I enjoyed the creative process and making art. 
 
Throughout my cancer treatments, I learned to see the transcendent beauty that simple art materials can create while simultaneously providing comfort during times of pain, sadness and grief. The drawings and artwork I created during that time became a visual record of my journey — transforming my fears and challenges into strength and hope.  
 
Over the past decade, I have been creating dozens of tiny roll-up beads with messages of inspiration, love and hope written inside each bead. From the hand-painted canvas strips, to the colored yarn, beads, feathers and charms, every bead in this collection is unique. Every bead is created with intention and purpose. Some beads celebrate a milestone — like a clear scan or follow up visit with my oncologist, while other beads are in memory of loved ones  — both beloved humans and pets affected by cancer. 
 
Just as this bead collection is unique and meaningful, I am a human on a lifetime journey informed by cancer and holding space for hope - one bead at a time. 

Survivor Starfall

By Chelsey Gomez

October 19th, 2022

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