As I work on the theme of cancer I have spent a lot of time trying to find information and images of cancer. Some of the most interesting images have been scans which show in minute detail the working of cancer cells in various parts of the body. It is fascinating to see the bright vivid colours that are revealed in scans and the amazing tentacles of the spreading cancerous growths or the globules of cancer that spread in a silent and deadly manner.
I always get a twinge of fear or anxiety when I go to find information on cancer as I know from family and friends who have been diagnosed and treated for cancer that it is amazing how much it can have grown and spread inside a person's body without them being in any way aware of it. In some cases the first symptoms that manifest themselves may unfortunately come at a very advanced stage where treatment is limited and the condition is terminal.
I'm working firstly on paintings of cancers that have affected people who are very close to me. I am amazed by the complex nature of the disease and how colourful it appears in scans. It is also fascinating to see the way it spreads and grows within vital organs and with time how it overwhelms the healthy cells.
In painting the cancers I use strong brush strokes to show the vibrancy and energy that is contained in cancer cells. There are intriguing interwoven patterns with an almost intricate celtic design revealed by the complex strands that spread through the organs and into other parts of the body. The other fascination of cancer is what it reveals of the people who are diagnosed. I have become aware of great qualities and strengths that have remained hidden within people until they have had to find courage and resilience to deal with the diagnosis of cancer. There is a perverse juxtaposition of the intriguing, frightening beauty of cancer cells and the beauty of the hidden courage and strength of people when faced with the diagnosis. Perhaps such diagnoses give us opportunities to strengthen relationships and bonds that would otherwise remain stagnant or dormant due to a lack of perception or energy.
In painting on the theme of cancer it gives me a new energy and realisation that the important things in life always need work and attention. Beauty and richness are there to be grasped once your eyes and ears are open to appreciate them all around you.
In this painting I am working on cancer of the pituitary gland which is a vital organ that effects so much the workings of the body and the brain. Its strategic location within the brain gives a sense of how it is the mastergland and even the tiniest secretions of enzymes from this gland have vital roles to play in a healthy mind and body. The painting captures that role well as it looks like the rising sun which gives strength and energy to plants and animals. Unfortunately cancer attacks that healthy growth and energy flow leading to debilitating disease and infection. Fortunately it is good to know that is has been successfully treated in any of the people that I know who have been diagnosed with cancer of the pituitary gland.
My main idea is to show how cancer weaves its way around vital organs and spreads rapidly to other organs and parts of the body. I do not wish to romanticise the condition but instead reveal its terrible, frightening beauty as it leaves me fearful that at some stage I may be dealing with one of these conditions myself.
I am aware of the high success rates and the very effective treatment regimes that are put into operation when cancer is diagnosed. I know more people who have been successfully treated than people who have died as a result.
The research and development in the treatment of cancer gives great grounds for optimism but it is very hard to get away from the fear that immediately springs up when people get the dreaded cancer diagnosis.
Painting this theme is an opportunity for me to get some information and come to terms with some of the cases and conditions that I have come in contact with.
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