Pink October

Pink October, or Breast Cancer Awareness Month, is a month that I hold dear to my heart. I created my piece Diagnosis after being diagnosed with an invasive carcinoma in my breast. At the time, I created Diagnosis, I did not know what stage the cancer was in or what the course of treatment would be. I was newly diagnosed and scared and confused. Not having any answers was the worst part. Numerous questions ran through my mind: Did I catch it early enough? What stage is the cancer in? Will I need a mastectomy? Radiation? Chemotherapy? How will this affect my professional life? My personal life? At 42 years old, I was not only facing thoughts of mortality, but also questions of quality of life and sexuality. I feared being pitied or being seen as sick or weak.

Moreover, I hated the idea of burdening others with my concerns. So, I turned to one of my creative outlets and let my emotions control my creation. I was able to turn my mind off and just feel. Two years ago, when I looked at this piece, it conveyed to me feelings of isolation, of fear, of devastation.

Over time, I saw the piece differently - as a message of hope and optimism. The woman’s form rising out of the challenges presented - the storm only a small portion of the composition. The focal point became the woman rising above the storm and facing it with dignity. It has now become my favorite piece.

That’s the beauty of art, isn’t it? That our reality at the moment affects our perception of it. That its impact on us is guided by our personal circumstances at the time. That it can have an emotional impact that causes us to reconsider our perspective.

During Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I hope to encourage others to get their annual mammograms, perform their breast self-exams, and to become familiar with their bodies and changes to it. I also hope that Diagnosis inspires people struggling with breast cancer, or any other issues life throws at them, to face those issues with hope and optimism.

Love, Peace, and Authenticity,

Krista