Braving the Wind: Kara’s Story

Behind the Artwork

Braving the Wind at ArtPrize 2011

Kara, a young woman, had been battling cancer for several years. To portray her story for ArtPrize 2011, I combined the paintings of Kara in Braving the Wind with an interactive metal Healing Tree. Visitors were invited to write notes, honoring loved ones struggling with cancer and then hanging the notes on the tree. This was the first time I created an interactive healing installation. Now visitors had the opportunity to expand the work with their own stories.

Years later, Kara and I reconnected. We had a special opportunity to sit down and discuss our ArtPrize journey: An immersive experience with the ArtPrize audience. Art had made a bridge for us to connect and develop a special friendship while the art also had created a pathway to inspire exhibit visitors. Through Kara’s perseverance and willingness to help others—in the midst of her own reoccurring cancer battle—20,000 ArtPrize visitors ended up being inspired to participate.

How can you encourage a friend or loved one battling cancer or simply help a friend in need?

Visit healinginarts.org to learn more about our inspirational work.

Our healing art involves you—because you matter!

Let Go and Peace

Behind the Artwork

Close-up of a section of Let GoThe threads of past exhibits continue to be sewn in and out of my current artwork. During ArtPrize 2011, Metro Health Hospital invited me to portray Kara’s cancer story. So I created Braving the Wind which tells Kara’s remarkable story of determination and hope after her reoccurring battles with cancer.

This letter from “Warrior of Hope” is from another friendship that resulted from ArtPrize 2011. A friendship, like Kara’s, that has been woven into my life. After meeting these brave survivors, I have a tremendous respect for their enduring spirits.

Dear Life,

One day my life came to a screeching halt. I had a massive collision with my status quo. My sense of “comfortable” suddenly became very uncomfortable—even terrifying. My divorce and cancer diagnosis shook me up and left me in complete despair—fragmented, bruised, and scarred. Thoughts of “What’s next?” or “Where do I turn from here?” frequented my mind.

Over time, I began to realize that life is not all about me, so I asked myself: “What can I learn from my circumstances?” One thing I learned is this: “Never give up and to keep on fighting!” There is ALWAYS hope. Real life miracles really do still happen.

I have now survived two cancer diagnoses and defied the odds; I still get to celebrate life. I may be permanently disabled according to the doctors. However, I have a lot of life and hope still left. My journey has reminded me of how precious life really is. And as a result, I’m learning to have a great appreciation for everything.

So I’m letting go of my fear of the unknown. I’m letting go of my fear of cancer. And I’m letting go of my fear of being alone.

Letting go and resting peacefully,
Warrior of Hope

Note: One hundred twenty-six participants pre-submitted Let Go letters and sentences to be collaged into the painting. The names and some details have been changed to protect identities.

Braving the Wind Book

Behind the Artwork2 Comments

Braving the Wind hardcover book

During ArtPrize 2011, visitors were invited to respond to Braving the Wind—a collection of three watercolor paintings portraying a young woman’s battle with cancer. Nearly 20,000 visitors participated in the healing process. By hanging Hope Cards on a metal Healing Tree, they remembered their loved ones who have struggled with cancer.

Healing Tree filled at ArtPrize 2011

People of all ages wanted to honor their loved ones. Some shed a few tears; others quietly reflected. Still others wanted to talk about their cancer stories. Yet all the effort was worthwhile when I overheard one visitor say, “Just the act of writing the message and hanging it on the tree made me feel like I was part of the healing process.”

Since ArtPrize 2011, the Braving the Wind collection is still touching cancer patients and their families. So I have decided to publish a book highlighting the series. The book includes photos and stories from ArtPrize 2011. I’m grateful for the opportunity to be a small part of the healing process.

Dad and son filling out Hope Card

“If I can stop one heart from breaking,
I shall not live in vain;
If I can ease one life the aching,
Or cool one pain,
Or help one fainting robin
Unto his nest again,
I shall not live in vain.”

Emily Dickinson

Women’s Expo 2012 at DeVos Place

General

Braving the Wind watercolor series at Women's Expo 2012

Countless visitors added more Hope Cards to the Healing Tree at Women’s Expo 2012. After ArtPrize 2011 and Women’s Expo, more than 20,000 Hope Cards were added to the Healing Tree to honor loved ones fighting cancer. One woman added a card for her 101-year-old mother who beat breast cancer over 20 years ago.