Stories of Hope and Inspiration from Twist Out Cancer's Brushes With Cancer Program

Artist Christan Seidle and her inspiration Heather Russell both live in the Austin area.  They were able to get together in person as Heather shared details on her journey with cancer with Christan.  In this episode, Christan offers an artist's perspective on her experience - how participating in the Brushes With Cancer program differed from other commissions she worked on.  Heather was so inspired by her experience that she is taking on more personal art projects herself!

In this episode, Christan and Heather talk about building a relationship, telling Heather’s story through art, and what they will continue to carry with them from their experience.

”Heart of Gold” represents Heather Russell's journey with cancer, starting with her heart.  See it here.
https://twistoutcancer.org/art/heather-s-russell-and-christan-seidle/

More information is available at: https://twistoutcancer.org/ 

In this episode , artist Erin Greganti and and her inspiration Jennifer King about their path together — from building a relationship, telling Jennifer’s story through art, and what they will continue to carry with them from their experience.

Erin said, "The image is of a superhero mounted on her steed, charging in to save the day. If you look closely, you can see within the horse’s determined eye is a church, which will forever be the direction these heroes will look for their salvation. As an artist, I use imagery to portray emotion and tell a story. I create large-scale, multi-media art you can feel - not just emotionally, but also physically. This piece uses a trompe l'oeil to create depth, and incorporates tactile elements of physical fur you can pet and reigns you can touch."

See the painting here
https://twistoutcancer.org/art/jennifer-king-and-erin-greganti/

More information is available at: https://twistoutcancer.org/ 

Artist Magdalena Cuevas and and her Inspiration Martha Acosta talk about their path together — from building a relationship, telling Martha’s story through art, and what they will continue to carry with them from their experience.

Magdalena said that Martha "represents strength, determination, and beauty. Her spirit is something to admire and be completely inspired by. Martha and I connected and a beautiful friendship was born."  Magdalena was inspired to create a painting titled, "I want to Live."  See it here:
https://twistoutcancer.org/art/martha-acosta-and-magdalena-cuevas/

More information is available at: https://twistoutcancer.org/ 

Artist Karen Hidalgo and her Inspiration Michael Holtz became fast friends through the Brushes With Cancer program - they are both silly and sarcastic and enjoyed each other's company.  Not only is Karen an artist in the Southern BWC program, she is a former Inspiration.  Learn how this helped her understand Michael's journey with cancer and turn it into a unique piece of artwork.

Karen's art piece captures the many layers and stories that are part of Michael's cancer journey.  See it here.
https://twistoutcancer.org/art/michael-holtz-and-karen-hidalgo/

More information  is available at: https://twistoutcancer.org/ 

Artist Sheryl Ann Noday and her inspiration, Peter Beck, talk about their path together over these months—building a relationship, telling Peter’s story through art, and what they continue to carry with them from their experience together.

Sheryl said "I knew I wanted to create a painting whereby Peter could see himself doing what he loved, to see himself healthy in an environment in which he felt free."  This is the power of art. This is the power of healing.  See the painting, "Hope," here:
https://twistoutcancer.org/art/peter-beck-and-sheryl-ann-noday/
 
More information is available at: https://twistoutcancer.org/ 

In this episode, learn about how, despite being on different sides of the world - Inspiration Rena Williams in Northern Illinois and Artist Murielle Cohen in Israel - they formed an unbreakable connection and an everlasting bond.  They talk about their path together, from building a relationship, telling Rena’s story through art, and what they will continue to carry with them from their experience.

See the beautiful painting Murielle made for Rena here.
https://twistoutcancer.org/art/rena-williams-and-murielle-cohen/

More information  is available at: https://twistoutcancer.org/ 

Sarah and Judy discuss creating a bond as they connected and created art. They share their discoveries and revelations about living with cancer, making a new friend, and the creative process. 

“Storm Receding - Sunlight Beckons” is the painting that Judy made for Sarah.  See it here.
https://twistoutcancer.org/art/sarah-wartell-and-judy-abplanalp/

More information on Twist Out Cancer is available at: https://twistoutcancer.org/

Artist Tayler Shannon and her inspiration Kristie Teal shared how they became involved in the Brushes with Cancer program, how their relationship blossomed, and the experience of creating art together.

Take a look at “Flowers for Kristie” here:
https://twistoutcancer.org/art/kristie-teal-and-tayler-shannon/

More information is available at: https://twistoutcancer.org/ 

In this episode , artist Shefali Khanna and her inspiration Soraya Fata talk about their path together — from building a relationship, telling Soraya’s story through art, and what they will continue to carry with them from their experience.

Learn more about Soraya's journey with cancer here:  https://twistoutcancer.org/blog/soraya-fatas-life-after-cancer/

More information  is available at: https://twistoutcancer.org/