Original mixed media assemblage on panel, floating against white linen and housed within a 20.75"W x 31.25"H x 2"D neon orange acrylic shadow box. Cleat hanging hardware included. Please read below for the inspiration behind this meaningful piece. 

Artwork available through the Brushes with Cancer Art Auction with proceeds benefiting Twist Out Cancer, a non-profit that provides a therapeutic experience for cancer patients by pairing them with artists who interpret their cancer story into a work of art. This is my piece honoring Melissa. 

Melissa is one of those people who is brave without realizing it. As a girl, she "pushed the limits" despite major health issues. In adulthood, she faced additional hardships but found footing alongside her family. And now, at 39, she fights Invasive Ductal Carcinoma, an aggressive type of Breast Cancer against the backdrop of a global pandemic. Talk about brave.

The past 4 months, Melissa and I have connected through texts and phone calls. Despite not even knowing what she looks like, a vivid mental image appeared when she told me of her favorite pastime: dancing to hip-hop. Dancing while she was cleaning the house. Dancing with her family growing up. Dancing just for fun. Her casual admission embodied such a loud expression of life, celebration and playfulness. Since Melissa herself was too weak to dance because of treatment, I wanted to bring the dance party to her. Bold colors and lettering give off a hip-hop vibe while the feminine pinks are a nod to her breast cancer diagnosis. The multi-layered background symbolizes both the past challenges Melissa has overcome as well as how those experiences have shaped who she is today.

I know in the moment of grueling treatment, Melissa does not feel like the resilient warrior I see. But if her history is any indication, she'll prove to herself that she can get through the hardest of challenges life throws at her. Because there is always a reason to dance.