MY JOURNEY THROUGH HEALING & ART
​​I WAS DIAGNOSED WITH STAGE 3 INVASIVE BREAST CANCER AT THE AGE OF 33. I was shocked, but my will to fight was strong. Finding out about the extent of the cancer, after my breast surgeries and receiving my pathology report, my heart sank, learning of the upcoming treatments I was about to endure. During the treatment stages I started to lose hope and to just feel like I was withering away and literally on my death bed.
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MY NURSE NAVIGATOR LEARNED ABOUT ME ALONG MY JOURNEY. She wanted to help me rebuild my strength in any way she could. There was a point in time when I was so weak I couldn't even hold a fork to my mouth. She had an idea. She knew I enjoyed making things out of wire and said little by little just make some loops with your wire tool with your hands resting in your lap. Then slowly start to hold the tool a little higher to gain muscle strength. It worked. As time passed, I was able to work more with the wire and incorporate other materials into the mix. Instead of thinking it was a chore it became something that took my mind off the pain and helped me focus. The new ideas and the materials with which I started to work gave me the extra boost I needed.
I learned that crystals have lots of healing properties. Working with them and having them around me made me feel protected and safe and at peace. I am now on the other side of my journey, in the remission phase, and I am grateful I can share my creations with the world.
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​​​LOOKING BACK TO A FEW WEEKS BEFORE I WAS ​DIAGNOSED, before I knew anything was ever wrong, I was sipping a cup of coffee and in meditation mode. Taking my last sip, what I saw left on the bottom of the cup were coffee grounds in the shape of a beautiful full tree. Reflecting on the last few years of my cancer journey, I see that tree formed from coffee grounds was a sign that my art is something I am meant to share.
Healing and beauty is everywhere and there is potential to overcome and grow from tragedy.
MY CREATIVE PROCESS
My inspiration often starts in nature, during walks or when I’m near the sea. Ideas come to me, and when my dive team goes out, I share what I’m looking for and let the earth guide the next steps. Working with these natural materials requires patience, as they’re often fragile and take time to shape and prepare. When larger pieces are ready, I collaborate with a local iron craftsman who makes custom stands to highlight the beauty of each sculpture. From start to finish, every step is carefully done with an eye for detail and a heart full of appreciation for these natural treasures.
