Pre-Mastectomy Cancer Warrior
When this client was surprised to learn she had breast cancer and would need surgery very soon, we started talking about a bodypaint project that I imagined as a “tribute to her breasts” before losing them. It grew to be a deeper project.
We were talking about a sculptural artsy style piece with close-up photos, just appreciating this part of her body. Over the next few days as we talked about design ideas and she processed more, the project evolved to be about finding her inner warrior strength to fight this cancer. She sent me the photo above, depicting her Purépecha ancestry and told me about this legendary female warrior. She also wanted to include some green, a color that connected with her Mom and symbolized healing. I researched the art of these people, and found these elements:
While doing the bodypainting, we talked about what colors and symbols felt right on what parts of her body. We developed a piece together which not only paid tribute to her breasts, but also to the strength she had found in childbirth, in mothering, and in her ancestry. During the photo shoot, she got to really channel her inner warrior. Devi Pride, the photographer, set up gorgeous dramatic lighting, a wind machine to blow her hair, and we all did some yelling together!
These photos are private and anonymous so I can’t show you, but they came out magnificently. She has looked at them many times, bringing them with her to the hospital and in recovery. Thankfully she is doing well now.
Here are her words about the process:
“My bodypainting experience with Brenda was absolutely amazing. I was diagnosed with Breast Cancer, and immediately knew a photo shoot with bodypaint, to document the very beginning of my cancer journey, was going to help in my healing process. Referencing pictures would help me through my darkest days. At the time, I was numb. I wanted to feel something, to wake up my inner warrior, to evoke strength, to know I was unstoppable, even with my diagnosis. I didn’t know if the cancer had spread, but I had faith that whatever it was, I was going to fight it with all my might. I wanted images of my body whole, to show resilience. I had a vivid image of a warrior princess that I wanted to recreate. A true fighter, with a spear, ready to beat anything that came my way. Surgeries, chemo, more surgeries, hair loss, anything. I was about to have the fight of my life, and I chose to channel my inner warrior princess Erendira of the Purepecha. The Purepecha are a group of indigenous people centered in the Northwest of Michoacan Mexico. Both of my parents are from Michoacan, and the Purapecha are my people. Their blood runs through my veins. That was a time to really let my roots shine.
Brenda really helped with ideas on bodypaint design and colors. She made me feel very comfortable and confident, and the finished product was very much a joint effort. She was a key part in bringing my vision to life. Paired with outstanding photographer Devi Pride, it made for an unforgettable experience. They both worked hard and stayed overtime to make sure pictures turned out spectacular, and they absolutely did. I will have these photos to cherish forever.”
Are you experiencing a transformation of your own? Reach out to me if you might like to celebrate the warrior in you! Or for whatever other expression supports your journey.