Thank you so much for referring me to your Substack. I love this piece and the art is exquisite. I love the orange show. I love how the subject seems. It’s a wonderful feeling is this something has transformed?
Hi Prajna, thank you for visiting my Substack and your kind words. I so appreciate them. It took years for me to decide to display my art publicly, and doing so has transformed me and helped me cope with the fact that I was diagnosed with cancer at such a young age.
I'm so glad you love the orange shawl. I still have work to do on this painting, but it's coming along...
I admire your resilience through the challenges you’ve faced, from physical and emotional struggles to regaining your voice through creativity. The idea of finding healing and strength in art is such a beautiful testament to the power of expression, especially after experiencing loss of control--I can really relate to that. It’s wonderful to see how you’re embracing the process of creation—trusting that the artwork, much like life, will unfold in its own time and way. Your work will undoubtedly continue to resonate deeply with others who may be on similar journeys. Thank you for sharing such a powerful, vulnerable part of your life with us.
Hi Sara, thank you for your kind, beautifully written comment; I really appreciate it. Art really is a healing force in my life, and the power of expression, as you put it, is really amazing. Nobody likes to lose control, and as you know, I have had my share of instances where things were not in my control. Yet, I realize that artistic expression gives me some control over my life. And you are completely right: life and art do take their own time to unfold. The key in both cases is to be patient with the process.
Gosh, I've often wondered why my voice is so weak. My actual voice. Now, I'm thinking maybe mine was impacted by teaching, too. There is no way I could make it through a full day of teaching anymore with my lack of voice stamina - among other things.
I'm sorry your voice has been silenced at times in the past. This is one of the hardest things for anyone to deal with because we all want to be seen and heard. Without both, it's hard to feel valued as a human being.
I love the orange shawl. The color feels perfect and brings out the similar hue in the background. The subject to me is all about displaying strength despite what she's been through. She sits there nude, with one breast, wearing lipstick and that earring sending out vibes of strength and confidence. What a powerful message.
I cannot wait to see where this painting takes you. And us. I'm excited to see this collection in its entirety some day. It's going to be amazing. It already is.
Thank you so much for your kind words about the painting and the series. When it will be finished, I have no clue. But that's OK. I'm excited to see where else the series will take me and how this particular painting will turn out.
Having one's voice silenced is no fun, and I know that you're right: everyone wants to be seen and heard. Actually, we as individuals need to be seen and heard.
I love your interpretation of the painting; you provide a truly great discussion.
My vocal therapist told me that the most vocal chord damage occurs with teachers and singers, so I can see why your vocal chords might lack that stamina. Imagine if we sang what we taught! Ha! Double trouble.
Take care, Nancy, and thank you again for such an insightful comment.
Beth, the idea of your voice being silenced in multiple aspects of your life is something I can deeply relate to. Finding your voice again through art is truly inspiring. Your "Breast Cancer, Female and Young" series is incredibly moving.
Thank you for your comment. Yes, being silenced really is no fun, and it does a lot of psychological damage. I consider myself lucky to be able to engage with the art. Thanks for your kind words about my new series. It continues to develop....
Beth, the orange shawl works -- its pop of brightness feels confident and vibrant; a life that has beat the odds and wills itself to continue. The painting informs you when it's complete. I relate to that. I'm struck by the idea that art is the form that you the artist are creating. And art is also the form that continues to create you. The use of the word “you” is as the collective you, as well as the individual you. I love your work, Beth.
I really enjoy your interpretation of the orange shawl. Thank you! Yes, you totally understand about art informing us when it's finished. I would think it's the same with writing. I love your line: "And art is also the form that continues to create you." So true. Thank you for the high compliment. And I love your writing.
I love how this painting is beautifully coming along. The bright orange shawl looks to be holding her together. She is wrapped in this beauty while there’s so many cells that are dying and regenerating in her body. The background is really nice and I also love the way you put the IV side being wrapped & protected by the orange shawl. Happy to hear there’s joy in the process too!
Hi Susan, thank you for your lovely comment. You have a great interpretation as to what is unfolding in the painting; I love your narrative. Thank you for your readership, too! Yes, there is so much joy in the process for me.
I love the shawl. The color orange is vibrant and reflects life and healing. The woman’s eyes are closed, which to me is a symbol of self reflection and introspection. Between that and the orange adornment, I see her as a woman who understands that beauty is from within. Despite what has happened to her physical body, she is confident in who she is and that which can’t be maimed with a surgical knife.
Eileen, thank you for your comment. I love your interpretation! It makes so much sense. I especially love what you say here: "Despite what has happened to her physical body, she is confident in who she is and that which can’t be maimed with a surgical knife."
Oh, I love the orange color of the shawl. It just makes the whole painting pop with color. I am so glad you found an outlet for everything you've been through. You certainly have come out on the positive side of things. Many people don't.
Thank you for your kind comment. Yes, I'm glad the shawl is orange; a pop of color is often nice. You're right that too many people don't have a positive side to this disease and to the cancer experience. I find that having art as an outlet has been so therapeutic. I'm hoping one day to have a public display of my breast cancer art, not just for me, but to help others going through or who went through this crisis.
Beth, I love the way Unfinished Business has progressed! I think the orange shawl is a symbol of hope, brightness and comfort in a world that is cold, controlling, and uncertain. It also looks great against the bluish hues of the background. I’m looking forward to seeing the entire finished series in the future. I’m not sure if you’ve planned a show for these yet, but if you haven’t, I have some ideas. 💖
Thank you so much for your comment and interpretation of the painting. I love your interpretation! I'm impatient, as I wish the series was finished, but I have more paintings to do. I need to tap into my patience bank.
I was hoping to have them displayed in a gallery or some other kind of public show, but nothing is planned as of yet. I'm curious to know your ideas. Let's connect soon. Thank you!
Beth thank you for being so honest and brave here. I’m always so deeply moved by your courage to face the medical professionals and do what was necessary then to save your life. Your paintings are a precious and powerful response to your healing and your determination to triumph over fear and adversity. These days I think a lot about legacy. What do we leave behind that is testament to the fact that we lived? Knowing you as a dear friend, I can say your legacy is profound. Certainly your legacy shines through your family and your dedicated role as a mother who has adopted and raised an extraordinary daughter—they are forever shaped and molded by your love. Then your friendships and numerous alliances that you carry so exquisitely. Your vibrant career as a teacher, an author, a writer, a blogger, and a talented and generous artist. Keep using your life, your passion and strength, to share your legacy, your unique testimony, so that all of us may learn from your commitment and tenacity. You are showing us Beth, that finding your voice requires a lifetime of fiercely and relentlessly, taking chances. With deep gratitude, thank you for showing us how.
Wow, Gerry. Your comment touched me so profoundly and offered me a new perspective about legacy.
Believe it or not, I haven't been thinking about legacy until you wrote so eloquently on it. As a parent, one hopes that one's child turns out to be a productive citizen of the world and honor their place in the world. Being a teacher provided a wonderful opportunity for me to reach out and help others. You also had a vibrant career as a teacher, so I know you understand this perfectly. In fact, knowing you as I do, I know your legacy is powerful too, with your poignantly beautiful poetry, your blog, and, of course, the wonderful impact you have had on your many friends. My life is better for having known you.
Thank you again for such a moving comment. I appreciate you so much.
Eloquent and inspiring!
Thank you so much, Barb. I so appreciate you!
Hello Beth,
Thank you so much for referring me to your Substack. I love this piece and the art is exquisite. I love the orange show. I love how the subject seems. It’s a wonderful feeling is this something has transformed?
Thank you
Hi Prajna, thank you for visiting my Substack and your kind words. I so appreciate them. It took years for me to decide to display my art publicly, and doing so has transformed me and helped me cope with the fact that I was diagnosed with cancer at such a young age.
I'm so glad you love the orange shawl. I still have work to do on this painting, but it's coming along...
Beth, your voice may sound weak, but your words and brush are working just fine! (also, I think the orange works!)
Hi Ron,
Thank you so much for your very complimentary comment! I so appreciate it. Glad you like the orange, too!
I love the courage. I love the love. I love the painting and the orange shawl…Perfect!
I just found your stack and so happy I did. ❤️
Hi Lila,
I'm so glad you found my Substack also! Thank you for your kind words about my post and my painting. They buoyed me up!
I admire your resilience through the challenges you’ve faced, from physical and emotional struggles to regaining your voice through creativity. The idea of finding healing and strength in art is such a beautiful testament to the power of expression, especially after experiencing loss of control--I can really relate to that. It’s wonderful to see how you’re embracing the process of creation—trusting that the artwork, much like life, will unfold in its own time and way. Your work will undoubtedly continue to resonate deeply with others who may be on similar journeys. Thank you for sharing such a powerful, vulnerable part of your life with us.
Hi Sara, thank you for your kind, beautifully written comment; I really appreciate it. Art really is a healing force in my life, and the power of expression, as you put it, is really amazing. Nobody likes to lose control, and as you know, I have had my share of instances where things were not in my control. Yet, I realize that artistic expression gives me some control over my life. And you are completely right: life and art do take their own time to unfold. The key in both cases is to be patient with the process.
Hi Beth,
Gosh, I've often wondered why my voice is so weak. My actual voice. Now, I'm thinking maybe mine was impacted by teaching, too. There is no way I could make it through a full day of teaching anymore with my lack of voice stamina - among other things.
I'm sorry your voice has been silenced at times in the past. This is one of the hardest things for anyone to deal with because we all want to be seen and heard. Without both, it's hard to feel valued as a human being.
I love the orange shawl. The color feels perfect and brings out the similar hue in the background. The subject to me is all about displaying strength despite what she's been through. She sits there nude, with one breast, wearing lipstick and that earring sending out vibes of strength and confidence. What a powerful message.
I cannot wait to see where this painting takes you. And us. I'm excited to see this collection in its entirety some day. It's going to be amazing. It already is.
Hi Nancy,
Thank you so much for your kind words about the painting and the series. When it will be finished, I have no clue. But that's OK. I'm excited to see where else the series will take me and how this particular painting will turn out.
Having one's voice silenced is no fun, and I know that you're right: everyone wants to be seen and heard. Actually, we as individuals need to be seen and heard.
I love your interpretation of the painting; you provide a truly great discussion.
My vocal therapist told me that the most vocal chord damage occurs with teachers and singers, so I can see why your vocal chords might lack that stamina. Imagine if we sang what we taught! Ha! Double trouble.
Take care, Nancy, and thank you again for such an insightful comment.
Beth, the idea of your voice being silenced in multiple aspects of your life is something I can deeply relate to. Finding your voice again through art is truly inspiring. Your "Breast Cancer, Female and Young" series is incredibly moving.
Hi Marie,
Thank you for your comment. Yes, being silenced really is no fun, and it does a lot of psychological damage. I consider myself lucky to be able to engage with the art. Thanks for your kind words about my new series. It continues to develop....
Beth, the orange shawl works -- its pop of brightness feels confident and vibrant; a life that has beat the odds and wills itself to continue. The painting informs you when it's complete. I relate to that. I'm struck by the idea that art is the form that you the artist are creating. And art is also the form that continues to create you. The use of the word “you” is as the collective you, as well as the individual you. I love your work, Beth.
Hi Stephanie,
I really enjoy your interpretation of the orange shawl. Thank you! Yes, you totally understand about art informing us when it's finished. I would think it's the same with writing. I love your line: "And art is also the form that continues to create you." So true. Thank you for the high compliment. And I love your writing.
I love how this painting is beautifully coming along. The bright orange shawl looks to be holding her together. She is wrapped in this beauty while there’s so many cells that are dying and regenerating in her body. The background is really nice and I also love the way you put the IV side being wrapped & protected by the orange shawl. Happy to hear there’s joy in the process too!
Hi Susan, thank you for your lovely comment. You have a great interpretation as to what is unfolding in the painting; I love your narrative. Thank you for your readership, too! Yes, there is so much joy in the process for me.
I love the shawl. The color orange is vibrant and reflects life and healing. The woman’s eyes are closed, which to me is a symbol of self reflection and introspection. Between that and the orange adornment, I see her as a woman who understands that beauty is from within. Despite what has happened to her physical body, she is confident in who she is and that which can’t be maimed with a surgical knife.
Eileen, thank you for your comment. I love your interpretation! It makes so much sense. I especially love what you say here: "Despite what has happened to her physical body, she is confident in who she is and that which can’t be maimed with a surgical knife."
Oh, I love the orange color of the shawl. It just makes the whole painting pop with color. I am so glad you found an outlet for everything you've been through. You certainly have come out on the positive side of things. Many people don't.
Hi Nancy,
Thank you for your kind comment. Yes, I'm glad the shawl is orange; a pop of color is often nice. You're right that too many people don't have a positive side to this disease and to the cancer experience. I find that having art as an outlet has been so therapeutic. I'm hoping one day to have a public display of my breast cancer art, not just for me, but to help others going through or who went through this crisis.
Beth, I love the way Unfinished Business has progressed! I think the orange shawl is a symbol of hope, brightness and comfort in a world that is cold, controlling, and uncertain. It also looks great against the bluish hues of the background. I’m looking forward to seeing the entire finished series in the future. I’m not sure if you’ve planned a show for these yet, but if you haven’t, I have some ideas. 💖
Hi Alene,
Thank you so much for your comment and interpretation of the painting. I love your interpretation! I'm impatient, as I wish the series was finished, but I have more paintings to do. I need to tap into my patience bank.
I was hoping to have them displayed in a gallery or some other kind of public show, but nothing is planned as of yet. I'm curious to know your ideas. Let's connect soon. Thank you!
Looking forward to talking soon!
Beth thank you for being so honest and brave here. I’m always so deeply moved by your courage to face the medical professionals and do what was necessary then to save your life. Your paintings are a precious and powerful response to your healing and your determination to triumph over fear and adversity. These days I think a lot about legacy. What do we leave behind that is testament to the fact that we lived? Knowing you as a dear friend, I can say your legacy is profound. Certainly your legacy shines through your family and your dedicated role as a mother who has adopted and raised an extraordinary daughter—they are forever shaped and molded by your love. Then your friendships and numerous alliances that you carry so exquisitely. Your vibrant career as a teacher, an author, a writer, a blogger, and a talented and generous artist. Keep using your life, your passion and strength, to share your legacy, your unique testimony, so that all of us may learn from your commitment and tenacity. You are showing us Beth, that finding your voice requires a lifetime of fiercely and relentlessly, taking chances. With deep gratitude, thank you for showing us how.
Wow, Gerry. Your comment touched me so profoundly and offered me a new perspective about legacy.
Believe it or not, I haven't been thinking about legacy until you wrote so eloquently on it. As a parent, one hopes that one's child turns out to be a productive citizen of the world and honor their place in the world. Being a teacher provided a wonderful opportunity for me to reach out and help others. You also had a vibrant career as a teacher, so I know you understand this perfectly. In fact, knowing you as I do, I know your legacy is powerful too, with your poignantly beautiful poetry, your blog, and, of course, the wonderful impact you have had on your many friends. My life is better for having known you.
Thank you again for such a moving comment. I appreciate you so much.