"Life In Focus," By Jacqueline Carmody, Tote Bags

"Life In Focus," By Jacqueline Carmody, Chicago, Illinois

Artist Statement: Alex and I connected this summer over several phone calls and text messages amid our summer travels. Alex was visiting friends in Germany, and I was going to Norway with my cousin.

Throughout our travels, we sent photos of the unique landscapes, flowers, and architecture we explored. Alex is an amazing photographer. She has a talent for capturing her experience through photography.

Towards the end of summer, Alex was confronted with the stress of reconstruction surgery from her experience with breast cancer. She talked with me about how the experience made it hard for her to concentrate and refocus her attention on the things that matter most to her. As she shared her frustrations and struggles, I remembered the beautiful photos she had sent me not long ago. The photos were close-up images of wildflowers, butterflies, and nature. In the background, “out of focus,” there were changing skies, clouds, and landscapes. I reflected on these images while I began to create the art piece.

The final artwork represents how disruptive and emotional a cancer experience can be. BUT, if you focus your lens on what is important and put the cancer “stuff” out of focus, you can feel a sense of control again. You can live life and experience the beauty. Alex does her best to keep what is important in her “focus,” such as her two boys, her husband, friends, family, and travel! I know we will continue to keep in touch and share photos of our travels for years to come!

Inspired by Alexandra Linde-Dunmire

Malvern, PA

Survivor

Twist on Cancer: Cancer has been a story that I never believed that would be mine to tell. Cancer and I met unexpectedly when I was 39, shortly before the world was about to be shut down by Covid. It has been and continues to be a journey of powerful, painful learning, of discovering a new me, one that was disassembled and reassembled in different ways more than once. I've learned that we continue to have the strength and can go on long after we've said, "I can't." I've learned that appreciation is deep. Finally, I've learned to accept that cancer is a part of my story.

There is beauty in pain, and there is peace in grief, joy, and support, which came from the most unexpected places along this journey. From some of the friends I met along the way, I've learned to be not just a survivor but a thriver!

Brushes with Cancer was an amazing way of releasing emotions and thoughts that I didn't even know were there, craving for freedom. It has been an incredibly restorative way of turning my story into art. I'm forever grateful to my artist, Jackie, for the instant connection I've had with her from the moment we met and the feeling she gave me, welcoming the new me: me and my companion, the Cancer.

Our tote bags are perfect to have on hand for any occasion. The cotton web handles feature double stitched seams for durability. Dry clean or spot clean only.

Our tote bags are perfect to have on hand for any occasion. The cotton web handles feature double stitched seams for durability. Dry clean or spot clean only.