Cancer Survivors Find Healing Through Art at UCSF Program

URGENT UPDATE: Survivors of cancer are discovering a powerful outlet for healing through art at the Art for Recovery program at UCSF Medical Center in San Francisco. This transformative initiative is not just about painting; it’s a lifeline for individuals grappling with the emotional turmoil of their diagnoses.

Today, Jenni Mork, a breast cancer survivor, expresses her journey by painting a portrait of her new dog. “I am making my first drawing of our new family relationship,” she shared, surrounded by fellow participants who are also battling cancer. This moment of creativity offers a vital escape from the intense emotional challenges that accompany a cancer diagnosis.

According to Amy Van Cleve, Director of the Art for Recovery program, typical art therapy often falls short for patients still processing their illness. “People need a space that they can get back in their skin,” she stated. “If you need to paint your anger, paint your anger. We are there for that too.” This inclusive approach acknowledges the complex emotions that cancer brings, allowing participants to navigate their feelings through art.

Sitting nearby, Nanci Reese, diagnosed with endometrial cancer in 2008, is creating a vibrant depiction of Mariposa Grove in Yosemite. Despite challenges with her vision from treatments, she embraces the process, saying, “I could not see, but that is okay.”

Self-portraits are common among participants, often depicting themes of strength and resilience. Van Cleve notes that as patients progress, their artwork transitions from warrior imagery to expressions of grief, ultimately leading to a “legacy phase” where they reflect on their lives and experiences.

The emotional impact of cancer is palpable in the studio, where portraits of past participants who have succumbed to the disease serve as poignant reminders of the battle. At the end of each session, the group gathers to share their creations and experiences. “It’s a space where people can hold up what they made and tell their story,” Van Cleve explained, providing a safe space for participants to express their journeys openly.

Art for Recovery, established in 1988, initially aimed to support AIDS patients and has since expanded to all UCSF medical campuses across San Francisco and the East Bay. This year, the program’s artwork is gaining broader recognition, with the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art showcasing pieces from 30 artists, including work from those who have passed away.

Among the featured artists is Susana Gershuny, who crafted a piece from her lost hair during chemotherapy. “I wanted to sort of flip this loss on its head,” she recounted. Gershuny also created a picture book for her daughter, explaining her cancer journey. “Art for recovery allows you to take these complex emotions and put them on paper,” she emphasized.

Van Cleve highlights the importance of movement in the creative process, stating that it helps patients release their emotions. “When you are literally moving through that emotion and you share it, there is a release, there is a letting go,” she said.

The Art for Recovery exhibit continues at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art until Spring, with no ticket required to view the impactful works. This ongoing showcase not only celebrates survival but also fosters community and healing for those navigating the complexities of cancer.

As participants like Mork and Reese continue to find solace and expression through art, the urgent need for emotional support in the face of cancer remains clear. This program represents a beacon of hope for many, reminding us of the power of creativity in the darkest of times.