3.3.2025
Today I could do some art with the Cancer Support Community at Northside for the first time in a while. I joined a virtual class. The prompt was The Acorn, which might seem odd given the acorn is associated with Autumn, and we are nearly into Spring. Our instructor reminded us that everything that is needed to grow a huge oak tree starts with all it needs inside the tiny acorn. Just like the acorn, we too have what’s inside us to help us grow and learn about ourselves.
On mixed media paper, I started with paint and made my own colors in the background. I learned a technique from my instructor and used a credit card to drag through the pain to help mix and incorporate them. Other tools I use are colored pencils, chalk pastels, and stamps, which I am still learning to use. Previously, I would have been self-conscious about the messiness of the stamps, but I’m learning that life is messy and it’s ok not to be perfect in art. Additional materials used are black ink and double-sided tape to pop the tree out a bit for a 3-D look.
On each acorn, I put words that are inside me that will help me get through this next “Life 2.0” as I get ready for the second transplant: Mighty, Start Over, Faith, Donor, Triumph, Piece by Piece, tears, and sweat. They are scattered around the oak tree, which gives me a vision of things to come for me. I can and will get through this.
“WITHIN THE TINY ACORN, A MIGHTY OAK IS WAITING! GREAT THINGS ALWAYS START SMALL. SO EMBRACE BEGINNINGS & TAKE JOY IN THE JOURNEY.” PEARL SANDBORN
This work is unlike anything I’ve done before, and I really enjoyed the experience. I plan to continue working while I am in the hospital for a month. Angie