(no subject)
click on these to see a larger view
I have been wanting to share these in my journal for some time now and just now took the time to format them for here.
My sister's husband lost his young sister to ovarian cancer this past August. She was way too young to die and left a son 16 years old. From what I later learned, she touched and loved many people up until the day she died.
One in particular was a nurse that cared for her at one of the final hospitals she ended up being treated at. The nurse was also an artist and after Maria passed we all learned that this nurse/artist named Jennie Petruney had entered two of her mosaic pieces into a show...well i will let her tell it. This was the e-mail she sent to one of Maria's family members after her passing:
Dear Elaine,
I have recently participated in an art exhibit entitled "Breastplates and other Artful Armor Against Cancer". At the time I was designing my two pieces I was also caring for Maria and was profoundly inspired by her beautiful personality, strength, and love of life. I dedicated my shield against cancer to her because I wished more than anything that I could shield her from the ovarian cancer that was taking her life. She was so special and I will never forget her. I showed her the picture of my work and told her I wanted to dedicate the shield to her and she felt very honored. The shield was actually a shield against ovarian, uterine, cervical, and breast cancer, nevertheless, I thought of Maria the entire time I was creating it. I am sending you a picture of both of my pieces, but the shield was the one that I really felt suited Maria.
The show is currently being exhibited at the H.Lee Mofitt Cancer Center in Tampa Florida. I really hope that it ends up traveling to either Philly or New York. The curator is working on this possibility and I will certainly let you know if it does, so you can attend in person. Also there is already an interested buyer of the piece, and if it sells I will certainly donate a portion of the proceeds to ovarian cancer research in Maria's name.
Take care and please view the photographs I have attached:
Also, here is the dedication that is published next to the piece:
Maria's Shield was inspired by a 17th century Persian shield design. The four ribbons represent ovarian, breast, cervical, and uterine cancers, uniting the fight against these diseases affecting women. **This shield is dedicated to Maria Calzonetti, a truly courageous woman the world has recently lost to ovarian cancer. Maria was filled with strength, vitality, and a spirit for life that was infectious. She will be dearly missed by all who knew her.