Breast Cancer LIFE
Launch weekend 25 + 26 September 2010 | between 1 and 6pm each day
Launch venue Millers Barn, Plush, Dorset DT2 7RJ
Touring dates
Poundbury Garden Centre, Dorchester 16 October – 7 November 2010
The Malthouse (Town Mill) Lyme Regis 1 – 20 February 2011 Salisbury Library Exhibition Gallery March / April 2011 dates tbc other UK venues will be advertised when confirmed in the media
Breast Cancer LIFE is an exhibition of 40 life studies of women with Breast Cancer in pencil, pastel and oils by Harriet Barber and ‘Kate’, a sculpture by Greta Berlin.
The Artists
Harriet Barber, aged 41 and with two young children, was diagnosed with Breast Cancer in May 2008. Coming to terms with the diagnosis, surgery and treatment, she became increasingly aware of the low self esteem and lack of confidence women experience after radical surgery and aggressive therapies. Though committed to working from life in the natural landscape, she began in February 2010 to draw and paint women with Breast Cancer.
‘Kate’ was a commissioned by a friend of the sculptor Greta Berlin. The single breasted woman was completed in 2009 and we are very grateful to Greta for allowing ‘Kate’ to be part of this exhibition.
The Models
30 women have sat so far, their ages from 35 to 80, and a wide variety of surgery, treatment, shape and size. Some have chosen to remain annonymous, some have opted not to strip right down but to use turbans or scarves, and in one case knee high bright red suede boots. All the models are keen to let women know that they can emerge from Breast Cancer with confidence and an enthusiasm to embrace life ahead and their response has had a central theme, “that was so worthwhile”. All have willingly contributed to a project to help other women, to raise awareness and boost self-esteem and confidence.
The Exhibition
Breast Cancer LIFE is work produced between February and August 2010 by the artist Harriet Barber. The life studies in pencil, pastel and oils raise awareness and communicate to a wider audience, recognising the strength of women who overcome illness and invasive surgery and demonstrate to those at the beginning of their journey through Breast Cancer, that there is a very positive life ahead. It gives hope to women who feel so changed and demeaned following mastectomy, reconstruction or surgery and weakened by aggressive chemo and radiotherapy.
The Launch Weekend
At the launch weekend, ladies be tempted by a stunning variety of shoes and bags from Shoes Glorious Shoes, with Managing Director Maria Darling on hand with lots of styles and sizes for the autumn for you to try and buy. If you are looking for a new hat, then be enticed by Eleanor Houghton’s new autumn millinery collection. If you prefer a ceramic option, then Jenny George’s bag and shoes could be yours too.
Funding
The touring exhibition is dependent on funding to cover the £20,000 for artist materials, framing, brochure, insurance, publicity and transport. Fundraising initiatives and commission on sales will contribute to funding the touring exhibition Breast Cancer LIFE.
Sponsors We are very grateful to our sponsors:
Dorset Cerals www.dorsetcereals.co.uk
Eleanor Houghton Milliner www.eleanorhoughton.com
Greta Berlin www.gretaberlin.co.uk
Jenny George www.ceramics-etc.co.uk
Shoes Glorious Shoes www.shoesgloriousshoes.co.uk
The Dorset County Magazine www.dorsetmagazine.co.uk
To support Breast Cancer LIFE, please contact Dot Browning | PlushArt | 01300 348280 | gallery@plushart.co.uk
PlushArt | Millers Barn Plush Dorset DT2 7RJ | T 01300 348280 |
