Another beautiful survivor I recently encountered is Matuschka. She became famous in 1993 when her self-portrait appeared on the cover of the New York Times magazine.
Isn't she amazing? Apparently this was a highly controversial photograph, and I am interested in reading more about the controversy because I don't see any place for controversy. I see nothing but beauty. Clearly I am biased. I'm guessing that the "damaged" part of her body is just more than most people want to see. I'd be interested in hearing what you think.
I was pleasantly surprised by her choice of wearing white. If it were me, and it might be someday because it would be fun to replicate this photoshoot, my instinct would have been to wear red. Red isn't even my color, but it would be dramatic and angry and representative of how I felt for a long time. In contrast, I love that the white dress represents purity despite the damage. The slim, angular dress adds an element of sexiness, and the flowing scarf invokes femininity. Yep, red would have been totally wrong for this image. I guess that's why I'm not an artist.
The whole article published with the above image is an interesting presentation of the status of breast cancer awareness up to 1994. One of main things I took away from it is how very personal breast cancer is: all of the main supporters of awareness and research have been touched by breast cancer. Tom Harkin, still a senator of this great state, was the champion of a huge increase in funding for breast cancer research in the 90's. It seems that he was driven by the loss of two sisters to the disease. This blog and I are certainly an example of breast cancer awareness driven by personal experience. I suppose this is not surprising, because people care about what they know about. I think I just never thought about it before.
Cheers to you survivors and supporters out there! You are all beautiful!
For me, it is shocking to see this image. But I've glanced at it several times this morning and it looks more and more beautiful the more my initial reaction to the scar fades away and I can grasp more of the meaning and intention and appreciate the entire picture. She has killer arms!
ReplyDeleteIt's true. I think I would have been relatively shocked before I acquired the damaged look myself. I'm glad that the beauty is growing on you as it has grown on me.
ReplyDeleteI hate to hear this photo referred to as a damaged look. And, my how amazing the Universe works. Flipping through channels tonight I come upon a show on the Style network called "Exposed: Baring it All." It's a documentary about a project of photographing breast cancer survivors. Here's a link to the project: http://www.thescarproject.org/ Dear Heather, you are not damaged, your life has taken a radically unforeseen path - and with the amazing changes you and Ian are making to accommodate your radical path, we - your family and friends - are humbled to try and keep pace. To borrow from the Scar Project - Breast cancer is not a pink ribbon. . . . it's people like you being incredibly strong . . . keep rockin it, keep rockin us.
ReplyDeleteI thought she was beautiful at first glance, I mean, look at her!? But what she represents is MORE beautiful...life, survival, courage. You think she is amazing, and I am sure she is. But you need to look in the MIRROR to see amazing, that's what all of us see!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteI agree with Patti whole heartily. My first thought when I looked at the picture was what a beautiful woman. You should know that the woman you see looking back at you from the mirror every morning is also beautiful and amazing. You have inspired many people with your humor, your science explanations, your worries and even your anger. I know I am in awe of you. Hold your head high!
ReplyDeleteMaybe it's age, experience, I don't know, but I agree with Lori. I don't see damage when I look at this picture. I see a beautiful woman, period! The scar is visible and certainly I saw it, but I see it as a badge of courage, a map of her struggles and courage. I went online and visited the scarproject. I was awed and humbled by all of the beautiful, poignant photographs. It was an awesome reminder of the resiliency of the human spirit. Heather, you have helped each and every one of us to explore the deep, sometimes hidden depths of all of us who have read your blog. I would LOVE to see a photo of you. I also think red would be appropriate. It might say, "To hell with cancer." I don't think you realize how special, how unique, how insightful your are. YOU ARE AMAZING!!!
ReplyDeleteWow, thanks everyone. @Lori, what a great find! Maybe we should do our own local scar project. :)
ReplyDeletestealing the words of Jerry Maquire... "Ditto"
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