Cancer Project

In 2007 a close family member was diagnosed with cancer, and as a natural history photographer I wanted to document the battle, but I knew it was to close and to raw. A variety of recent events have culminated in the possibility and opportunity to do a long term project on cancer.

Project Overview:

Through the art of photography, the experiences of five individuals with cancer will be chronicled. In stark black and white images, the viewer will experience the trials of surgery, chemo and radiation therapy, treatment side effects, and the emotional struggles of these individuals and their families and friends. In sharp contrast to the devastation of diagnosis and treatment, vivid color images will allow the viewer to feel the joy and hope in the “normal” events of life which are part of the journey for these individuals and those they love.

This project has been designed with the input and cooperation of individuals who have recently been diagnosed with cancer as well as cancer survivors to convey that, despite the darkness of the battle, a sense of delight and optimism is a vital and necessary part of the spectrum of life after a diagnosis of cancer is received. The individuals chosen for the body of work will represent a cross-section of age, gender, race, type of cancer, and stages of remission and reoccurrence. Along with the five individuals whose stories will be documented, a variety of images from other survivors will also be included.

While materials exist related to the care of individuals with cancer, this project is unique in its intent to graphically explore the relationships between these individuals and their healthcare providers, families, friends, and communities as they share the journey of living each day with cancer. The photographer, and thus the viewer, has been invited into the lives of these courageous individuals, to experience their struggles and triumphs.

Duration:

This project will begin in May 2010 and be completed in May 2012. Individuals will commit to the 2-year duration of the project, a time-frame which is envisioned as being long enough for the individual to complete at least initial treatment and hopefully reach remission, but short enough to be reasonably accomplished.  Once the body of work is gathered through this project, we will work with a publisher to carry the project through publication.

Goal:

This work will create an artistic representation that:

• Chronicles the spectrum of events and activities of an individual who has received a diagnosis of cancer. Images may include: physical effects of treatment, surgery, receiving chemo and radiation therapy, complementary/alternative/integrative therapies, family interactions, Hospice, end-of-life issues, images depicting emotions, desk full of medical bills, wig shopping, recreation, support groups, community integration, equine therapy, survivor celebrations.
• Serves as a resource for physician and patient education.
• Aids in healing for those fighting the battle themselves.
• Increases understanding in friends and family members of individuals experiencing cancer.
• Will be available as a traveling exhibit for cancer centers, hospitals, and health-oriented conferences.

On April 15, 2010 I began following a 37 year old recently diagnosed with ovarian cancer, and a 79 year old female on her 7th bout of chemotherapy. I am still looking for a child, teen, and a man to follow.  I have put together a strong team of individuals that will be assisting and we are currently looking for funding for the project. If you feel compelled to contribute in some way or know someone who might be interested in telling their story please contact me at:  info@kentonrowephotography.com

 

 

I may upload some images to my blog occasionally but anticipate keeping the progress relatively quiet. I will leave this with one of my experiences thus far on the project.

St Baldrick’s Fundraiser: April 17, 2010

This little girl 7 year old Olivia, decided a couple of weeks ago she was going to get her head shaved during the fund raiser. Her mom told me that her friends at school had teased her that she would be ugly. Her response, “At least I won’t be as ugly as cancer”.