When Life Gives You Lemons

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The Lemon Series began during my cancer survivorship. In 2018, I was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer, an experience that reshaped how I saw my body, time, and the everyday moments that make up a life.

During recovery, I kept returning to the phrase when life gives you lemons. What once felt like a cliché became a way to reflect on resilience and transformation.

Through still life painting, lemons became a symbol for the complicated mix of vulnerability, humor, and strength that comes with surviving something life changing. Working in bold pinks and citrus yellows, each painting reflects a moment within that experience.

Selected Works

Pink Lemonade

When life gives you lemons…

In December 2018, at 39 years old, life handed me lemons. I was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer. What followed was a long road of treatment including chemotherapy, a double mastectomy, radiation, reconstruction, and ongoing hormone therapy.

Piece of Me

On May 30, 2019, pieces of me were taken away. I underwent a double mastectomy, the removal of both breasts in a single surgery. Two horizontal scars remain, a permanent reminder of what I fought through and survived.

This painting reflects that moment of loss and transformation. What was taken from my body changed me forever, but it also revealed a deeper strength.

Sour Self

The sour expression on my face, with one eye open, reflects my ongoing journey through survivorship. It hasn’t been easy, but I try to remain realistically positive, allowing my body to go through what it needs while continuing to move forward.

Cancer changed my perspective on life. I see things differently now.

Another Shot

I survived breast cancer, but survivorship doesn’t mean the journey is over. I still have quarterly checkups and bloodwork with my oncologist, and I continue taking Letrozole to reduce the risk of recurrence.

Life may never return to what it once was, but I’ve been given another shot. And that chance carries both gratitude and responsibility to keep moving forward.

The Lemon Series continues to evolve as I explore new moments within survivorship and everyday life after cancer.

Exhibition Vision

The Lemon Series is envisioned not only as a body of paintings, but as a future exhibition exploring the emotional landscape of breast cancer survivorship. My hope is to bring the full series together in a shared space where the work can spark conversation around survivorship, resilience, identity, and healing after illness.

Future presentations of the series may include artist talks and community discussions centered on survivorship and creative expression.

When Life Gives You Lemons

Selected Works

The Lemon Series continues to evolve as I explore new moments within survivorship and everyday life after cancer.

XOSC