Today is the first day of round four of eight. On our way to my last appointment with Dr. Goldberg at the John Theurer Cancer Center, we passed a display of patient artwork in the lobby. The reproductions were from cancer patients across the country, but JTCC does offer free art classes as a form of therapy. Some day, I'd like to try one. I am a believer in art therapy (Coping Through Creative Expression). Until I can fit one of the center's classes into my schedule, I've decided to do a little art therapy on my own. Below is the result of my effort this morning, before popping the first four pills, entitled ATRA Art. A mock interview follows, which was just as enjoyable to write.
Q & A with the Artist
Q: How did you prime your canvas?
A: The same way any other good leukemia patient would: with disinfectant.
Q: What inspired you to include the broken tea cup in this piece?
A: It was sitting on the dining room table next to me when I began working. The tea set is one of Katelyn's all-time favorite toys. She first became capable of imaginative play shortly after I returned from my induction hospital stay, so our first tea parties together are great memories for me. Last week, she dropped the tea cup on a tile in our kitchen. It will be glued back together. Just as these treatments have been gluing back together our happy family life.
Q: While you were working, were you worried you might sneeze and blow the design?
A: Yes. I wore a face mask from my days of no immune system.
Q: The pills all face the same direction in the deliberate lines. Was this intentional?
A: That would be one heck of a coincidence if it weren't. I wanted to create the impression of order in chaos. At one point, too late, I realized I'd placed a pill facing the wrong direction. Hopefully no one notices.
Q: Did any particular artists influence this masterpiece?
A: Vik Munz. I dig his work.
Q: Did any particular drugs influence this masterpiece?
A: Perhaps. Theoretically, it would fit my treatment timeline.
Q: Can we expect to see more greatness from you in the form of ATRA Art?
A: I can't commit at this point, but the fact that I have four more rounds to go should give you a sense.
Love it! Think of the pill facing the wrong way as the chromosome 15:17 translocation for APL. Very creative!!!
ReplyDeleteI love playing with my Atra...I frequently stick it on top of cakes as decoration and a treat for being strong! ;)
ReplyDeleteBe careful when "playing" with your ATRA...it should not be exposed to excessive sunlight...we always keep my husbands pills in a dark place and take them out only when its time for his dose.
ReplyDeleteDbassuk, thanks for the word of caution. I wasn't aware of that, but have always stored my pills out of sight anyway because of our toddler. During each round, and for a few weeks after, I feel just as locked up as the pills. My skin's photosensitivity is extreme.
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