My Art Journal

My project is to raise funds towards the costs of putting on an art exhibition based on my art journal. The journal is a reflection of my cancer journey over the past 15 months, where I reconnect with my art and create a sense of peace. All proceeds from the sales of my exhibition artwork will go to Pinc and Steel, a physiotherapy organisation that supports, guides and rehabilitates people through their cancer treatment and recovery.

It's important to me because a year ago I was diagnosed with terminal stomach cancer. I spent the first four months in and out of hospital, I was unable to get out of bed, lost weight, my body started wasting away. My physiotherapist, Tam Holden, suggested I take part in the Pinc and Steel rehabilitation physiotherapy course. This helped me get my strength back physically and mentally, it gave me the confidence to get up in the mornings and to move forward. Tammy understood how my body had changed and helped to restore it.  

Pinc and Steel organised and offered a Paddleboard course on the great Lake Taupo, where I was able to meet like minded people, on their own cancer journey and network with people as well.

I’ve been an art teacher for over 25 years, my passion is the arts, not only for the students but also the Taupo community. I have organised art exhibitions for students and adults in the past.  

My physiotherapist, Tammy gave me an old secondhand book, aptly named Janes First Term. I had been wanting to reconnect with my art for myself and this was a great way to do it.. It switched on a light in me. It is a place where I can escape, during the dark moments on my cancer journey. It has given me a sense of peace.

As I’ve shared my art journal, people have been touched and supportive. I have been encouraged to share my book, to reproduce the best of my works into prints for an exhibition. I want to give back what I have received from an amazing organisation that is Pinc and Steel.