Education, Research & Early Detection in Gynecologic Cancers

Ribbons of Life cards are sold in packages of 5 for $15.00

"Ribbons of Life" Artist Statement

As I recently was going through chemotherapy, images kept swirling in my mind. I finally had a few days when I felt I had the energy to get the images on paper first as small sketches, then as bigger drawings in a composition and finally as a painting. Thus my motivation was to get the images from my mind into a painting that would always reflect what I could see and that was of a very personal nature.

So many people about whom I care have had or do have cancer. My biggest inspiration in my own journey has been the attitude of cancer survivors who cherish each day and celebrate life to the fullest.

Before my diagnosis of uterine cancer, I did not know that every type of cancer has a ribbon color and pin, not just pink for breast cancer. Thus, I used the colored ribbons to recognize 5 types of cancer that frequently affect women. Pink breast, peach uterine, green ovarian, periwinkle esophageal and lavender all gynecological cancers...

The women in the painting have no distinguishing facial features, no hair, no breasts and no costumes. They are generic; anyone can be affected regardless of external circumstances. All the women have positive attitudes as they sing, dance and celebrate. My mantra during my treatment has been Grace and Gratitude which I hope the viewer feels emanating from the women in "Ribbons of Life."

-Marjorie Johnson