2025.09 GALLPRIUM ART

TITLE: WHEN ANGER TAKES OVER aka MIMI’S TREE

THEME: CANCER
EXHIBITION LOCATION: ONTARIO/CANANA/online

THE BACK STORY

When seeking a painting that could encapsulate the emotions felt by those of us who have been touched by cancer, I was drawn to MiMi’s tree. This piece of art resonated deeply because it captures a universal truth—an experience that, in one way or another, everyone must eventually face. The image of the tree serves as a visual representation of the struggle, hope, and shared humanity that come with confronting cancer and death.

Originally, this painting was not about cancer but the brutal death of a dear friend who lived and died just beyond the tree in the structure partial shown in my painting.

While working on the early, plein air, stages of this painting,  a man walked by and casually commented without stopping, “When are you going to put down your anger?”  It was like an angel had whispered in my ear.

She and I would meet under that tree on my visits “back home,” as it was just steps from her front door. We were classmates beginning in 6th grade. The whole town loved and mourned her death. She was an author of 3 books and a loving mother. During high school she was a leader, always happy, always smiling. Everyone in school liked her.

While I am a 23-year survivor of breast cancer, one never forgets that those cells can lay dormant and can one day, like the Loch Ness Monster, surface again.

To me this tree overlooking Bay St Louis stands in memoriam to all touched by the whisper of death, and as a reminder to those of us who have survived - of the magnificence for the beauty of everyday life.

MEDIUM: Acrylic on Canvas Panel

SIZE: 8.5” x 11” -  21.325cm x 27.9cm - YEAR: 2007