Artist shares cancer journey to inspire, comfort and empower others
A Nottingham artist is set to have her work seen by patients across the county thanks to Arts Council support.
In February 2022 Carole Ellis was awarded an Arts Council grant to develop a portfolio on the subject of breast cancer entitled “Breast or Beast” – a collection of work visually expressing her experiences from health to concern, examination, diagnosis, treatments and mortality.
Working mainly in fluid art - a form painting using acrylics with a runny consistency to create psychedelic and colourful effects - she produced a collection of 37 pieces, which were exhibited in Nottingham in September 2022.
This collection was spotted on Instagram by consultant radiologist Dr Yousar Jafar, who commissioned Carole to create a large painting for the charity-funded and newly revamped Radiology waiting room at the Nottingham Breast Institute.
Following this success, the hospital then raised funds to buy her entire Breast or Beast portfolio for the radiology department. Opening in the spring the gallery will adorn the walls of the institute, creating a colourful, welcoming and inspiring atmosphere for all.
Artist Carole said: “I felt privileged to receive the Arts Council award and wanted to do it justice. It afforded me the freedom to explore and discover, break new ground and experiment, and I have had the creative time of my life. It has consumed my every waking moment for six months and I believe it is unique and engaging. Whilst the subject itself is gritty and serious, my work is not – it is full of colour, movement, and energy with a message to the viewer in every piece. I am living proof of the value of early diagnosis and if just one person is influenced to act because of my exhibition, I will have accomplished my objective.“
Peter Knott, Midlands Area Director for Arts Council England said: “Being diagnosed with an illness can be a daunting and isolating experience, but Carole’s work is a great example of how creativity can help people to express these emotions and to navigate unfamiliar paths. It’s fantastic that her work is bringing people from all parts of the community together through shared experiences, providing inspiration when it’s needed most.
“We want to develop a thriving arts ecology that gives everybody the chance to enjoy and create great art - and this a fantastic example of how Lottery funding can open doors for artists to go on to achieve success.”
