Transforming Illness into Art
A creative collaboration with filmmaker Matthew Chenet

During the early winter and spring of 2020, I became friends with Matthew Chenet, filmmaker and storyteller, while setting up my studio in Nosara. We quickly realized the synchronicity of our creative projects—stories about transforming trauma, loss and illness into hope, adventure and beauty.  In the time of COVID, these themes felt more relevant than ever and we decided a collaboration would inspire us both and maybe others as well. This video is the culmination of several days of filming spread over two months and tracks my journey to create the illustrated cancer field guide.

In the early fall of 2017, I was diagnosed with stage IV Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. In the wake of this experience, as an opportunity for healing for myself and others, I have created an illustrated guide and journal that gives practical guidance and shares drawings that add color and beauty to what can be a sterile and frightening experience.

This project was generously kick-started by the Artist Residency at the Harmony Hotel in the summer of 2019 in Costa Rica and continues to be supported by benefactors who believe in providing patients and caregivers with art and guidance during their journey navigating cancer.