Ellen Mayer, LRG member, recently participated in the Lilly Oncology On Canvas Art Competition in Vanderbilt Hall in Grand Central Station. Individual artists were invited to tell the story of their cancer journey on canvas. The event is co-sponsored by the National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship (NCCS).
Now in its 10th year, they introduced the Hope Murals Project, which has set a mission to bring 10 murals based on inspirational art from past competitions to 10 cities across the United States and Puerto Rico.
Ellen Mayer art piece “Balancing Act” was one of the works chosen to be transformed into a Hope Mural
Individual Art Into Murals
Taking the individual designs and converting them into giant murals, the public then has an opportunity to create the mural, using a paint-by-number format. Then each mural is installed in a specially selected location, making it a permanent tribute and show of support for those touched by cancer.
Ellen is a professional artist whose artwork entitled, “Balancing Act” was one of the works chosen to be transformed into a Hope Mural. The work reflects Mayer’s journey to create a new sense of stability in her life after being diagnosed with GIST.
The mixed media painting depicts a female figure balanced on a bright yellow ball, her hands on the sides of her head. Abstract figures appear in vertical lines on either side of the central figure, whose expression is one of peace.
Mayer states in the narrative accompanying the work “Cancer is a balancing act with your mind and body. I am cancer free, but the balancing act never ends. With each CAT scan, twitch of pain or thought it can put me out of balance. Can my cancer be back? I’m strong emotionally and physically now. I became confident that I will survive-until that moment of doubt enters my mind. Then I know I have to rebalance.”
