THE BrEaST SHOW
EXHIBITION STATEMENT Bonded in breastedness the world over, women are unique yet similar. I have found that most women, when faced with a diagnosis of breast cancer, are interested in learning about a breast conserving and immune stimulating surgical procedure called Cryoablation.
This exhibit was inspired by, and is dedicated to, the many brave women who have chosen to follow my lead in using Cryoablation as I did, to save my breast 20 years ago. My artwork depicts the steps of our journey.
“The exhibit paints an idea, posts a warning, and celebrates hope. It is about survival, rebirth, and championing feminine beauty, breasts, and strength.”
Bonnie Laing-Malcolmson. The Arlene and Harold Schnitzer Curator of Northwest Art (Retired) Portland Art Museum
Research, 2022, w/c, ink, wax + resin, oil on board, 30 x 40 in.
Embrace, 2022, w/c, ink, wax + resin, oil on board, 30 x 40 in.
Share, 2022, w/c, ink, wax + resin, oil on board, 30 x 40 in.
Striped Coat, 2022, w/c, ink, wax + resin, oil on board, 30 x 40 in.
Red Sari, 2022, w/c, ink, wax + resin, oil on board, 30 x 40 in.
Big Hat, 2022, w/c, ink, wax + resin, oil on board, 30 x 40 in.
Red Skirt, 2022, w/c, ink, wax + resin, oil on board, 30 x 40 in.
Tie Died, 2022, w/c, ink, wax + resin, oil on board, 30 x 40 in.
White Skirt, 2022, w/c, ink, wax + resin, oil on board, 30 x 40 in.
Blue Dress, 2022, w/c, ink, wax + resin, oil on board, 30 x 40 in.
PRESS
Laura Ross-Paul: Breasts and beyond
OREGON ARTSWATCH, Arts & Culture News: Story and Photographs by FRIDERIKE HEUER
The veteran Portland artist’s July show at NINE Gallery springs from her own breast cancer and the pioneering treatment she chose to defeat it.
“When you find out that you are ill, your priorities are shattered. One moment you are in a boat, and the next moment you are in the water. … Once you’ve experienced being mortally ill and you’ve come back, you have learned something that’s worth knowing.” – Susan Sontag
THESE DAYS I seem to meet survivors wherever I turn. I can’t decide whether that’s a good or a bad thing: good for the outcome, bad for the frequency of affliction. Yet every cancer survivor who I’ve encountered, or for that matter anyone diagnosed with any life-threatening illness, can relate to Sontag’s words. They were uttered in an interview in 1988 when she had successfully navigated a return to the living from metastatic breast cancer, and before she
