MY VISUAL CODE
ARTIST STATEMENT: “My Visual Code” reflects a creative, em- powering journey—one that marks pio- neering changes in treating breast cancer. Inspired by a desire to not go through sur- gery, this seven-part painting series reflects the transformational stages necessary of an emotional path towards empowerment and freedom. A universal path that many have and will follow on the way to significant breakthrough’s in women’s health
Similar to a code written for a computer program, the painting clusters in MY VISUAL CODE give guidance.
Each of the seven clusters symbolically depict a step taken to navigate a challenging journey.
It begins with a symbolic depiction of gathering strength.
It ends with a circular, continuous flow.
They were inspired by my personal experience; the ability to remain double breasted after being medically advised to have breast removal to treat a case of multi-faceted breast cancer. Being caught up in the early development of a new breast conserving and immune stimulating treatment inspired this visual puzzle.
I hope it will inspire and guide others.
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.
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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
