Sophia Williams and Kathryn Tubbs
Kathryn Tubbs
“Navigating Her Labyrinth of Vulnerabilities”
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The Story
Sophia Williams
Sophia Williams
Chicago, IL
Breast cancer survivor
Twist on Cancer: This experience has been so amazing for me, starting with my match. I'm not sure how Twist Out Cancer conducted the matching process, but I have had an unbelievable experience with Kathryn Tubbs. It was an awesome experience, as we connected on so many levels—from our childhood background, work-life balance, favorite colors, and a whole host of other topics. It felt like we have known each other for a lifetime and not just six months. Once Kathyrn displayed the beginning stages of her masterpiece of my life, along with her chosen color scheme, I was very ecstatic. It was like she really heard my life story and was ready to represent me accordingly. Thank you, Twist Out Cancer and Kathryn, for all you do on behalf of all cancer survivors that you will represent now and in the future you all are truly appreciated.
Kathryn Tubbs
El Segunda, CA
www.ktubbsart.com
Social Media: @ktubbsart
“Navigating Her Labyrinth of Vulnerabilities”
Acrylic and Conte a Paris on canvas
36” x 36” x 1.5”
$1000
Artist Statement: I paired with Inspiration, Sophia Williams, a 17+ year breast cancer survivor. My painting aimed to both celebrate her survival and portray the challenges she faced in her cancer journey. I wanted to create a painting that depicted the reality of cancer but in a celebratory way that commemorates Sophia's tenacity, positivity, and joy in facing her illness. I enjoy making abstract images that allude to and layer in multiple stories. The base layer of this painting is a labyrinth, which speaks to the obstacles Sophia faced as a young Black woman requesting mammograms and cancer treatment. Sophia currently uses labyrinths in her meditation practice as a means of relaxation, so it has dual meaning. The foreground depicts the inner structure of a breast and evokes floral blooms. Sophia gave me three colors that are the main hues used: mustard, burnt orange and green apple. I added variations on these colors to give the painting movement and depth. The green orb of the cancer cell is in a gloss finish so that it looks more like a jewel, rather than an ominous tumor. I added a smaller tumor in matte green hidden among subcutaneous cells as a reminder that no survivor can ever walk away from the worry that cancer was once in their body. Survival means living with the specter of cancer and in Sophia's case, it motivated her to great achievements and a generosity of spirit when she faced life's uncertainty.