This October during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, let’s all join together to raise awareness for the fight against cancer.

 

 

As All-Star framer Myrna Dow of High Desert Frameworks in Bend, Oregon, knows all too well, battling a debilitating disease has a tremendous effect on the mind, body, and soul. Myrna lost both parents to cancer during a two-year stretch, which she says profoundly changes a person’s perspective and priorities while also serving as a catalyst to want to help others affected by the disease.

 

 

When presented with the opportunity from Tru Vue^® to create a piece devoted to raising awareness during our Raise Your Glass All-Star Framing Competition, Myrna was thrilled. The goal of the piece she created was to highlight how those battling cancer must tackle the journey with immense inner strength and courageous outward beauty.

 

 

Entitled “Inner Strength – Outward Beauty,” the artwork was a highly collaborative effort among the framer, family members, and other art specialists. The following epistle accompanying the piece was a collaboration written by Myrna and family to help serve as the creative direction and inspiration for the piece:

 

 

I am a young woman with cancer. I am your neighbor. I am your coworker. I am your friend. I am your sister. I am your mother. I am your wife. Our journey is riddled with bumps, pitfalls, and roadblocks. Hearing the “C” word the first time flooded me with so many emotions; fear for myself and the ones I love, sorrow for the potential outcome, and hope for beating the beast… I will beat the beast!

 

 

Losing my hair as a result of the invasive treatment was devastating. I chose a henna crown because I am a fighter, and my fight deserves to be beautifully honored. The process was soothing as the artist applied the henna, and the finished piece crowns me with courage. Cancer has deeply impacted my life, as it has likely touched yours. It has surpassed heart disease as the number one killer; it is paramount that we continue the fight for a cure. Join me!

 

 

The original artwork is by Internationally renowned fiber artist June Jaeger was designed and commissioned by Myrna to represent the woman in the poem. Along with the image, words associated with fighting cancer – peace, survive, determination, family, endurance, and many more – were printed on the fabric and mounted to the matboard.

 

 

The piece was completed using a circular Prisma Frame from Bella Moulding with a custom cancer ribbon design stacked with another Prisma Frame to create added depth. To glaze the piece, Myrna chose Optium Museum Acrylic^® for its unrivaled protection and presentation.

 

 

To learn more about Optium Museum Acrylic – The Best Glazing for ANY Project, which is now available in smaller, single-sheet sizes, click here to visit our new landing page.