Tulips Three Chosen!

Tulips Three by Casey

Since this was published in April 2011, I am a little bit late in announcing this event in my blog. However, 'better late than never' as they always say. So.....

My sumi-e titled Tulips Three was chosen by the Current Oncology Magazine of Canada to grace their cover. I am honored.

About our cover:  Tulips Three; Sumi-e painting by Casey Shannon, a member of the ART for Cancer Group (AFC). 

The art on the cover of this issue is entitled “Tulips Three” and was created by Casey Shannon in memory of her son-in-law who died three years ago from Sarcoma. Media: Sumi (ink) and Japanese watercolor.

From the artist: “This image was inspired by a pot of tulips dancing and swaying in the spring breeze as it sat on my deck. I was gazing out my window at them and was struck by this sight. I thought of my son-in-law and how he struggled with the vicious form of cancer called Sarcoma and how he courageously engaged it in the dance of life and death. I am honored to be a member of AFC. We prove the power of art. Together we speak through love, color, and imagination.”  

I donate 100% of all net sales from this piece of art to the Sarcoma Foundation, in memory of my son-in-law. The mission of the Sarcoma Foundation is to advocate for increased research to find new and better therapies with which to treat patients with Sarcoma. I am a member of the administrative team of the ART for Cancer Group. To view more of my art please visit Casey Shannon Studio.

 

       The ART for Cancer Group is a collective of artists from around the globe, who have united in the fight against cancer, by donating a portion of their art sales to cancer charity. The members span over 30 countries and support over 20 cancer charities. To find out more about the group please visit the Art for Cancer Group. 

       Current Oncology is committed to the Canadian oncology community as well as oncology communities around the world. They are pleased to help raise awareness of the work and cause of the ART for Cancer Group. Current Oncology will be selecting a new artwork for each monthly cover from the ART for Cancer Group.

Casey Shannon Studio

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Kelly's Story ~ of Hope and Art

 Kelly and Aven

Kelly's Story ~ A Story of Hope and Art

I am writing this story of grace and hope about my daughter Kelly who is currently fighting AML (leukemia). Kelly is an amazing woman and my hero. She was unexpectedly diagnosed with AML three months ago in March 2011. After a routine visit to her gynecologist and having her blood work analyzed, Kelly's doctor called her at work and said she needed to get to the ER immediately. At the ER, Kelly learned she had 86% cancer cells in her bone marrow.....a deathly blow.

Kelly was a busy working mother before her diagnosis. Her daughter Aven is 7 months old at the time of this writing. Kelly has always been an organized 'do it all' person. She is a mother, wife, restaurant manager in a large corporation, private pilot, and artist. She was scrambling to get everything done in a small 24 hour period of time each day. The cancer has now slowed her down. My daughter remains in the hospital undergoing chemo treatment for her acute leukemia, which consists of 24/7 chemo for a week. Then, waiting for her blood count to come back up. Then, repeating the process. She will have to repeat this process 5 times in total. With prayer, hope, triumph, and luck, her leukemia will be in recession and stay that way after these processes are over.

 Curly Dancing Columbine by Kelly

Watercolor

Through all of this, my daughter has a terrific attitude and has not lost her crazy sense of humor. Kelly is an incredible woman. She is strong. She is a bright spirit. She is a fighter. Kelly will be well.

This is a quote from Kelly: "Being diagnosed with Acute Leukemia has given me a second chance at life, literally. I no longer want to live another moment with unhappy lifestyles, people, jobs or circumstances that will hinder my overall sense of purpose and joy. Life is precious and it can end in a second. Before cancer, I had forgotten these things that bring me great pride. I was becoming one of the many that just seemed to exist and not reach out to tap into our true gifts and universal paths. Since I have been painting in the hospital, I have been able to let go of my deadly disease and live in the present, without fear, and feel good again about what I have accomplished throughout my life. I am a painter! Now if I can just get the nursing staff to stop taking my blood pressure every 5 seconds and stop asking me several times a day if I've pooped. It really ruins the moment sometimes, ya know."

 Spring Sunflower Spirit by Kelly

Watercolor

Kelly has been painting in the hospital and when she gets released she will join AFC and offer prints of her paintings for sale. She will donate 100% of the proceeds to 'The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society'. I share some of her works with you here. There is a tremendous healing power in the creative process and you can certainly see the power of art in my daughter's watercolor paintings. Enjoy!

Casey Shannon
Chief Communications Officer for the Art for Cancer Group (AFC)

Pretty in Pink Camilla by Kelly

Watercolor

 Starry Night Orchid by Kelly

Watercolor

White Roses for Aven by Kelly

Watercolor

Casey Shannon Studio

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Tokyo Memorial Exhibition ~

    
Tokyo Memorial Exhibition of Calligraphy and Sumi-e

by the members of ICCPS

International Chinese Calligraphy and Ink Painting Society

This stunning exhibit is open from May 31 to June 5, 2011

 Art viewers leaving messages for the artists!

One message from an art viewer:

"Mastery Strokes!"

"The sound of "opening day" always gives me vibes of excited anticipation with a tinge of nervousness even though I am just an appreciator or audience.  And often time I am the first to arrive at the show in the middle of preparation chaos - LOL!!  Today, as usual, I was the humiliating first-comer at the calligraphy exhibition in Shibuya. The small gallery that is located nearby Shibuya Station most famously known as a labyrinth, and inside it, every wall was crowded with works of about 40 members, and among them, I found a hanging scroll by Casey.  I don't know many things about calligraphy however I could see her mastery hand especially at bending of the trunk or joints of branches.  As a Japanese who did SHODO once before I know how long it takes until one is able to attain such brush works. "

 Appreciating the calligraphy and sumi-e of ICCPS

My humble contribution to this wonderful show.

My sumi-e is called "Kelly's Magic Persimmons" and is dedicated to my daughter who is currently fighting leukemia. A lot of love went into my creation.

"Kelly no Kaki - Kelly's Persimmons". 

One viewer describes my work:

 " It's a beautiful work of art and I like it.  I didn't know it was dedicated to your daughter, but now I know that was why I felt something close to loving and caring, that is quite opposite of self-sufficiency and indifference that stands out in most sumi-e in general.  You know, sumi-e is much of the time conversation with oneself, confronting with oneself, like meditation.  You have this compassion floating in your cosmos - wow, it's deep, isn't it? (smile)".

If you are in Tokyo, be sure to stop by this wonderful exhibit at the studio of Ransui Yakata.

Ransui is a master calligrapher and sumi-e artist.

For more information visit the North American Society webpage

Casey Shannon Studio

Director of North American Branch

国際中国書法国画家協会アメリカ支部：Ms. Casey Shannon　アメリカ現代水墨画家

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