Have you seen the newest addition to the More Birthdays art and music gallery yet? If not, check it out! Breast cancer survivor, Marilyn Brown, recently won the artist category of our Create More Birthdays contest with her multimedia artwork, “More Birthdays Because of Women’s Screen,” and is now in our gallery alongside some of the biggest names in the art and entertainment world.
This week, we had the opportunity to sit down with Marilyn to learn more about her as an artist and the inspiration behind her award-winning artwork. Read our interview below and don’t forget to check out her multimedia art in the morebirthdays.com gallery.
MB: Thank you Marilyn for taking the time to talk with us, first off – congratulations! How did you first hear about the contest and what made you decide to enter?
Marilyn: I received an e-mail about the contest and it seemed like the perfect opportunity to DO something to give back. I fought for my life and I am winning, but my mom didn’t get the same opportunity. I wanted to do something to say, “Thank you” for all the support I received.
MB: Tell us more about your mom — did she inspire your entry? How else has cancer affected your life?
Marilyn: Both my mom and my personal battle with cancer were the mental and emotional inspirations behind my entry. I was diagnosed with breast cancer in January 2009 during the worst ice storm our area had seen in a hundred years. I began chemo in March of the same year and my mom was released from her fight with the disease in April. I have had two cousins with this, as well as an aunt. My sister has fought and won against ovarian and uterine cancers. I received help through the Peitz Cancer Center in Mt. Home, Arkansas. They were wonderful about providing answers, education, encouragement and support. I also received information from the ACS website and was able to share all of this information with my mom.
MB: Now it’s obvious from your artwork that this isn’t the first time you picked up a paintbrush, what got you started?
Marilyn: I have been creating for most of my life. I have been painting for over 30 years and am in college getting my degree now.
MB: What do you want people to walk away with when they see your artwork?
Marilyn: First and foremost, if you are a female I want you to feel the need to get your screenings. I want you to remind your moms and sisters, daughters and daughters-in-law and aunts. I would also like for people to feel for those going through treatment.
MB: Here at the American Cancer Society, we’re all about creating a world with less cancer and more birthdays, but that means something a little different to everyone. What does a world with less cancer and more birthdays mean to you?
Marilyn: A world with more birthdays means a future. I have two new grandbabies since my surgery and chemotherapy. I get to know them and play with them. I decided that I was not allowing cancer to take away one more thing from me. My memory and ability to think correctly was valuable to me and I decided to fight. I enrolled in an online art college and am working towards a goal. I have wanted to illustrate books for a LONG time. I am working on that now. This education is giving me the boost I need to begin that dream. Two of my first projects are a cancer journey book and a children’s book that my mom said we should work on together. I took notes and have completed the first painting. I am on my way. I might never have gotten here without that one MORE BIRTHDAY!
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