I THINK THIS MAYBE MY 2023 DRAWING ARTWORK OF THE YEAR!
I shuffled past this today in one of the many Cancer Centre waiting rooms I’ve had to visit since March.
It usually takes something to stop me in my tracks these days and this inspiring picture did just that.
For the purpose of confidentiality, I’ve covered the name of this young artist’s touching and heartfelt work. It was completed on the most available material that came to hand to record their experience of a cancer treatment plan, aptly (to my mind) on a scrap of corrugated cardboard.
Their artwork reached out and emboldened me to share my current health situation to a wider audience who may not know of my cancer journey too. I have stage 3 bowel cancer, it’s treatable and I still have some way to go to become cancer free.
So, today I completed my second chemo session. I cannot lie, the side effects can be unpleasant but not as unpleasant as the consequences of doing nothing. I’m supported by the love of family, friends, clients, colleagues, brief acquaintances and my growing art community. I have been roasted, entertained and lifted by my wonderful Year 13 A Level Design students.
My art life may seem like I’ve hit the pause button but my new community of art friends continue to reach out help and support me to continue to persevere. I must pause and consider the help and guidance I have received from the organisers and members of the association I so honoured to be an Associate member of, The Society of Graphic Fine Art – London. Without doubt, the SGFA has given me some of the greatest opportunities to showcase my portraiture alongside some of most talented drawing artists in the country.
Since then, a taste of London life and participation in national exhibitions emboldened me to try again. Amazingly, it happened again and then again. Since then I’ve been invited to exhibit at the wonderful Trinity Buoy Drawing Prize and The Pastel Society in London. Furthermore, Leamington Spa Art Gallery & Museum and Yardstick Gallery in Leamington Spa, and the once proud Guildhall Gallery in, Stafford.
There’s no doubt art has lifted me out some of pretty grim situations and aspire to do something moving, lasting and dare I say it spiritual after I’m gone. And yet, if this cancer has its way and does away with me, so be it. I have achieved so much in such I small amount of time and met some incredibly positive people. Check out my inspiring dying American friend, Dave Warnock and his @DyingOutLoud website and YouTube channel. Even though he’s not long for this world, he has a thing or to to share with anybody who care to listen about his journey out of religion and facing up to his debilitating ALS and impending demise.
People like Dave have a disarming ability challenge you to think critically about what matters most and how to make the best use of the time we have left. I have one life so live in this moment, embrace it (I love my new friends in the Cancer Centre) and make the best use of your time you have. I have yet to be given anything to persuade me I should believe their is something beyond to believe in. I believe in my family, friends, my community and, while it lasts, my love of the natural world.
In conclusion, the beautiful misspellings, the arced written sentiments of relief, gratitude and love and linear simplicity of line portraits of their poorly dad and his two caring nurses. Clearly, this is a simple artwork which compelled this young artist to reach for their pens and tear with urgent abandon a cardboard box, resurrected and repurposed from a brown bin doom. It reflects a collective shared experience, an experience of hope and being part of a new community that really cares. It expresses without shame and forces me to ponder again the mental and often physical strain my current poor health is having on those around me. More over, it rings so true and it salutes those incredible NHS staff at the Royal Stoke for their incredible service to us. There professionalism, dedication, skill and due diligence. They are a true and real force for good and hope. I should know, my mum and brother were a nurses and bloody good ones too.
To everyone, I know and love, thank you, thank you, thank you. Remember, “Kindness is Magic” that is for sure, and “It takes strength to be gentle and kind”. Two quotes to those quiz masters out there who truly know me well and will l know their origins. You could say these are attempts at two commandments I think we could try and get behind, maybe? I still try and I often fail. I’ve heard it said so many times and in so many places. A TED talk maybe? Anyway, the key to success is constant failure and a drive to learn, understand and overcome. My failing body is teaching me so much about myself and about those that know that choose to share time with me. I have no choice, I have to embrace this existential moment and my clear and present danger to my life. I am vulnerable, I may die, but aren’t we all?
BE WARNED, NO MATTER HOW OLD YOU ARE, DON’T UNDERESTIMATE THE POWER OF ART.
IT CHANGES YOU IN WAYS YOU CAN BE UNPREPARED FOR. FOR THE BETTER. IT CAN CHANGE THE WAY YOU SEE THE WORLD AND YOUR PLACE IN IT. TODAY THIS VERY YOUNG PERSON DID THAT AND I PAY TRIBUTE TO YOU. I AM TIRED AND WEARY AFTER MY SECOND DOSE OF INTRAVENOUS CHEMOTHERAPY. I HAVE CHOSEN TO DELAY RESPONDING TO SOME OF MY FRIENDS ON MESSENGER, WHATSAPP, FACETIME, TEXT OR PHONE SO I CAN POST THIS THOUGHT TO MY WEBSITE. ITS IMPORTANT, ITS NECESSARY AND I NEED TO SAY IT, THANK YOU AND HOPE YOUR DAD IS DOING WELL.
The Art of Gavin Bowyer 