|
In creating The Living Breast, my goal was to draw upon my passion for art, my advocacy for healthy living and my desire to support breast cancer awareness. In the end, breast cancer affects all of us. It takes away so many great women, the great loves in our lives. I began thinking about how magnificent the breast is and wanted to celebrate that beauty. I decided to adorn the female body through my painting and transform it into living art. I work in many mediums, but find body painting especially exciting, due to the body's contours and each individual's spirit. It's intriguing because I work so closely with my live canvas, and the energy exchange produces art at the highest level of collaboration. And so it began. I sent a single email to friends and the responses began pouring in. The Living Breast came to life. Within one week, I had 27 women scheduled for painting. I was overwhelmed. At the time, I was planning only a calendar, so there were many more volunteers than I needed. But I began to realize that they needed this expression -- a way to actively face breast cancer by participating with their bodies. I was prepared for a variety of ages, backgrounds and body shapes to come through my door. But nothing could prepare me for their stories. Their individual experiences with breast cancer and body image would forever change me and give me even greater passion for this project. Aside from the incredible images, the real beauty of this achievement is in the intimacy of the painting sessions, where I experienced an incredible sense of collaboration. The women's spirits seemed to guide my brush, paintings naturally appearing as each one shared her story with me. Brilliant color, form and art were created without effort. I am grateful to be able to use my talents to help people in need. I consider myself a vehicle of expression, and I get excited by the ideas that come to me. I consider my artistic ability my greatest gift and I am thankful to give it back to the world in this calendar, doing what I can to help all individuals fighting breast cancer --Denise Milito is a design graduate from Michigan State University, who understands that art education is a daily discipline. Her work spans jewelry design and soap making, mosaic art, floral art, body painting and more. You can purchase her soaps online at www.tortoiseplay.com. |
Visit the Denise Milito-Stockwell & Friends web-site | |
| Email Denise Milito-Stockwell & Friends | |
Other artists from Earth MOBfest Acoustic Showcase Damon Castillo Tom and Chris Kastle | |
Uncommon Ground Past Show Dates | |
| 2005-12-13 (933 days) | Denise Milito-Stockwell & Friends |
| ART SALE | |
| Jocelyn Scofield | |