The Decision

Creating this piece was a deeply meaningful experience. Meeting Monica and hearing her story gave me a greater understanding of the difficult decisions women face after a breast cancer diagnosis. Monica’s vulnerability in sharing her story inspired me to create this piece. The imagery reflects different stages of her journey. Being submerged beneath the water represents the shock of receiving life-changing news, while the dark waters symbolize the uncertainty that follows. The thornlike branches represent the painful treatments and countless needles she endured. A hidden door reminds us that hope is always present, even in life's darkest moments. I chose to use eggs as a symbol of her breasts and motherhood. Monica was given a choice when she was given her diagnosis. In this piece, she holds her breasts in her hands and carefully weighs the decision she will make.