GEORGE NEWS - Cancer survivorship begins at the moment of diagnosis, for the patient and those surrounding them, and continues throughout the course of life. Survivorship is an attitude toward life and living each day to the full.
International Cancer Survivors' Day is celebrated on 2 June. This year cancer survivors in the Garden Route are sharing their stories through art and creativity, including painting, pottery, photography, writing or any expressive art form.
Cancercare is hosting a survivor function, "Creating Hope, Leaving Footprints" on Saturday 9 June. The guest speaker is the director of Sport Academy in George, Wayne McAfee. Survivors will be spoiled with a special goody bag - the artwork of George South Primary learners.
A unique exhibition of art by cancer survivors themselves or close friends, family or partners, will be the highlight of the day. This exhibition will not only celebrate life and hope for all, but also create legacies and leave footprints.
Limited space is available and it is important to book your ticket.
Five different art and craft workshops will take place on Saturday 9 June, followed by five more workshops (one a day) from Monday to Friday, 11 to 15 June.
Most of the workshops will be presented by cancer survivors. Workshops include pottery, decoupage, mosaic, learning to paint a protea, acrylic flow art and more.
Contact details
For more info and to book, contact Engela or Elza at Cancercare on 044 884 0806 or engela.vandermerwe@cancercare.co.za. A registration fee of R50 per workshop is payable. This will be donated to Up with Downs in George.
South African acrylic flow artist Heléne Voges says she can teach anyone to create beautiful, unique pieces of art. To attend her workshop in June, contact Engela or Elza on Cancercare 044 884 0806.
Acrylic flow workshop
One of the workshop presenters is Heléne Voges, a South African acrylic flow artist. Her mother, an oil painter, instilled a love for art in her from a very young age.
She studied graphic design from 1999 to 2000 and completed her pharmaceutics degree in 2004. She married in 2002 and has two boys. Finding that both her sons excel at art, she decided to get back into painting herself. Inspired by microbiology, physiology, astronomy and other sciences, she creates abstract works of art, using acrylic paint and glaze as a base. She uses her chemistry knowledge to add several different substances, including organic material, in her mixtures to create different colour effects.
Voges loves to teach art.
"I have seen how it helps to relax people. Chronic illness adds stress to people's lives. My techniques help even the person who thinks they have no art ability to find a hobby that they never thought they would be able to practise."
In her pouring workshop she explains all the equipment and techniques needed to create a unique piece of art. "I will show you how easy it is to create something beautiful. You will go home with a unique piece of art you created yourself and with your new set of skills you will be able to practise acrylic pouring at home."
"I will show you how easy it is to create something beautiful," says Heléne Voges.
The 2018 Survivor Celebration initiative will be an event filled with joy, camaraderie, hope, compassion, faith and love as cancer survivors are honoured for their strength and courage.
Your life is your story. Write well. Edit often.
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