Author: Deb Hemley

I art-journaled my way through a second cancer diagnosis and treatments back in 2017 which turned out to be a very meaningful endeavor.

This month, Ratio Therapeutics, a radiopharmaceutical company based in Boston, MA will be hosting an exhibit of work by cancer survivors and my journal is included! (Note: The exhibit unfortunately is not open to the public at this time but I will keep you posted when/if it is.)

For the past few years I’ve had the idea of writing about the experience and offering a guide for others.

I’m happy to share that my book is complete; a 64 page paperback with prompts and original artwork to guide others through the process. The book can be applicable to anyone going through any life-changing event that disrupts our day-to-day lives.

The book is available for $20 and able to purchase on Blurb.

Heard these lyrics while painting this last night. Love when the act of artmaking provides the words and messages I most need.

When this old world starts getting me down
And people are just too much for me to face
I climb way up to the top of the stairs
And all my cares just drift right into space
On the roof, it’s peaceful as can be
And there the world below can’t bother me
Let me tell you now

When I come home feelin’ tired and beat
I go up where the air is fresh and sweet (up on the roof)
I get away from the hustling crowd
And all that rat-race noise down in the street (up on the roof)
On the roof, the only place I know
Where you just have to wish to make it so
Let’s go up on the roof (up on the roof)

At night the stars put on a show for free
And, darling, you can share it all with me
I keep a-tellin’ you
Right smack dab in the middle of town
I’ve found a paradise that’s trouble proof (up on the roof)
And if this world starts getting you down
There’s room enough for two
Up on the roof (up on the roof)
Up on the roo-oo-oof (up on the roof)
Oh, come on, baby (up on the roof)
Oh, come on, honey (up on the roof)
Everything is all right (up on the roof)

-Written by Gerry Goffin and Carole King 

Cherishing
these
moments

Trees and houses make frequent appearances in my artwork. I especially find doors and windows showing up when I least expect.

I like to think of them as openings and welcomings. They’re comforting and one of the things I love most about artmaking.

The expression and metaphor, “Larger than life” came to me today as I was working on this painting.

I know a lot of things can feel, and are—larger than life. In this case, I can’t say that I know or exactly connect with WHAT is larger than life here in this moment. 

But, just to say—so much is larger than life, every day.
And, in so many ways. 

New colors, mix of shapes and a dose of time—wouldn’t you know it—things are starting to look up again.

I heard it in the wind last night
It sounded like applause
Did you get a round resounding for you
Way up here
It seems like many dim years ago
Since I heard that face to face
Though tonight I can feel you here

Painting inspired on a recent walk (by a captivating tree trunk) and lyrics by Joni Mitchell, For the Roses.