303 SOLO SHOW
“Through this new collection, I want to ‘be a rainbow in someone else’s cloud’ (Maya Angelou). ”
‘303’ is an exhibition of a new collection of abstract paintings inspired to raise awareness of breast cancer and it is a chance to share my experience.
PRIVATE VIEW: 9th October: 5pm - 7pm
OPEN: 10th - 20th October 2021
CASS ART Kingston - 103 Clarence St, Kingston Upon thames, KT1 1QY
‘I want to add light to any of you who have been personally touched by breast cancer’
MY STORY
'30' is the age I am turning this October (I certainly don’t feel it) and 3 is the number of years that have passed since I was diagnosed with breast cancer. Two most important milestones so far in my life. According to Angel numbers, the number '303' is symbolic of peace, serenity and finding freedom in life and this seemed a perfect title. This will not only be my first solo exhibition but a celebration of my journey and a chance for me to help, support and add light to any of you who have been personally touched by breast cancer. Most importantly as October is breast cancer awareness month, I want to highlight the importance of checking your breasts.
In my mid 20s I was diagnosed with a grade 1 invasive carcinoma of my left breast. It was a very rare situation for a young, healthy woman of my age with no underlying health issues to have had developed this disease. I first noticed a change in my breast as it felt unusually itchy so I went straight to my GP and was referred for extra tests. On 21st June 2018 I was told I had ‘stage 1 breast cancer’ and hearing those words at the time felt life changing and that word ‘cancer’, felt so final. In that moment I was the most scared I have ever felt. There was no concrete reason as to why I had developed breast cancer as I had no underlying health problems and no immediate family history of it all. So for a while I was questioning what I had done wrong.
After ongoing tests, discussions with surgeons and macmillan nurses I had a lumpectomy to remove my nipple and three lymph nodes. I then had a course of radio therapy, three years of Prostap injections monthly (a hormone treatment that reduces oestrogen) and I am currently taking Tamoxifen medication daily for at least 5 years. After being in the clear I now feel strong and open to be able to share my story. I feel it is important for me to give back to all those who supported me, helped me and gave me the strength I needed through such a difficult time. I chose to do this through my first solo exhibition.
Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women in the UK, with one woman diagnosed every 10 minutes. Around 55,000 women and 370 men are diagnosed with breast cancer every year in the UK. I feel extremely lucky everyday to have caught it early and survived this awful disease that continuously affects so many people everyday.
I cannot stress the importance of checking your breasts and if you notice anything out of the ordinary do not wait or feel embarrassed or think you are wasting your doctor's time, go and get it checked out.
THE ART
Through this new collection I hope to be 'a rainbow in someone else’s cloud’ (Maya Angelou).
Each painting reflects balance, strength and harmony and celebrates the techniques I have developed in my career. I will be raising money for Breast Cancer Now, please donate at my just giving page: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/anastasia-scudamore
You can also support the charities @macmillancancer @cr_uk @coppafeelpeople by donating directly through their instagrams!
Thank you very much for your support, donations and taking time to read my story. Let’s support and raise as much awareness and money for breast cancer! Hope you enjoy the exhibition.