Looking for Understanding
A Phenomenological Exploration of Artists’ Decisions to Portray Cancer in their Artwork
by
Janet L. Gillett
2015
A diagnosis of cancer brings many changes to individuals’ lives, thus becoming part of their identity. Individuals who have cancer typically struggle when adjusting and accepting these changes (Blennerhassett, 2008; Yang, Staps, & Hijmans, 2010; Allen, Savadatti, & Levy, 2009; Lindwall & Bergbom, 2009; Lewis, 2008; Welsh & Guy, 2009; Frith, Harcourt, & Fussell, 2007; Hilton, Hunt, Emslie, Salinas, & Ziebland 2008). Furthermore, medical doctors place more emphasis on the symptoms and side effects individuals undergo rather than the person’s experience of the symptoms and side effects (Frank, 1991; Cassell, 1991; Nuland, 2010; Couser, 1997). During this time, some individuals engage in creative tasks, such as painting or writing, as means of coping. This current study will explore why indivi...