Healing the Planet - Healing Our Breasts | Installation | 1998

The impetus of the installation was to draw attention to the connection between breast health and planetary health. Our breasts are like the canary in the coal mine- the toxicity of the planet of chemicals and pesticides in our food, drinking water, air and bodies has increased over the decades, as breast cancer rates have soared. The breast sculptures serves as an amulet for all women to be healed and rid of cancer, as well as the ecological imbalances on the earth be cleansed. In this art piece, my prayer became the art and the art the prayer. 

 

Since ancient times, amulets and offering of clay, wax or cast metal body parts were created with the intent of offerings to the gods for healing. These amulets were left at shrines to petition or the give thanks for healing. In sculpting with my hands, the prayer and making of the art became an active meditation.

My intent was clear as I molded the healing prayers into the warm wax forming breasts of various sizes. The wide assortment of breasts celebrate our nature and the beauty of women’s bodies. Breasts are symbolic of the power of women as giver of life and nourishment. Prayers imbue the wax for my friends, family and women unknown to me personally; each prayer connects to sisterhood of women to be clear of cancer. We as women are all woven together and are part of the deep balance of our earth and our own lives.