Breast Cancer Survivor's "Dress" Inspires Others

"The Dress" by Tinia Clark Photo © Edwin Ryan Bailey

This is an elegant evening gown created by an artist - or is it? Look more closely, or click on the image to see a larger view. Suspended from one hangar are many bras - empty bras - hooked and pinned together. This work of art is composed completely of bras, donated for this piece. The artist is Tinia Clark, and this work is called "The Dress."

Like the women who develop breast cancer, the bras are all sizes and colors. Some are sophisticated, some are practical, some are just for fun. Larger bras are hung inside, filling out the form and supporting the outer layer.

Tinia Clark was diagnosed with breast cancer in April 2007, had a double mastectomy, and reconstruction. She responded to her diagnosis by expressing her experience in art. Nothing was wasted on Tinia - she saved her surgical drains, chemo port, tissue expanders, a pre-cancer bra. These objects were transformed into art that speaks of the statistic that Clark writes as "1N8" - 1 of every 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer during the course of their lifetime.

Clark writes in her artist's statement of this piece "I learned this statistic when the 1 in 8 was Me." The artist is currently in remission and is using her art to help raise awareness and make people stop and think. "The Dress" won a Best of Show award, and is currently part of a one-woman show at the Ridge Art Association in Winter Haven, Florida.

• Artist's experience with breast cancer helps shape recent work
• Tinia's Artwork Changes and Grows After She Is Diagnosed With Cancer
• Safe and Creative Emotional Outlets During and After Breast Cancer Treatment