Growing up in the 70s surrounded by page 3 spreads in the Sun and bikini clad models draped over cars, boats or even shoes it certainly seemed to me that a great rack must surely be important to my future success. You’d hope that after decades of feminism and consciousness raising about gender equity that society has changed. But sadly, judging by gaming culture characters and the rise in cosmetic surgery it seems that the pressure to have generous and perky breasts is still very much with us.
Talking to @julietkfp about her breast cancer journey, one of the things we discussed was other people’s assumptions and constant commentaries about breasts. Too big, too small, clothes too tight, too much flesh showing or even too little for whatever activity we might choose to be involved in. To my horror, she shared that as a teenager, her nickname was Jugs. People had been literally identifying her by her breasts, not for who she really was. Yet now she’s had an elective double mastectomy people don’t even notice.
Going flat isn’t the right choice for everyone. Juliet’s aim is to make sure women are aware of all options. For her, her new look has created a new career as a topless model and blogger, with her image on billboards in Times Square and Piccadilly Circus plus numerous radio and press interviews.
It’s that ability to find the joy in adversity that I admire about Juliet. During her treatment she had to forgo a much longed for trip to Chelsea Flower Show. Instead, her husband asked friends, family, colleagues (in fact anyone) for help.
Blooming Cancer; hand knitted wire
Gardening became part of her recovery and eased some of the anxiety that she experienced during her diagnosis and treatment. Fast forward several years and that loving gesture has led to a not just a back garden full of flowers but a new career as a flower farmer, growing sustainable, organic, British flowers.
As part of the Mortal and Strong project, you can see these artworks, alongside 100 others produced by artists like me to tell the stories of women who’ve faced all kinds of life changing health conditions at an early age. All will be available for sale at the exhibition in May 2025 to raise funds for charity.
See you there. Together we can change the social stigma and the taboos around our bodies and ill health.
Arrow from hand forged copper and knitted copper wire.
Mortal And Strong is a registered charity (No. 1209448) for people with life changing/incurable health conditions. Scars of Gold is a National campaign and art exhibition sharing the Voices of 100 people with lived experience of life changing/incurable conditions. 10th to 17th May, 2025. The Sidings Gallery, Waterloo, London. Tickets are free, please register on EventBrite.
Update: What a fantastic event, what an amazing year of making, talking and changing the outlook for women’s health. Together with the works I made telling Clare’s story about her journey with vulva cancer, I was able to raise over £900 for the Mortal and Strong charity.
Defiance is still available, so message me if you want to make an offer. All monies to the charity.
Jen Cable Art 