2015 Creative Cups

Lana Belasic

Black Swan

A black swan is described as something that is unexpected and thought of as impossible at first. When it appears, it creates a colossal impact, and its possibility eventually makes sense.

Cancer can be seen as a black swan. It’s random. It does not discriminate by race, religion or sex. You do not expect it to happen to yourself or to a loved one. “Oh, that’ll never happen to me.”

It changes your world forever when it does show up. You lose the life you once knew and had, and sometimes you can even lose someone from it. You can even gain from the experience. It makes you stronger knowing you have faced a physical and emotional battle.

Its probability eventually becomes apparent. Once the denial and shock start to fade, you realize that it can happen to anyone.

I chose to create this piece in honor of my Nona, who was a victim of breast cancer. We lost her when I was only an infant, but the stories that I have heard about her life will stay with me forever. She was an incredibly strong woman that I look up to every day. She faced battles and managed to stay positive. She constantly looked forward. I know that if I take on life’s challenges the way she did, I will get through anything.

Black Swan is my second piece for Creative Cups. It was such a great feeling and experience being able to use my creativity for a good cause.