2015 Creative Cups

Jackie Starr

Roses for Rose: A Symphony

Without music, my family and loved ones chosen as family, my life would be incomplete. This bra was a labor of love in the name of all three.

Inspired by the effectiveness of music therapy in reducing anxiety and improving outlook in breast cancer patients, each rose is made from sheet music for I Run For Life by Melissa Etheridge, a breast cancer survivor who dedicated all of the song’s record royalties to breast cancer charities, and Stronger by Kelly Clarkson, which emphasizes how our struggles make us more resilient.

The roses were created in colors unique to their abilities in healing work: pink soothes grief and sadness, while purple reduces pain and quiets emotional turmoil. They emerge from darkness to symbolize hope and strength.

Most importantly, my muse: Rose K., grandmother to my best friend and chosen family, passed away in January 2014. During her long and beautiful life, she not only beat breast cancer but endured a double mastectomy. These roses are for her. Miss you, Rose K.