Photographer Showcases Young Breast Cancer Patients with Striking Portraits and Handwritten Notes
Following her cancer diagnosis, Erica Robinson turned to art to document her journey.
SAN DIEGO, Calif., Oct. 30, 2023 – Local photographer Erica Robinson, 33, stood before the camera– bare, bleeding, and bruised. It was unclear to her what she was trying to accomplish, but she felt the need to document this moment.
“It felt forced and inadequate, but at the same time necessary,” she said. “As a creative, there are pressures to create art around pivotal moments in your life. With a cancer diagnosis, I felt this immediately.”
Robinson was diagnosed with Stage 2 breast cancer in 2021 at age 34.
According to the National Cancer Institute, approximately 70,000 men and women in the US age 15 to 39 are diagnosed with cancer each year. The most common cancer in women of this age group is breast cancer.
One year after her diagnosis, Robinson captured her self-portrait between rounds of chemotherapy. Studies by the Mayo Clinic suggest that creative expression can have positive effects on the well-being of cancer patients and could help facilitate their healing process by integrating their cancer experience into their life stories.
“But the picture felt incomplete, so I started writing on it.” Robinson started with details about her diagnosis, like “Stage 2, Grade 3, EP+, and HER2-breast cancer,” adding lines and circles to highlight relevant parts of her body.
But her writing shifted from medical terminology to more casual phrases such as “ALL MY JOINTS HURT” and “Not sure why I bother to show up clothed anymore.”
“I found writing my honest feelings about my current experience rather cathartic. So I offered the same opportunity to my friends who were also patients.”
A few months later, the photographer began working with young breast cancer patients nationwide, starting the Under The Pencil project.
“The name is a twist on ‘under the knife,’ so instead of revealing what’s inside our bodies, the pen reveals the overwhelming and complicated emotions of living with cancer.” According to Robinson, the primary goal of the project is to provide the breast cancer community with an outlet to share and express their unique experiences.
“Erica let me scribble my thoughts and emotions out all over my picture,” said Kristian Bayan, 33, a participant and breast cancer survivor. “It was a release I needed at a time when I was feeling very stuck.”
As of October 2023, Robinson has photographed 14 cancer patients and survivors across the country, and has even received international attention.
“A patient from London actually contacted me the other day,” said Robinson. “I think patients and even those who have never dealt with cancer are drawn to the photos because the patients are in their most vulnerable states- half-naked and their innermost thoughts written in front of them. You don't see that every day.”
Robinson's photos will be showcased at the Under The Pencil art exhibit on November 5 from 2 to 5 pm at Bivouac Ciderworks – 3980 30th Street, San Diego, CA 92104. This project is seeking donations, which will assist with the production of this project and bring newly diagnosed patients outside of San Diego to participate in the interactive portion.
“These women will be photographed and draw on their portraits at the event. This is going to be an amazing experience for everyone to see.”
For more details, visit their website underthepencil.org. For further inquiries email them at e3robinson@gmail.com. Follow Erica Robinson on Instagram @ericarobinsonphoto for the latest updates.
About Erica Robinson
With more than 14 years of photography experience, Erica Robinson is a photographer, educator, and National Technical Representative. Erica's work focuses on travel photography and storytelling while providing education through domestic and international workshops. Originally from Lynn MA, Erica is currently based in San Diego, CA.
