"Nine years ago I was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer — parotid gland cancer," says artist Hélène Ninnin. After a 9.5 hour operation, Ninnin's doctor told her she needed radiation as well. "I'm a visual artist, so the first thing that came into my mind when they put on the mask was, 'When I'm healed, I'm going to make art out of radiation masks.'" Now, Ninnin crafts all kinds of sculptures out of radiation masks, including swallows, wings, and peonies. She explains that creating radiation mask art for others helps her heal as well. "I put a lot of love in it," she says. "I would love to turn something that was very hard to go through into something positive." This magical animal was made using her own radiation mask, featuring rainbow wings and glittery feathers.
"I think I'm a good example that you can make a beautiful life while you've gone through so much," Ninnin says. "You can heal in many different ways. Life is beautiful, make it your own. Do the things you love — do the things that make your heart sing."
