In honor of October being Breast Cancer Awareness month, we’re sharing an interview with local artist Shawn Windmyer and her mission to promote early detection for people everywhere. Shawn’s “Detection in Time” project has become an emblem of hope that supports breast cancer patients and their families. 

How would you describe your work overall, as an artist? 

As an artist and 34 year breast cancer survivor and thriver due to early detection, I paint with symbolism and meaning. My inspiration comes from my life experience with my relief work complementing my expressive fashion style that reveals powerful emotions embodied on each canvas. Each piece is combined to give pleasure and fulfillment to the intellect as well as the spirit. 

Tell us about the “Detection in Time” project line and its mission.

I started this project as a painting and a testament to my battle with breast cancer. The painting is very symbolic with the large clock showing the importance of time with the gilded keys representing how early detection truly is key.The face of the clock has a distressed look, representing our trials and tribulations of life, and of course, encircled by the pink ribbon of Hope.

I pulled from my fashion career as a designer, turning my acrylic paintings on canvas into beautiful 100% silk scarves that serve as inspiration for the wearer. What began with the scarves, quickly became an emblem of hope and evolved into a fashion brand, reproduced on clothing, accessories, merchandise and gifts with a portion of each sale donated to support breast health awareness organizations and supportive agencies. In prior years, proceeds supported the North Fork Breast Health Coalition in Long Island, NY. I relocated to Forsyth County a few years ago and am proud to share that our mission has moved with us to the Piedmont Triad in Winston-Salem, NC.

How has your own health journey impacted your work with “Detection In Time”?

This project is very close to my heart. Never having anything but a sore throat, I was diagnosed with breast cancer at just 32 years old after finding a lump myself. Back then they were doing radical mastectomies and were just on the cusp of new thinking;  I was a candidate for a lumpectomy. I had all my lymph nodes removed from my left arm, followed by chemo and radiation, because I was so young. It’s a very unique experience, being told you have cancer, not feeling or looking sick, and the only thing making you sick is your treatment. My spirituality and God, friends and family got me through treatment, losing my hair and getting well.  

When you get hit with something as devastating as breast cancer, any cancer, you don’t realize how strong you really are. At first, it’s about surviving, then it’s about conquering. As an artist, I was inspired to create a mission painting as a reminder to all women to get screened regularly:

“Get smart and get checked.” 

Creating something so personal takes a lot of vulnerability. Why was this such an important project for you? 

Thirty-four years later, I am strong and healthy and am living proof that early detection saves lives. Honestly, I decided to turn my painting into silk scarves because I wanted the mission to be out in the world as a fashion statement sending a strong message to all women to be checked. I love that the scarf drapes beautifully telling the story and making an impact, without it screaming “breast cancer.”

I’m sure you receive memorable feedback for this work, do any stories stand out? 

There are so many! I was honored when my oncologist had it framed and hung in his office! It also hangs in Southampton hospital and radiology offices on Long Island, NY and in the mammography dressing rooms for women to view, which feels so special. 

One of my favorite moments was being part of the South Fork Breast Health Coalition’s annual Bra Auction. As a chosen designer I was provided a bra to redesign for the runway that will be auctioned to help raise funds. The model I got to design for had a double mastectomy with reconstruction and when I saw her walk down that runway wearing my design depicting “Detection in Time,” tears came to my eyes! The highest bid was $1,250 from a Stroneybrook Cardiologist and it was so exciting!

If you are interested in learning more about Shawn Widmyer, her mission to raise awareness around breast cancer or her “Detection in Time” project, you can follow along on Instagram @shawns_art as well as find her work online at Detectionintime.com and www.etsy.com/shop/DetectionInTime.