When Clare Nelson was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2020, she needed something to help her cope. She found that in art. Creating became a way to express her feelings and find comfort during a difficult time.
Through her exhibition, On the Matter Of, which is part of the Arts in Healthcare program at the ONJ Centre – Clare invites audiences into her deeply personal world, shaped by loss, resilience, and self-discovery.
Having endured the passing of her mother and four siblings, Clare’s journey has been one of both grief and renewal. Clare uses felting, a technique with natural fibers, to create artworks that remind her of the beauty of nature and the memories she holds dear. She also zentangles which a form of meditative art that involves creating intricate designs using repetitive patterns.
“After my diagnosis, there were changes going on with me. There were times where I didn’t understand myself, but when I started zentangling, which is a therapy – I started to express myself with the medium of felt. I’ve always had an ability with my hands and something creative in me, but this process brought it out.” says Clare.
Melbourne designer David Wong says, “When faced with cancer, Clare turned to art for connection and peace.” Artist and educator Cheryl Cook describes Clare’s work as “deeply moving and full of emotion.”
Art therapy is a profound tool in the healing process, offering individuals a way to express what words often cannot. For Clare, it has provided a sanctuary – a place where creativity and healing intertwine.
Her exhibition is more than a collection of artworks; it is an invitation for viewers to step into her story, to reflect on their own journeys, and to find solace in the power of creativity.
Through art therapy, Clare has found a way to heal. Her work shows how creativity can bring hope and strength, even in life’s hardest moments.
On the Matter Of is on display until end of May in the level 3 walkway between the ONJ Centre and Harrold Stokes Building (Austin Hospital)
The ONJ art therapy program is available to patients being treated at the ONJ Centre, to get in touch please contact: arttherapy.onj@austin.org.au
Feedback about Clare's exhibition from cancer patients:
“A very expressive and personal journey. A great source of inspiration and empathy. Well done.”
- Jan who had breast cancer treatment at the ONJ Centre in 2024
“I’ve been spending every day in front of one or two pieces at Clare’s exhibition. Each piece is so deep and beautiful. It would be disrespectful to rush. Her writing is very elucidating and enriching.”
- Richard, a retired health professional and poet who is currently having daily treatment at the ONJ.
“Fragility and Resilience were the pieces I kept being drawn back to. It was beautiful to see how Clare expressed the feelings and emotions that I had also felt at different times throughout my cancer treatment.
I went to the exhibition with my Dad. He really spent a lot of time reading the words Clare had written. Tears came to his eyes. Dad’s Mum, his wife, and me now, all had cancer... Dad and I think that the words were so powerful and rang true to all the emotions that arise and I think no matter what stage of treatment you are at, it makes you immediately feel heard and seen.”
-Tegan, a young woman with cancer.