As a physician, cancer survivor and an artist I wanted to share these intriguing findings.  As we enter this craziness of this season, let us not forget to experience awe every day.  That way we will be creating healthy cytokines that will keep us to glow with vitality.  

Cytokines are several different types of substances that are produced by cells within the immune system that relay signals between the immune system cells. Sometimes referred to as polypeptide regulators, there are two groups of inflammatory cytokines, each with their own particular characteristics and functions.

One form is known as the pro-inflammatory polypeptide regulators. These types of cytokines are created primarily by immune cells that are engaged in the process of amplifying inflammatory reactions as a means of dealing with some sort of health threat to the body. By relaying messages between the cells, these cytokines help to trigger the immune system’s rate of response to whatever threat is present.   They are important in health and disease, specifically in host responses to infection, immune responses, inflammation, trauma, sepsis, cancer, and reproduction.

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Along with the pro-inflammatory cytokines, there is also anti-inflammatory cytokines. These have the opposite effect, in that they help to limit of inflammation present. This means that both types of cytokines often work to balance each other as they stimulate cell production and effect communication between cells. .


I began painting as I was completing chemotherapy for breast cancer.  Experiencing cancer, losing my hair, the experience of pending mortality and painting have changed my life.  I wholeheartedly  believe that the findings discussed in this video are true.  To review the entire article  you can go to the Huffington Post, the third metric and the name of the article is Experiences of art, nature and spirituality may help prevent disease, Study finds.  

Not only is it healing for me to paint, I feel that my paintings are healing.  I put my truth, my passion, love and healing energy into every painting.  My painting is not complete until I feel that it holds the power to carry with it health, love and vitality into the place where it ends up residing.  Living on the Western slope of Colorado, I am also in a position to experience the awe of Mother nature each and every day.  I pray that these experiences keep me healthy for years to come.  I also  hope the same for all of you.

If you  have been thinking about a painting for a while or would like to share the gift of art that heals this season, I am going to be running a 25% off sale of all my work from now until Christmas.  I have not yet updated  my store to reflect this but if you are interested in taking part in this sale you can email me or FB message me.  

I am profoundly grateful for the support of all of you who have read my blog for the last year and a half and who have loved my art work.  It is through our interaction with others that we live out our life's purpose.  Love and awe to you all this holiday season.  

With love,

​Stacia