Richard Quinney

Diary From The Old Place

Life Boat

by Carol Chase Bjerke  

The original art featured in Life Boat is Part One of Carol Chase Bjerke’s “Art and Healing” trilogy done in response to her experiences with cancer diagnosis and treatment. The rowboat metaphor in these photo-based mixed media prints and collages deftly and thoughtfully recounts the process of making one’s way through uncharted waters. This work is at once poignant and playful, serious and hopeful. Readers who have firsthand experience with cancer treatment describe it as “right on.” It also resonates with people facing other types of difficult situations. And all agree that Life Boat is a beautiful little book. This digital printing follows a 1998 edition of 75 handmade copies. Carol Chase Bjerke’s photographic works and handmade books have been widely exhibited, and are held in numerous private and public collections. Her Hidden Agenda, showcasing Part Two of the “Art and Healing” artwork, was published by Borderland Books in 2008. See more at www.carolchasebjerke.com.