Not in the Pink

In 2011 artist Tina Martel was diagnosed with breast cancer. Not in the Pink combines her paintings, drawings, photographs and mixed media work to create a unique illustrated memoir of her experience. Unflinching in its delivery - it is anything but “pink.”

When visual artist Tina Martel was diagnosed with Stage Two B breast cancer she decided to document everything. Throughout her treatment she created a stream of sketchbooks, photographs, paintings and video, in response to and frequently in spite of what was happening to her. Not in the Pink is a “graphic narrative” of the pain, frustration and frequent hilarity of her day-to-day dealing with the eccentricities and bureaucracy of the medical system. It is also a candid and moving exploration of the expectations often placed on you once you are diagnosed with cancer: by the people around you, by society and ultimately by yourself.

Tina Martel is a Canadian artist and now author whose practice includes mixed media, painting, drawing, books, photography, installation and video. Born and raised in Western Canada, she began drawing at the age of four, and later, (much later) received a Master of Fine Arts from the University of Calgary and a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the Alberta College of Art and Design. She has been the recipient of numerous grants and awards and has exhibited across Canada, the United States and in Europe. She has been teaching fine arts in the post secondary system for the last 15 years. Her Illustrated memoir Not in the Pink is based on her diagnosis, treatment and recovery from breast cancer. She describes herself as an artist who accidently wrote a book.