Take Nothing for Granted: New Zealand Art

This powerful piece narrates Collette's personal journey through breast cancer, speaking of the fleeting nature of life experienced by those facing this challenge.

A striking mixed-media painting, it features a dress with clocks symbolising the breasts and the ticking time bombs they became for her. Created with artist-quality paints and mediums, this evocative artwork measures 910mm x 610mm. Painted on a stretched canvas, it's ready to hang. Though this particular piece has been sold, it continues to resonate deeply with all who view it.

Collette Fergus is a contemporary New Zealand artist based in Waikato and a survivor of breast cancer. Every day in New Zealand, up to nine women receive a breast cancer diagnosis (Ministry of Health). It's essential to recognise that approximately five to ten per cent of breast cancers are hereditary, linked to genes such as BRCA1 or BRCA2.

Collette's mission to help women recognise the need to get their breasts checked regularly. It was a mammogram for insurance that found her tumour and saved her life.

If you are inspired by Collette's story and artwork, you can commission a personalised piece. Collaborate with Collette to create a custom artwork that tells your story or commemorates a significant aspect of your life. This bespoke process ensures a unique and meaningful piece of art that will be cherished for generations.