High Desert Collection

“Being cast by Shaney jo was really a sort of transformative experience. We were on a gorgeous beach in Mexico, and although I may have been a little hesitant at first, she is such a pro and made it enjoyable and comforting. Like many people who have had a mastectomy, I often feel self-conscious about my appearance. The cast literally brings attention to something I spend a lot of time and effort trying to hide, and turns it into a piece of art.”

“Spending time with my assigned breast cast has been an unusual experience and a stark reminder of how what we take for granted can be so easily lost. The Keep A Breast Foundation’s approach is in-your-face, while at the same time loving and positive. I’m so honored to be involved.”

“For my mother and her novel of resilience”

“I painted one of my signature Hope Cake slices for this bust as a continuation of my belief that optimism in times of chaos is a beautiful necessity. In my show and street art project "The Doomsday Optimist", the surreal slice of cake floating in a chaotic void represents an act of shared comfort and joy with an element of humor. Having lost my mother to a Stage 4 Breast Cancer, I want to pass on more optimism and joy by expressing it on the female form for The Keep A Breast Foundation.”

"In an effort to 'say yes' more often to positive things, I agreed to be semi-nude cast by a total stranger. Shaney jo quickly put me at ease and made the entire process very comfortable, chatting easily and educating me with facts about breast cancer awareness as we went to keep my anxiety at bay. The casting was quick and painless and I am so pleased to get to be involved with this cause!"

"Like steel, we are strong and will weather the storm"

“I built this armor to protect and empower. A rusted suspender for working-class women. The working body, and the hard work it takes to battle cancer. The flowers bloom, symbolizing the beauty and grace which dwells within all women. I created the steel warrior waistband to represent unity among all of our loved ones affected. Like steel, we are strong and will weather the storm.”

“I had the good fortune to attend Keep A Breast Survivor Retreat at Playa Viva Mexico. There were many gifts for me from your company! Thank you for your generosity. I am working my way through them all. “Be humble for you are made of earth. Be noble for you are made of stars” - Serbian Proverb

"Don't be afraid to cry. It will free your mind of sorrowful thoughts" - Hopi proverb

The designs in the sky are based on Hopi pottery.

“Because Keep A Breast was founded by a woman who embodies pure love, I felt honored to participate in her crusade to promote awareness and early detection.

“I LOVE THEM”

“For my Mom Susan Jean Osterkamp, who lost her battle to Breast Cancer in 2002. Love & Miss you everyday"

“My grandmother got diagnosed with breast cancer. She was fighting it, and it was getting better and better. I got a call from my Grandfather when I was in London saying she wasn’t going to make it. The next day I flew home to see her for 2 weeks until she died. Our whole band has been a big supporter of Keep A Breast, they’ve been on our tours. I always love having them around because they’re amazing people to hang out with and because the cause is so great. It’s a cause that’s so close to me and I’m really proud to be a part of this.”

“I was inspired by the randomness that is life, and living in the moment.”

“Believing, Revealing, Envisioning, Achievement, Strength & Triumph...for each of the 1 in 8 women that will face the fight for their life and their BREASTS! Deepening Empathy And Respect.”

“When Ronda asked me to paint her cast, I was quite honored and jumped at the chance. My mom is a breast cancer survivor, so I was more than happy to support a cause that would help other women survive this dreaded disease.”

Snowboarder from Norway. 2 X Olympian and 4 times X Games gold medalist.

“As soon as I was invited by Shaney jo Darden to participate in the Keep A Breast group show, I knew I wanted the creosote bush to be at the center of my design. Drawing the creosote on the curves of the plaster rather than on flat paper (my usual medium) reminded me of how plants find their place within the curves of the land. I was honored to be invited to customize a cast. I particularly appreciate KAB’s stance against pinkwashing and focus on environmental health. My design reflects how breast health for all people (and all health) is inextricably linked to environmental and social wellbeing, including access to medical care, safe housing, clean water, healthy food, and networks of support and care.”

“Per Aspera ad Astra”- Latin Phrase ("Through hardships to the stars")

“My daughter, my sister, my two sisters in law and so many of my friends are all breast cancer survivors.

There is no protection, no shield of armor; it is indiscriminate. We can build support, and a community like Keep A Breast. I am grateful for the work they do.”

“I was so honored to be a part of the Keep A Breast project. I believe that we, as humans, as creatures of this planet, as Womyn, need to be empowered in our health and our beauty. The deep inner Fierceness and Light that runs strongly in our veins, and flows directly in each of our Daughters and Sisters.”

“I have always been interested in the human form; in particular, the female form. I like the mystery of symbols and how so many have changed over the ages to mean something else entirely. The sun, moon, and fire appear along with sensuality into the scrambled mix. This overlapping of ideas and images is where I search for connections and themes that unite our diversity. It's lovely to consider how we are more alike than different, within ourselves, our sexes, and our sex..but always individual.”

“11 years ago, my wife was cast for this amazing cause. A cause the inspires and empowers so many. The same way that she has inspired me. She is the most generous and loving person I’ve ever known and will be extremely excited to know this cast is finally ready for the world” - Danny Reyes

Tricolored Blackbird (Male) Returning to an Empty Nest

“The Tricolored Blackbird's population in California has plummeted due to loss of habitat, but the Federal Government under the Trump Administration has refused to put this species on the endangered list. The model of my bust, Gisell Reyes, was pregnant, which is a sign of hope in a world that often seems to be collapsing. I am holding on to hope, for our environment, our health, and our children.”

“I love KAB and the vital services it’s offering to womankind. To me, this is the change we should all want to see in our communities. When I was asked to be cast there was no doubt in my mind. I was excited, curious and most of all honored. Making art on my form invited reflection on healing and love.Coincidentally these are the attributes of the Heart Chakra. The art process of applying layers to my feminine form renewed my love and appreciation for my body and gave me funny chills sometimes. Thank you KAB”

“After being behind the scenes in these wonderful exhibitions for several years, I’m so happy to be a part of the casting experience. Education through art within one’s local community is so very important and incredibly empowering. I feel fortunate to be a part of this movement.”

“As a cancer survivor, I understand and have an affinity with those diagnosed. Keep A Breast Foundation is on a mission to help young women learn about breast cancer and I support their efforts.

My cast painting is of my favorite place – Joshua Tree National Park – a place where the magic of the rocks and Joshua trees creates a space for each of us: a challenge to those who love to climb and hike, a mystical place for those who love to meditate, and a beloved National Park to so many. It’s austere landscape is at first colorless, but with quiet eyes we see the colors and the life of the desert.”

“As a nurse, and environmental & community health advocate, I believe preventive care and wellness is essential for sustained health. I have been connected to KAB since its very beginnings and hold Shaney jo and the organization in high regard for truly being charge ahead change makers. I am honored to be cast as a part of this show, and see the weaving of the local desert artists’ with KAB as it roots home into the desert valley.”

Shaney jo is a magical woman who creates a magical experience to save our magical boobies.”

“I am humbled to be a part of this project. This piece was created with love and is dedicated to all of the beautiful super-women who take on this fight. It’s a celebration of their strength and courage which is an endless source of inspiration for me. They are my heroes.”

"My intention with this project is not to be a spokesperson for survivors of breast cancer. I am not one, though, as most of us, I have lost friends to it and have others who survived. I'm simply contributing my visual language in a way that I hope resonates for some."