Kendall Howerton Breast Cancer Progress Gallery

By Jacqueline Sit, NEWS 9

BETHANY, Oklahoma -- Art is one man's ammunition in the fight against breast cancer, a fight that will be taken to the state Capitol next week.

"I want that to affect people all over the world and see that there's more to this than just artwork," said artist Kendall Howerton.

To Howerton, every little scrape and every piece, is much more than artwork, it's a vision that translates into three different tales.

"The first model is completely whole and she has no problems," Howerton said. "It's all about awareness."

The sculptures are stories that advocate awareness. "Awareness" is the name of the first piece and it shows more men and women are fighting against this disease.

"Each piece has its meaning," Howerton said.

The scars on the second piece of art are real, sculpted from a breast cancer survivor. She was 35-years-old when diagnosed with the disease. "Strength in Pink" was named for those baring the same scars.

"It's really about people that create courage, faith, strength, hope to life them up as they're going through their time of despair," Howerton said.

The third model exists as a drawing and has yet to be brought to life. It's an idea of the release from a cancer that has ultimately won, a release only found in death's embrace. It is simply called "Freedom" and is still looking for its muse.

"She will come forward and she's going to make a mark in the world when she's gone," Howerton said.

Each sculpture is open to the viewers own interpretations, but they are all stunning with their powerful impressions on a subject that impacts all walks of life.

View Howerton's gallery online.

"What we want is for people to see and say, ‘It's a beautiful piece,'" Howerton said. "Once we show the piece, it's going to show the people that she's passed away and that's pretty moving."

Howerton hopes the impressions inspire a life lesson to fight at all stages of cancer.

"We want to move in their lives and take heed to the cancer," Howerton said. "If it's breast cancer or cancer, we want people to acknowledge the fact that there are people who need help."

The second sculpture will be unveiled at the state Capitol from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the fourth floor Rotunda on Tuesday, April 21.

The pieces are for sale and the money raised will help the uninsured get help with mammograms.