Art acts as therapy

NEWPORT BEACH — Linda Morphew keeps a painting on her wall at home that represents one of the most difficult times of her life. When she looks at the picture, though, pain isn’t the first thing that comes to mind.

Instead, the Costa Mesa resident views the image — which she created while undergoing treatment for cancer — as a testament to growth and wisdom. The painting shows the outlines of a human heart with a number of words inside it, including “God,” “purpose” and “creative expression,” which were constantly on Morphew’s mind during the treatment.

“It’s just a reminder that there’s a purpose in every situation,” she said Saturday, looking at her piece displayed in the Hoag Cancer Center’s “Celebration of Life” art exhibit. “You just find the pearl of wisdom in it.”

Seven years ago, under the guidance of volunteer Carole Akins, the Hoag Cancer Center began hosting art workshops to give patients a creative outlet for their troubles. Saturday afternoon, the hospital gathered dozens of pieces for its first-ever exhibit, as cancer survivors and their families packed the center’s lobby for a reception.

In her workshops, Akin gives artists a simple assignment sheet and plenty of room to improvise. For one project, she provided paper cutouts of the female figure to let artists create their “inner goddess” by gluing on magazine clippings and fabrics; other times, the group designed magic wands and decorated heart-shaped boxes.

Cheri Phelps, a land development consultant from Newport Beach, donated her box for display. The project called for artists to write down 10 positive thoughts on strips of paper and roll them inside the box. Phelps dedicated her comments to her boyfriend, whom she affectionately refers to as “Cowboy.”

The workshops, she said, had been therapeutic for her.

“I think most people who have been through cancer do believe in the mind-body connection, and art is just a way of making that connection that affects your well-being,” Phelps said.

MICHAEL MILLER may be reached at (714) 966-4617 or at michael.miller@latimes.com.