AN INSPIRATIONAL artist from Warrington hopes to paint a positive light on breast cancer in her upcoming exhibition Maxine Trainer is in the process of painting her newest collection named ‘No pink, no title, no survivor’ after feeling inspired by her personal battle with breast cancer, and wanting to spread her own message and emphasise that not only are women at risk of the disease but men are too.

The 62-year-old, originally from Latchford, described her cancer journey as a ‘re-birth’ and ‘a chance to re-focus what is important in life’, something she aims to reflect within her artwork, which will be staged at the ‘Castlefield Gallery New Art Spaces: Warrington' located on Sankey Street.

She said: “When you first hear that word, it is like a loaded gun pointed at you. But there is so much they can do now. Do not look at cancer as the end.”

“I came back to Warrington after I had finished my treatment because I had a realisation, my 99-year-old mother is here, and I realised I did not want to regret not spending enough time with her.”

She added: “Afterall she is my muse.”

Maxine, who was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer back in 2019, detailed how the title of the exhibit reflects her own feelings from battling the disease, with the artist wanting to step away from the ‘pink theme’ that is so often linked to breast cancer and be more inclusive to men in her interpretations.

She said: “I want to bring a fresh new outlook. I hate the term ‘survivor’ because I am not a hero or brave, I am just someone that had cancer. We are not the cancer we just have cancer.”

The mother of one detailed how after receiving her diagnosis, a ‘local cop’ and friend of hers arrived on her door step the same day to tell her he had also been diagnosed and had to have a double mastectomy.

The skilled painter, who has a master’s in fine art, received treatment in the U.S. over three years having first had a mastectomy and then receiving chemotherapy up until the end of last year.

Maxine described the sobering moment she realised she was losing her hair.

She said: “I was sat in my friend’s car back in Florida, it was a sunny day, and we had the windows down driving down to the beach and the wind was blowing back my hair and I remember running my hand through it and a clump just parted with my hands, I turned to my friend and said ‘I think I’m going to lose my hair’.

“I was bald as a goose and I loved it.”Warrington Guardian: Maxine paints rescue dogs to raise awareness Maxine paints rescue dogs to raise awareness (Image: Newsquest)

Throughout the duration of her treatment Maxine continued to paint and work as an ‘escape’ and on her last session of chemotherapy, she decided to donate many of her paintings to the cancer wards she stayed on, bringing ‘colour’ and ‘life’ to its walls for the patients to enjoy.

She said: “Everyday my artwork kept me going. It became my routine. I would receive my chemo and then after a few days I would get back on the canvas painting again.”

Maxine began an ongoing project throughout her cancer treatment, painting rescue dogs on bright and colourful canvases to raise awareness for different breeds that are often never chosen to be re-homed.

With the campaign being well received by owners of rescue pets, Maxine now takes on commissions from owners who send in pictures of their pooches and their unique rescue story to her art Facebook page, which she then paints in her own style on canvas’.

Based at the ‘hidden gem’ art space, paid for by the 'New Art Spaces' prorgamme, Maxines latest work will fill the gallery with colour and positivity in a bid to disassociate the subject of breast cancer with the feelings and notions of fear.

As well as the upcoming exhibition, with a date yet to be confirmed, Maxine detailed how her and the other artists located in the gallery will collaborate to do a larger exhibition on breast cancer with each of the 18 artists contributing their own take on the subject.

Maxine said: “Cancer has a ripple effect and it doesn’t just effect the person who has it but every single person around them including the carers, family members and friends. It will be good to see how each different artist perceives cancer from their own experiences.”

Speaking of the unique space the artists get to use to work on and display their art in, fellow contemporary artist, Tony Green said: “A lot of people don’t know about contemporary art, but this studio is a hidden gem. It’s a great opportunity to appeal to younger audiences and get young people in Warrington interested in the arts.”

Describing what a catalyst art can be in changing people’s perceptions, Maxine said: “The arts can break barriers down like nothing else can and I want this exhibition to show young and old people that cancer isn’t something to be feared. Every 6 months I get checked and I still hold my breath every time, but I won’t let it define me.”

Castlefield Gallery New Art Spaces: Warrington features four floors including an eery underground basement where many artists are busy working on exciting projects and exhibitions are regularly being shown at the same venue.

For more information on upcoming projects including ‘No pink, no title, no survivor’ visit castlefieldgallery.co.uk or Maxines Facebook page @Maxinetrainerart.