I Cut Off My... Voice: An Autoethnography of an Artist and Art Educator with a BRCA Genetic Mutation

<p>The effects of BRCA genetic mutations on artists and art educators had not been known. Autoethnography is a qualitative method for writing about personal experiences through a cultural lens. I used my personal experiences within a BRCA positive community to understand shared experiences among artists and art educators with this genetic mutation. This study aimed to explore the commonalities that are occurring within this subgroup. Anxiety and emotional stress played a role in most of the respondents‟ lives, affecting them in numerous ways. Most of the respondents underwent salpingectomy, oophorectomy, and mastectomy surgeries which led to further emotional and physical stressors. All respondents voiced that they were determined to take control over their lives, whether that was through surgeries or continued preventative testing. The arts can empower many with a BRCA genetic mutation to share their stories and let their voices be heard.</p> <p>Keywords: autoethnography, BRCA, genetic mutation, artist, art educator, salpingectomy, oophorectomy, mastectomy, emotional, physical, empowerment, art.</p>

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Arts - Art

Level thesis:degree_level

Thesis

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Art

Year dc:date.available

2018

Author dc:creator

• Hornbaker, Nicki Lynn

Contributors dc:contributor

• Dr. William Nieberding
• Dr. Cala Coats
• Dr. Heather Olson-Beal

• autoethnography
• BRCA
• artist
• art
• educator
• education
• empowerment
• genetic mutation
• Art Education
• Fine Arts

Repository record dc:identifier

https://scholarworks.sfasu.edu/etds/203

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:scholarworks.sfasu.edu:etds-1218