AN artist’s moving response to living with cancer has gone on show in a new exhibition for Lent.

Good Grief/Bald Statements at Cinderford Methodist Church is a series of eight alabaster heads depicting sculptor Jean Parker’s range of emotions.

The Cornish artist gave the busts their ‘Bald’ title in response to losing her hair, and they depict the move through denial, disbelief, anger and depression until she finally came to acceptance and peace.

The exhibition will be on loan throughout Lent to Cinderford Methodist Church from Westhill Endowment of Birmingham, until Friday, April 14.

Church opening times are Tuesdays and Wednesdays 2pm-4pm, Fridays 9am-11am, and for a more private viewing, Wednesday evenings from 7pm-8.30 pm. Entry is free.

The series of heads is accompanied by photos and other background material including a DVD which will be showing during the exhibition of Jean talking about the sculptures, making a valuable resource for use by individuals or by groups in schools, churches, hospitals, hospices, in training and therapeutic situations.

The hope is that the exhibition and photographic images will help stimulate discussion and the understanding of powerful emotions, which can feel overwhelming.

To see these images as transitional stages and part of a natural process experienced by many may prove helpful and reassuring, not just around cancer but any significant loss, offering glimpses of hope when all seems lost.