Exploring creativity and body positivity post mastectomy.

"1 in 8 women will get breast cancer in their lifetime"*

Introduction.mp4

The Glass Bra Project is a Hampshire based project which creates a safe space for women to explore body positivity post cancer treatment, through casting, creating the glass and contributing to a larger exhibition.  Participants are encouraged to explore creatively and reflect on their cancer journey,  through the medium of glass - which represents the fragility of life.

Vikki Soanes (Verre by Victoria) was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2022 and whilst going through extensive treatment she discovered a passion for glass art, she now dedicates her practice to empowering other women to explore creativity through their cancer journey  creating glass bras. 


Follow the The_Glass_Bra project on Instagram.

What's involved?

The Glass Bra project will enable women to spend a day at the studio where Vikki will take 2 chest casts, one with the bra on and a second without. These moulds will be made into a variety of materials to get ready for kiln firing. This can be in groups of up to 3 or individual. 

The rest of the day will be spent exploring glass, where the women will learn to cut glass, decorate it using frits, powders or paint, and create their own individual pane that represents them and their cancer journey, which will finally be slumped over the mould.

The process takes several weeks to complete and final pieces will be revealed at the exhibition. 


'Behind the Bra' exhibition

During the exhibition the 2 casts will be juxtaposed, the clear glass bust representing how the women mask to be normal, the other bust will visually represent how they feel as a result of their cancer treatment. This will be displayed at Festival Place Shopping Centre in October, during Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Students from Basingstoke College of Technology will help build and run the gallery space. 


Costs and Crowdfunding

It costs around £400 per person, Vikki would like to cast 55 women which would represent the 0.1% of women who will be diagnosed with Breast Cancer this year in the UK or 10% of the women who will be treated at North Hampshire Hospitals (Basingstoke and Winchester). The more money that is raised the more women will get the opportunity to experience the Glass Bra. 

Information on the exhibition will be released nearer the time.

Get involved! If you would like to be a participant complete this form

If you would like to sponsor a participant to be able to spend a day at The Glass Bra Studio you can donate https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/theglassbra. 

Email theglassbra@gmail.com



Grants and Applications

The Glass Bra is proud to declare that Four Lanes Trust have awarded funding for two Basingstoke residents to participate in the project. We thank them for their support and look forward to sharing the results of the session with them.  More information about Four Lanes Trust can be found here https://fourlanestrust.org.uk/. 

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