When Lata Fields began drawing teal hummingbirds around a portrait of Dr. Natalie Godbee, she wasn’t simply creating art. She was thanking the doctor who helped her through one of the most uncertain periods of her life.
Fields, a former City of Hope Cancer Center Atlanta patient, joined local artists Katie Bush and Cat Bozone on Sept. 10 for “The Healing Power of Hope and Art” at City of Hope Cancer Center in Newnan. Patients, caregivers, physicians, staff and community members watched the artists create three chalk works inspired by healing, transformation and resilience. The pieces were unveiled at the event and pictures of them will be on display inside the center.
For Fields, the inspiration was personal. She became a City of Hope patient after a routine gynecological exam revealed a pelvic mass, bringing her into Godbee’s care.
“She is a very kind soul. She listens,” Fields said. She remembered Godbee coming to see her the day after surgery, even though the physician was off work.
Fields surrounded Godbee’s portrait with teal hummingbirds and flowers in recognition of September as Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month.
During the event, Godbee found time between patients to see the portrait taking shape.
“When I first heard about it, I was truly honored and surprised and shocked that she chose me,” Godbee said. “It’s one of the greatest honors that I’ve had in my lifetime.”
For Godbee, art also has a place in caring for patients.
“It just puts you in a different place, and it takes your focus off of the things that you may have going on, and all the stress that you may be going through,” she said.
Across the courtyard, Bush explored transformation through caterpillars, chrysalises, butterflies and flowers. Her piece was originally called “Metamorphosis,” until a patient suggested another name: “Garden of Hope.”
“Everybody that goes through this journey is on their own path and at their own stage,” Bush said.
Bush knows the therapeutic potential of creativity personally.
“Art was a therapeutic tool, and that’s how I originally got started in it,” she said. “I’ve personally experienced that transformative power.”
Bozone took inspiration from nature, creating a portrait within a magnolia flower representing Georgia, growth and the cycles of life.
Cat Bozone’s chalk artwork incorporates a portrait into a magnolia, a flower associated with Georgia, to symbolize blossoming, personal growth and the cycles of life. (Photo courtesy of City of Hope Atlanta) 
Katie Bush’s “Garden of Hope” uses caterpillars, chrysalises, butterflies and flowers to represent hope, transformation and the different stages of the healing journey. (Photo courtesy of City of Hope Atlanta) 
Lata Fields’ chalk portrait of Dr. Natalie Godbee features teal hummingbirds in recognition of Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month and honors the physician who cared for Fields at City of Hope Cancer Center Atlanta. (Photo courtesy of City of Hope Atlanta.)
Dr. Nathan Neufeld, chief of supportive care medicine at City of Hope Atlanta, said research has explored how creative experiences can support patients, including studies involving music and visual art.
“There’s a clear understanding that looking at colors and beautiful scenery actually releases dopamine, allows people to feel better, and just creates an uplifting kind of atmosphere,” Neufeld said.
Neufeld’s understanding of cancer is also personal. His mother died of breast cancer when he was 18. He remembered people telling her to “stay positive,” as though positivity were “some sort of miracle cure.”
Sometimes, he said, staying positive is difficult. What health care providers can control is “being gentle and loving as we communicate with the patients, as we provide care.”
For Fields, surviving her own health scare reshaped her understanding of hope.
“I don’t take it for granted anymore,” she said. “That’s hope for me for sure. Enjoying every day.”
Now, the three works will carry those stories forward, a garden of butterflies, a blooming magnolia and teal hummingbirds surrounding the portrait of a doctor who showed one patient what it meant to feel cared for.
