Randi Richardson heard about the Chair-A-Tee project through LowellArts where she is involved in theater. Her knowledge of a cancer journey is personal. Her father died with four different types of cancer. Her grandmother died of cancer. Two sisters-in-law have dealt with breast cancer. More recently her niece was diagnosed with breast cancer. If this wasn’t personal enough she herself is terminally ill with cancer. But you wouldn’t know it seeing or speaking with her.
Richardson’s work is on display at LowellArts.
A Cancerous Background Becomes a Positive Attitude
Richardson battled cervical cancer and won. But in 2014 she was diagnosed with kidney cancer which was released into her blood system and into her lungs. She has been through three sets of chemotherapy. Whenever current medication becomes ineffective due to cancer cells adapting, a new drug is tried. But at some point the cancer will win unless a cure is found.
Some might think the 66-year-old would wallow in sorrow. But that’s the last thing on Richardson’s mind. “I’m more okay than everyone else.” she comments. In her eyes having cancer has been a blessing of sorts. She says she could get hit by a car and die before cancer takes her. She says a completely healthy person can pass away before she does due to some sort of accident. For her the word terminal is relative. She has decided to make the best out of each day with no regrets.
A Unique Piece with Sparkle
The piece Randi created was buried in a carriage house at a flea market estate sale in the Detroit area. She believes the piece was made between 1930 and 1940. When discovered it was painted red but chunks of color were coming off revealing additional layers of paint showing a history of face-lifts. Various nicks, scratches, and dents represent “earned years of service” according to Randi. The piece was sanded and some cracks repaired but evidence of past use remain as a historical reminder of its past life.
The piece transforms between an ironing board, step stool, and small chair showing how past generations used multi-functional furniture. Randi draws a parallel between the piece and cancer. There is not one kind of cancer. There is not one set of cancer cells. There will not be one cure. The restored piece has more than one function.
The antique representation of how one artist views cancer is one to check out. More than 50 thousand rhinestones have been placed on the piece Randi created. She says, “We all need to sparkle.” Her attitude and personality certainly does this as she speaks about her outlook on life.
Randi will be directing LowellArts production of The Dixie Swim Club this fall. Physically unable to be on stage herself she’s an eager first-time director for one of her favorite plays. Auditions take place for the five female member cast next month.
Place Your Bid
Randi Richardson’s chair can be seen at LowellArts. While you’re there check out the FLIGHT exhibition. Bids for this and all other Chair-A-Tee creations will be accepted until 3pm on August 26. August 22-26 all of the chairs will be on display at LowellArts.
Photos courtesy of Randi Richardson and used with permission.
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