Creating Calm Through Art:
My Work at Mass General’s Cancer Center
I’m incredibly honored that my photography has been selected for Illuminations, the art program at Massachusetts General Hospital’s Cancer Center. This initiative is dedicated to creating a visually healing environment—one that offers comfort, inspiration, and a sense of peace to those navigating cancer treatment.
Hospitals are places of extraordinary care, resilience, and healing. But they can also be places of deep uncertainty, stress, and exhaustion—for patients, families, and the healthcare teams working tirelessly to support them. That’s why I’m especially grateful for the opportunity to contribute to this effort at MGH, helping to bring a sense of calm and comfort to those who need it most.
Why This Matters
I spent decades working in emergency medicine, and I know firsthand how overwhelming hospital environments can be. The fluorescent lights, the constant beeping of machines, the tension that often fills the air—it all adds to the stress that patients and staff already carry.
Art won’t change a diagnosis. But research suggests it can do more than just create a moment of stillness—it may actually help reduce stress, improve patient outcomes, and even shorten hospital stays. The right imagery doesn’t just decorate a wall; it helps shape the healing environment itself.
That’s why I believe so deeply in the power of imagery to transform how we experience a space. A thoughtfully chosen piece of art can serve as an anchor, a point of calm amid the uncertainty. It creates an invitation to exhale, even if just for a moment.
Bringing Landscapes and Seascapes to MGH
This upcoming exhibit will feature 14 of my landscape and seascape photographs, each chosen for its ability to bring a sense of serenity and visual escape. Whether it’s the soft hues of a fading sunset, the rhythmic motion of waves, or the quiet vastness of an open sky, my hope is that these images provide a small source of calm amid the challenges of cancer treatment.
The work will be on display at Mass General’s Cancer Center for several months, starting mid-March, and I’m truly grateful for the opportunity to contribute to this meaningful program.
A Heartfelt Thank You
A sincere thank you to the Illuminations Committee for selecting my work and for championing the role of art in healing. Programs like this recognize that healthcare is about more than medicine—it’s about caring for the whole person, in body and mind.
If you or someone you know is at Mass General’s Cancer Center in the coming months, I hope these images bring even a brief moment of peace.
Rooted in service, calm and healing, Emory
Congratulations!