Oncologists: The Trading Cards
Dr. Zuo Ming Huang
Years later, a disagreement over the direction of Joyce’s treatment created a rift with Kengla, into which her fourth oncologist, Dr. Zuo Ming Huang, stepped in. Described by Joyce as a “speedball”, Huang was ever the optimist and always willing to try new things. Huang frequently used the analogy that if the cancer was a rising water level, then in Joyce’s case, “the water is only up to your knees, and we have a long way to go.”
Oncologists: The Trading Cards
A portrait series of the six different oncologists Joyce had, each designed to resemble a 1970’s baseball card. Beginning with Joyce’s Stage I diagnosis in 1995 and continuing to the end of her treatment in 2020, the number of cards highlights the uniqueness of Joyce’s journey (not a lot of folks can say that they’ve had six oncologists). Each card showcases her doctor’s differing approaches to care, and reveals the elevated status that each had in Joyce’s imagination – a kind of celebrity, famous or infamous.
Contributing artist: Cody Blocker
Materials: Digital Paint on Fine Art Rag
Cody Blocker has known the Mallonees since his adolescence. He and Alex have worked together on everything from film posters to hybrid film screening/art shows, even a rap music video for their sixth grade math class about the powers of fractions. Cody has also done work for several of Joyce’s clients. When he’s not busy working with the Mallonees, Cody is an award-winning illustrator and digital painter whose work frequently graces the customized posters for the historic Fillmore in San Francisco. Both of Cody’s grandfathers passed away after long battles with cancer, and in 2017 Cody’s mother was diagnosed with breast cancer. After a prolonged chemotherapy treatment and two mastectomies, she is now cancer-free. Cody is extremely grateful for the oncologists and surgeons who helped save his mother’s life.
Website: codyblocker.com
Instagram: @codyblockerstudio