Medicine Hat artist Theresa Eisenbarth was selected to design several Breast Cancer Awareness Month T-shirts for Canadian fashion retailer Cleo.--NEWS PHOTO KENDALL KING
kking@medicinehatnews.com
A collaboration between Medicine Hat artist Theresa Eisenbarth and Canadian fashion retailer Cleo aims to support and uplift individuals affected by breast cancer through the sale of specially designed T-shirts.
A contemporary painter for the past 10 years, Eisenbarth was contacted by Cleo in late 2021 and commissioned to create four unique T-shirt designs for the company’s 2022 Breast Cancer Awareness Month fundraiser; with $1 from the sale of each shirt going to Breast Cancer Canada.
“I was pretty excited,” said Eisenbarth of the opportunity. “I’ve done quite a bit of fundraising when I first started (as an artist) for Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and most of that money I tried to keep local for our hospital, for our cancer centre, (as) I know so many people who have been impacted by cancer, specifically breast cancer.”
Having several times supported those close to her with breast cancer, Eisenbarth wanted her designs to convey a sense of ‘unity’ and chose to paint groups of daisies, or trees standing together, as a representation of such.
“Cancer can be a very isolating experience,” said Eisenbarth. “So, I think the whole idea about unity, that there is people out there, that are there for you in terms of support, is very impactful.”
Colour was also an important aspect of Eisenbarth’s design, as she felt vibrant colours like magenta, orange and lilac might have an uplifting effect for the T-shirt wearer. However, Eisenbarth did have to make some adjustments to her painting process so the colours would accurately carry over during printing.
“At first I was a little overwhelmed because the process is a little confusing to do it when you have never done it before,” she said. “It’s a totally different way of painting.”
Usually, Eisenbarth uses a layering technique to create her paintings, but while layering works well on canvas it is not ideal for printing. Thus, Eisenbarth had to learn a technique specifically designed for printing called silkscreen, while also incorporating other design requirements set out by Cleo.
“With silkscreening one colour has to be laid down first to make another colour,” she said. “And (the designs) had to be painted in only eight colours and as separate strokes because (the manufacturer) colour separates them and then they print them.”
Despite facing challenges, Eisenbarth is grateful to have been part of the collaboration – titled Unitee – especially for a cause close to her heart.
“The fundraising I’ve done has just been my way to give back to the community in terms of donation … So to me, this was just an extension of that,” said Eisenbarth. “And I think it’s a pretty good kudo for me and for Medicine Hat. Medicine Hat is a forgotten corner of Canada so I think (having a local artist chosen) is something that should be celebrated.”
Long-sleeved T-shirts featuring Eisenbarth’s designs launched in 76 Cleo stores across Canada on Oct. 1, and will be sold throughout the month and until supplies last.
To learn more about Eisenbarth or view her other works, visit eisenbarth.ca.
