In this new blog series, Case Files: Creative Coping, we are highlighting the creative coping practices our community members enjoy outside of our programs. If you have a hobby or practice that you’d like to tell us about, please email programs@cactuscancer.org.
Today we’ll be hearing from Mallory, our Cactus Cancer Society CEO and Co-founder, about one of her favorite creative coping practices. Read on to learn more about how she fell in love with watercolor, what role it plays in her emotional well-being, and the artistic secret she kept – even from her husband.
Please introduce yourself! What’s your name, what are your pronouns, and where are you located?
I’m Mallory! I live in Berkeley, CA and I use she/her pronouns.
How did you first find Cactus Cancer Society?
I’m one of the co-founders! I founded Cactus Cancer Society back in 2014, spent about a year dreaming and scheming to become a nonprofit, met Aerial (the other co-founder) in 2016, and I’ve never looked back!
What creative practice are you sharing with us today? How did you make your way to this hobby, and how long have you been practicing it?
Watercolor! I went to one of our own, Cactus Cancer Society, workshops a few years ago where we worked with the neurographic art style and watercolor and I quickly became obsessed with both. I’ve been playing around with both for a few years but really leaned in hard to watercolor painting in 2025.
What is it about watercolor painting that you really enjoy?
I love how important the water is in watercolor. It has a mind of its own and its own ability to deeply change and evolve the artwork. Too much water, and the colors explode out into blooms and the paper risks its own deterioration. Too little water and the color looks caught, unable to smoothly move. Every time I sit down to paint, I learn more about the water, I learn more about restraint, and I learn more about the way I see and process the world around me.
What is one of your favorite pieces you’ve created so far or subjects? Tell us more about it.
Loose skies and detailed flowers are my very favorite subjects to paint.
What do you feel is the relationship between your cancer experience and your art?
I use writing to process so painting has become an “easy” way to relax and let off steam. I love setting up a little studio space, whether its in my living room or at my kitchen table, and filming timelapse videos of my whole process. From the start of my cancer experience, I learned the hard way that I needed “calm hobbies.” I’ve tried a number of them over the years but they’ve all emphasized the importance of trusting the process, enjoying the process, and taking pride in creating something beautiful.
Have you monetized your painting hobby, and why or why not?
Maybe? HAHA! On a whim, I applied for a (very) local art fair in December and I got in! I’ve been painting up a storm over the last few weeks as I work to create enough inventory to put together a booth with my artwork. I’m honestly not sure if anything will sell but its been a really wonderful experience of putting myself “out there” in a way that I’ve never done before.
Does your watercolor painting practice involve others? Is there a community, online or in person, surrounding your the practice?
Not usually! I sometimes rope my kiddo in and we’ve started using painter’s tape to showcase our artwork all over the white walls of our house. I do rely heavily on tutorials I find on instagram or youtube. They help me learn new techniques and skills and help me get out of the “what do I paint?” rut.
Is there any advice you’d give to someone who would like to start watercolor painting?
Youtube videos are your friend! There are so many wonderful artists who show their process, step by step, and are easy to follow along with. And don’t put too much pressure on yourself! Do a creative activity, just for you, and see where it goes
Do you practice any other creative mediums?
I write and I recently took a jewlery making class which was amazing. I often paint from photographs so I am often taking close ups of flowers or sunset photos with my phone. I’m also adept at catching a raccoon on camera who eats from my dad’s birdfeeders. I spend a lot of my hobby time reading and running.
Finally, give us a shameless brag, and tell us something you’re proud of! This can be an accomplishment, a piece of cool news, or something you’re really good at doing.
I started an instagram account for my watercolor art without telling anyone that I know! That lasted just a few weeks before I left my spouse in on the secret 🙂
Thank you so much for sharing your time, energy, and work with us, Mallory! And while we’re at it, thank you for making a creative home for the young adult cancer community.
