Brian Kakas, Associate Ceramics Professor at a Northern Michigan University, came to realize that surviving cancer was not the only outcome of his journey. Having touched clay, every day for twenty-three years, ceramics has been an integral part of his life. His diagnosis at 17 pushed him to take risks and explore the world around him.

Kakas recalls that when he got sick and could no longer attend school, his high school ceramics teacher brought him clay and that was what kept him engaged. He has used his clay to express his experience with cancer and the recovery process. Though art is not often a lucrative business and involves a lot of risk, Kakas recognizes it's place and importance in his life.

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