Erica Robinson

Havyne Cooper, a 33-year old stage 4 breast cancer survivor, poses for a portrait and writes her words as a part of the Under the Pencil Series. Created by Erica Robinson, Under the Pencil is an ongoing participatory portrait and handwriting series for Adolescent and Young Adult (AYA) women diagnosed with cancer. It offers a safe space beyond clinical care, where patients and survivors are provided a platform for self-expression, identity restoration, and emotional healing. The mission is to return the narrative to the patient during a time when control often feels unattainable. Under the Pencil blends photographic portraits with handwritten reflections created in studio sessions culminating in interactive art events.