Wisdom Woven In: Tina Martel on Authenticity, Art, and Resilience

At LuxCare, we believe clothing can embody more than style; it can carry strength, wisdom, and the resilience of those who have walked extraordinary paths. Our "Wisdom Woven In" series brings forward voices that have lived, questioned, rebuilt, and continued with authenticity. This week, we are honored to feature Tina Martel: artist, author, advocate, and storyteller.

A Conversation with Tina Martel

"Authenticity is everything. Don’t follow trends. You are unique! Be that." — Tina Martel

Tell us a little about yourself.

"My name is Tina Martel. I was born in a small town in Saskatchewan, Canada, and today I live on beautiful Vancouver Island. I have two degrees—a BFA and an MFA, both in painting. I'm a retired art professor, artist, author, and lover of life."

What life experience shaped your perspective the most?

"Two events stand out. Deciding to leave my retail career in my thirties to return to art school and earn two degrees was life-changing. I took a huge risk, and it paid off—creating and teaching art became everything I dreamed of.

Cancer was the second. It pulled all of my plans out from underneath me. Putting myself back together after the first diagnosis was a challenge, and to face three more was surreal. I'm still negotiating my way through it."

If you could share one message with someone going through a tough time, what would it be?

"Be honest (especially with yourself). Be authentic. Find your tribe. This is your experience, not to be defined by anyone else."

What does resilience mean to you?

"I tell myself every day that I have a great life, which I love. Unfortunately, I also have cancer. One is incurable. The resilience for me lies in the balance between the two. Sometimes the cancer part takes over. But not giving up on the part of my life that I love—that’s resilience."

What brings you joy and keeps you grounded?

"My husband. The life we have now."

About Tina

Through her visual art, writing, and advocacy, Tina consistently chooses honesty over artifice. She lays bare the truths many shy away from, creating connection and courage through her work.

Her website Not In The Pink and Instagram @not_in_the_pink_ continue her mission of creating spaces where the messy, complicated, beautiful realities of living with cancer are given voice.

Tina's reminder to embrace authenticity—no matter how difficult—is now part of our "Wisdom Woven In" series, stitched into the very fabric of our garments.

Connect with Tina:

• Website: Not In The Pink

• Instagram: @not_in_the_pink_

• Facebook: Tina Martel