In the context of this artwork, explain the Influences of the Commission.
Prior to the IU Simon Cancer Center building's groundbreaking in 2005, focus teams collected the thoughts and desires of patients and caregivers specific to cancer care. These teams met monthly and consisted of 20-25 patients, family members, and staff members who were cancer survivors.  The focus teams started with the interior artwork of the building and then concentrated on exterior design in the courtyards.  The team leaders used design images from magazines to evoke color, texture, and emotion. Key inspirations gleaned from those discussions identified the power of nature as an affirmation of life, where light inspires hope and meditative space brings peace and nurturing.  The Luminary sculpture was designed to represent this spirit of hope, a spherical design that represented an eternal flame and the light glowing within each person.
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