2025
Charcoal and acrylic on paper
18” x 18”

Another piece for ‘Anybody But Myself’, for those of us who have things to say, but feel we can’t express them.

Sometimes, we get drowned out by more powerful voices. And sometimes, we silence ourselves.

When I was young, I was seen as the smart kid. Always knew the answers, always had my hand up. Always the teachers pet. Until the teasing started. Then, I pretended I didn’t know anything. I stopped raising my hand. I fell silent.

To this day, I have trouble entering into conversations. And leaving them can be just as tricky. And sometimes, even if I know the right answer, I won’t give it. Because the teasing may start again. I know that’s ludicrous, but that feeling is still there. Even 25 years later.

But through this, I’ve learned when and where to hold my tongue. And to try to give a voice to those who feel like they’ve been silenced too.

It does make me question; with everything that I keep to myself, what are others keeping to themselves? And why?

More to come.