Never Mind

This self-portrait emerged as a way for me to embark on a personal journey that delved deep into my experiences. I aimed to capture the interplay between the pieces of myself that have thrived despite hardships and those fragments marred by trauma. This is my visual representation of how both my struggles and the lasting effects of post-traumatic stress disorder have etched themselves onto my identity.

 

Drawing inspiration from my own interpretation of “Ophelia,” I tapped into the aftermath of past struggles, in a moment where time seems to stand still. This stillness allowed me to view my painful experiences through a compassionate lens, to face and rethink them. Through this drawing, I aimed to separate memories from the grip of traumatic events, gaining insights into how I’ve grown and what admirable qualities emerged from those challenges.

 

Amidst the process of unveiling and rebuilding, I sought to cultivate self-appreciation—an alternative to the persistent belief that “I am the trauma.” In crafting this piece, I found myself shedding some of the weight that isolation and depression had imposed on me. This journey of self-expression and creation allowed me to release those burdens and find a newfound sense of self.