Pre-Op
CONTENT WARNING: This artwork contains or explores content that touches on any of the following topics: abuse (physical, sexual, emotional, verbal); aspects of psychology and mental health and contains depictions of self-harm, substance abuse, eating disorders, or suicide; swears or curses; hurtful or hateful language; discrimination (race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, pregnancy, disability, sexual orientation); aspects of pregnancy; blood, violence, assault, kidnapping, trauma, or dying. Please read or view with care.
Thea B.
Clay, Acrylic Paint, Chain
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I created this interpreted self-portrait bust in response to my experience with getting jaw surgery. When I first started this piece, I was about to go in for surgery and its creation continued as I painted it after surgery. I hoped to represent my chronic pain that came from my jaw problem and also how its affects rippled through my life. I decided to name this piece ‘Pre-OP’ since it was a representation of my life before surgery. Other experiences that influenced this piece were the chronic headaches that came with having jaw problems; for this, I decided to remove my right eye. Additionally, I chose to have my jaw hanging with chain because I felt chained to my jaw issues and that they held me back from doing things I would have loved to do and the lack of confidence in my face that chained me to my insecurities. Although my struggle with my jaw is still not done and won’t be for many years, I think this piece will always remind me of this critical time in my life.
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Creativity is the way in which I view the world and how I express how I feel. Creativity, to me, means an outlet to be who I truly am and for those around me to see me for me.
