Fragments and Fears: A Cocoon of Scars

Fear paralyzes us and keeps us stuck in unhealthy situations. The pressures of life can leave us feeling frustrated, broken, scattered and fragmented.When I first saw Finding Discarded Fragments of Myself (Self-portrait as a Doll), I was struck by memories from decades ago. This image brought back thoughts and feelings about inadequacy and caused me to remember days when I questioned my worthiness. I was reminded of a journal I created in my mid-twenties, called “The Self-Doubt Chronicles.” At that time, my struggles with confidence caused an enormous amount of material. The pages filled quickly.When I met Amy, her art drew me in. I was more of an athlete than an artist. She pushed me to pursue my creative talents and helped expand that sense of awe and appreciation that art can evoke. Through our creative outlets, we became close friends. Her paintings have always inspired me. And this special series spoke to my soul. I knew that it had to be shared with a wider audience.Pairing her art with some of “The Self-Doubt Chronicles” and with newer poetry made perfect sense. I hope to show that our feelings are valid and real. That they are not only a part of who we are, but they can also be a catalyst to change us into the person we want to become. Are meant to become.When pieces of our souls are dispersed by light breezes and harsh winds, we scramble to collect them. To hold onto what we imagine is our true self. But just finding them isn’t the end, for we must figure out if they still fit… or if we wish to keep them.We shift, change, grow and move on from situations, people, and experiences. We all have scars from life. Don’t be afraid to talk about them or to show your wounds…because this is how we heal. This collection unearths the beauty within the cocoon. Our metamorphosis isn’t something we need to do alone.Emerge from the darkness and open your wings to the sunlight! -Christine Lantz Read more