The world will constantly subject us to common brutality. We must build ourselves an indestructible force, or shield within, to create strength and learn to value honesty, while maintaining a level of vulnerability and compassion. Through the lens of a young woman coming out of college, this project is a visual representation of some of the lessons I’ve had to learn along the way.Â
The first lesson I learned is that some people will subject you to their cruelty and brutality. Some people thrive off of making others feel bad, and others use it as a way to assert dominance or power over others. You can’t take everything to heart. I’ve learned to tough through the punches, and built myself this metaphorical shield. One must become invincible to people’s hatred or cruel words. Don’t dwell on them, just move on.
The most important lessons I’ve learned though, is that through others cruelty and brutality, is to hold on to empathy, transparency, and honesty. If you have the ability to share a moment of any emotion with someone, to empathize with others, do so. When you do, do so with unconditional love, understanding, and an appreciation for human nature, regardless of differences. If you speak in these moments with honesty and transparency, there will be no burden to your mind. There is no real joy in hiding, in lying, in hating, in ignorance. I’ve learned about lies, that it’s easy to get caught up in them. There’s no worth to lying though. Honesty is valuable. It means something. It creates trust, commitment, reliability, healthy foundations for any relations, and improves perception and clarity. Your own honesty and empathy promotes others’ empathy, openness and transparency as well.Â
Music and art has helped me overcome a lot of difficulty and unrest in my life. For the moments that speech couldn’t help me breakthrough, music did. Music has played a crucial role in how I process and reflect. Overall this project and the sculpture are visual representations of my reflections, and a symbolic artifact for others who share the same feelings. We all have had to shape ourselves to be tough, or resistant, in some way or another. My music has helped me do so.
