Overcoming Domestic Abuse. Stitched
words: Starting Over; To break the cycle of abuse; Women's Shelter; I left for
good; No more false promises; Abusers never change; To save my son; Order of
Protection; I ran for my life. Xylene photo transfer on tea-stained
muslin. Hand embroidery and assorted
needles. 25" x 19", unframed; 31" x 25", framed. Click on image to enlarge.
I lost track of the number of people who asked me, "Are you on Facebook?" With several blogs, I couldn't see any reason to join an on-line social network! When would I have time? Why would I want to socialize via my computer screen? It all sounded silly, except that everyone who asked me about Facebook also said that it would be a great tool for finding potential Decision Portrait Series models. So, I joined.
I lost track of the number of people who asked me, "Are you on Facebook?" With several blogs, I couldn't see any reason to join an on-line social network! When would I have time? Why would I want to socialize via my computer screen? It all sounded silly, except that everyone who asked me about Facebook also said that it would be a great tool for finding potential Decision Portrait Series models. So, I joined.
I honestly didn't think it would work.... but it did! I'm now in
communication with people I met years ago.... some of whom shared important, life
changing decisions through this series. This is one of those portraits!
I met this lovely young lady through arts channels in South Carolina. She's a talented painter, a spiritual person, a mother of a four year old, and someone who had been hiding a horrible secret until a year and a half ago. (2009) Recently, we became Facebook friends; she contacted me; this portrait is the result.
I met this lovely young lady through arts channels in South Carolina. She's a talented painter, a spiritual person, a mother of a four year old, and someone who had been hiding a horrible secret until a year and a half ago. (2009) Recently, we became Facebook friends; she contacted me; this portrait is the result.
I wish I'd known the truth. Somehow, I feel a little guilty
for not knowing. Honestly, I can't imagine an abusive relationship, but
I also couldn't imagine how I might react to someone in such a
circumstance...until now. Through our correspondence I've learned of the pain
and loneliness of leaving an abusive spouse. I've learned that so-called
friends avoid the situation altogether. I've had to type replies...offering
heart-felt words and cyber hugs. I hope that others seeing this portrait
reflect on the difficult decision she had to make...how scary...how dangerous.
I also hope that those viewing this portrait think about how they'd react to
someone who'd recently made such a decision.... with avoidance or with support.
Support might just be passing on a link.... to the National
Domestic Violence Hotline. http://www.ndvh.org
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