Artwork Title: Healing
By: Priscilla Koopman
Dimensions (in inches): 21" x 28" x 1-2/4"
Media: Fineliner, copic markers, paint markers and goldleaf on illustration board and wood panel
Year: 2017
Artist Statement
I have dealt with sexual trauma for most of my life which has taken a lot of power away from me. From sleepless nights to loss of trust I have fought with demons for a long time. Growing up I have realised I’m not the only one dealing with such things, it’s far more common than people realize and what helped me deal with my trauma immensely was that I had a profound experience one evening at a concert. I broke down crying due to a trauma being relived from a trigger in one of the songs that I incidentally listened to while being assaulted. This woman in front of me, a total stranger, just turned to me and gave me such a deep big hug that filled me with comfort, warmth and love that I realized there is more than pain out there for me. That singular experience gave me hope that things can change, that I can get better and that not everything is hopeless. It helped me understand I can overcome such horrible things and create new memories, better memories. We don’t have to live in pain forever. This piece represents my starting healing process and reclaiming back some of my lost power and the power of everyone else with such experiences. By showing that you can overcome the trauma and that it doesn’t always have to have a hold on you.
Artwork Title: Controlling Anxiety
By: Priscilla Koopman
Dimensions (in inches): 8-1/4" x 11-3/4"
Media: Fineliner, copic markers, paint markers and goldleaf on Paper
Year: 2020
Artist Statement
Living with anxiety is like fighting with the same monster everyday. Sometimes it easy, sometimes it can put up a fight and take over and sometimes it leaves you alone every once in a while but it is always around. Anxiety can get you no matter who you are, how you dress or where you come from. Anxiety can be relentless and overwhelming but with the right tools and weapons you can make your days easier. Just don’t give up the fight. This piece represents being completely vulnerable and fighting your anxiety head on.
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