A Sense of Power

This is the first self portrait following my series on the stages of grief. Two of the major obstacles on the road of emotional recovery are taking back the reins of my own consent / power, and mending my relationship with sex / sexuality. As a queer person and victim of sex crimes, my relationship to my femininity / womanhood as well as to the male gaze are tender and nuanced. This painting celebrates my ability to finally love myself again, embrace my sexuality as it exists outside of the male gaze, and take back my own consent. I, my sexuality, my beauty are sources of power, security and magic. And they are MINE. MINE to give. MINE to appreciate.