Illustration, Printmaking
Queer and Alive (Lino Block Print)
It had been a long week filled with high emotions. From sadness and rage with the state of the world to excitement and raw vulnerability in community celebrations and milestones. I found myself craving to do something grounding with my hands. And I knew I found the perfect opportunity at a community printmaking event in celebration of Pride.
Sitting with new friends, I was able to be still. I was able to laugh. I was able to learn. I was able to play and wonder and just be. How did I want to capture this in a lino block medium; what I knew to be true in my heart of these spaces? What started at an event ended up being a week of carving after work; a looking forward to; a quiet healing and enjoyable practice; a coming back to my body.
Despite all the government fuckery coming to light; despite the bans on our bodies, violent censorship, dismissal, and lack of acknowledgment on our queer and trans existence. Despite it all, we are here. Breathing. Blossoming and blooming amongst the flowers, the sun, and the stars. We feel. We are tender. We are stronger than we give ourselves credit for. We are vast. We are queer and alive.
