Three years ago I was single, and living with 5 strangers in a loft in Bushwick where it rained just as much indoors as it did outdoors. Aside from trying to find privacy, and stay dry, I was trying to keep my psychological self afloat. I felt like I was in an ocean of objectifying, small minded jerks.
Every day before I left the house, I'd look in the mirror and ask myself if wearing what I wanted, going where I wanted, or even doing my hair in a certain way was worth the negative attention I'd receive. About 99% of the time I'd say yes, but even if I'd try to turn a deaf ear, I'd still hear it. It would enter into my mind and pull me down piece by piece, judgements doled out by strangers or acquaintances.
I wanted to get even, to settle the score, this wasn't fair and I didn't deserve it, but I also didn't want to get into fights with strangers on the street. So I started drawing about it. I'd draw self-portraits with the comebacks I wish I could say in person.
It became addictive and hugely therapeutic, even when I didn't have an internet connection I'd photograph my screen so I could share them, and the response I got was just as rewarding as making them. Both men and women connected with the idea and it developed past dogging on run of the mill jerks to trying to tackle cultural and social injustices.
Three years later I'm still making the portrait-comics. Addressing issues both big and small, and sometimes just silly, in order to keep things from getting too serious.
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