“Pretty Strong” is my main piece from my time with Creativets. Each component represents me and my life journey. On the mirrors on the back of the mannequin are all labels others put on me (Uncle Tom, Bitch, Whitewashed, Nigger, Deplorable, Hopeless, worthless, Crazy, Etc), some from people I thought who loved me, hence the bloody knives in my back. But what you say about me reflects more about you than me. On the front of the mannequin is what I want to reflect to the world (Light, Love, Wife, Dog Mom, friend, worthy, chef, positive statistic, artist, etc.). Below the mannequin are all the roles I would hide myself behind: veteran, cooking, trying to be a perfect wife, sister, daughter, employee, etc. No more facade. Just me. The mirrored canvas represents Grit & Grace and other pretty things that are actually strong (Glass, Pearls, Diamonds). The wooden woman is the strong, resilient queen I strive to be, never forgetting my inner little girl and keeping her safe and loved, making her dreams come true.