Small Talk Painting

We wait for “fine thanks how are you” instead of hoping to hear the truth. We discuss the weather and what it was today and what it will be tomorrow, so we don’t have to talk about our hopes and dreams and disappointments. We opt for friendly chit chat instead of depth, because being seen and heard can be scary. We look deeply into the blue of our screens, searching for a virtual connection from an instagram comment and a facebook message, while the people who are right in front of us are left wanting more. We ask questions about others’ well being out of courtesy, not out of curiosity. A jumble of dead ends, missed opportunities, frozen connections and anxiety all balled up into one forced conversation. When does an encounter shift from small talk to real talk? Do we think we’re clever asking about the weather, or are we just playing the game the way it’s meant to be played? We think that meaningful conversation is exhausting, but really, it’s the small talk that leaves us weary. __________ The Enough is Enough collection features stories about betrayal, manipulation, abuse, control and a lack of rights for women. Inspired by the current state of affairs in the USA after the overturning of Roe vs. Wade in which men are once again making decisions for women and their bodies in order to keep minorities controlled and silenced - this type of manipulation and abuse is something that women, the trans community and other minorities have experienced in the home for years. Disguising the criminalization of abortion as a pro-life decision is a disservice to the people who are losing the right to live their lives on their own terms. Abuse, neglect, gas-lighting and manipulation are tactics used by the oppressor to maintain control over a person, or in this case, an entire group of people. This collection is an expression of rage directed at those who have the audacity to claim to be acting in the best interest of those whom they are controlling.