Obstructed Thought, Noora Elkoussy, 2014 Print

Obstructed Thought was a painting I created after having brain surgery. Life was painful, and my thoughts were foggy and confused, so what emerged from me was a person sitting down, crouched over, with short hair still growing out after surgery, and surrounded by noise, static, and confusion. All my work after 2013 reflects my need to cope with the pain of having a brain tumor and an excruciating surgery that failed to remove it. Painting allowed me to find a new normal after realizing I could not return to my overseas work with refugees or work a typical 9-to-5 job. I live with a brain tumor, am partially blind in one eye, and have continuous irregular migraines, but painting is a calming and healing practice I love to squeeze in when the pain is bearable.