In an exhibition!

[saville75]

Hello everyone. Back in 2017 I did a painting of myself - a self portrait. The whole point of it was that in my recovery from my TBI I was putting on a brave face, or a front, so that people around me didn't realise that I felt like I was crumbling inside. putting on that front was exhausting, on top of the recovery process required at the time. I'm wondering if anybody else did this too? It almost felt like a method of survival. not a very sensible and effective one, as it couldn't last and deep down I knew that.

Anyway I asked my husband to take a photo of me, where I showed how I really felt. I then painted it over a pretty traumatic time - IVF, IVF failure, pregnancy, miscarriage, pregnancy, birth, early motherhood.

I'm now thrilled that this canvas is in an online exhibition in the D31 Art Gallery in Doncaster. You are all welcome to take a look at it if you'd like and you can vote for it too if you'd like!

d31artprize2023.oess1.uk/ar...

Thank you to all of you who have written back to me when I've been struggling - it's such a relief to hear from other people who can relate... X

[cat3]

Well done Lucy. Such a graphic portrayal of anguish ! ...and brave for depicting yourself in a less-flattering light. How refreshing to to see an honest image of someone rather than the contrived one most of us prefer to show. But I agree it's what we do most days to avoid worrying/upsetting others.

You're a really accomplished artist m'dear....

Cat x

[Fificakes2]

This is a really good picture and well done you're talented at art. I like doing art picture now and drawing.

[Painting-girl]

Congrats on the exhibition and being on the shortlist! You're a terrific artist, I stand in awe of what you've achieved, you're an inspiration.

[Silkwood20]

I looked at your work before when you had left a link, it's wonderful! My husband was a keen amateur artist and we used to enjoy visiting art exhibitions together...good memories.

[paxo05]

Great painting. It's great to see how I think we all feel deep down at times.

As to the brave face I personally still do. It helps me get through the day. Initially it was for others but know it helps in facing the world.

Well done again,

Pax

[Hightide2]

Your self portrait is amazing and will do well in the exhibition. As others have said... you certainly are a talented artist.

I too, put on a 'brave face' when out and about. And then look forward to returning home, to just be.

Good on you!

High tide

[skydivesurvivor]

first 5 years I was difficult to deal with apparently, joined day centre & developed the new me. Met likeminded friends. Took me 20+ years to achieve it but think I am now more social?… able to develope friendships? Having lost all the old ones to either ex- husband, or unable to accept the new me?! Ok, I lied!! Share coffee with few friends, longest friendship the new me is with a lady I attend art/ old day centre with. She had a stroke & is developing her own personality again. Good luck!

[saville75]

It's amazing to hear from you all, thanks so much for taking the time to write. it sounds as if we all share that "put a brave face on" to a degree. As always it makes me feel so much better that I'm not the only one - I always tend to think I'm on my own in this nightmare when I'm feeling down. But I'm not feeling down today - it's the weekend, we're all off and my parents are visiting.

It's brilliant to be involved in an exhibition, I really appreciate it. i'nm trying to update my website at the moment, but if you'd like to take a wee look then you're all welcome to! X

lhodonovan.com