
Artist Statement:
I started off by drawing the figure of the man, and then I drew him having a brain with lightning bolts symbolizing that there’s tension going on in the brain. I put a mouth, but it’s stitched closed. The tears are not allowed to happen so they’re crossed out. Then I put the heart and it’s broken. I put symbolism for having to follow certain rules and norms in society around sexuality and gender, and how we’re prisoners to our mind and society’s expectations of our gender norms. On the bottom left, this is Mother Nature and feminine energy. It’s trying to share itself with the male figure but the blue color is shielding it from entering. I wrote the word “rules” and I have people trying to help, a hand reaching out, but it’s not able to touch. The lady behind a curtain is unable to see what the male gender is going through but I think she has an idea, so she’s crying as well. On the bottom right, these are chains of the rules we have to follow. Rules come from different places. We don’t claim to be a Christian nation but it has a very strong influence over our social norms.
Bio:
Charles has been living with anxiety and depression for most of his life. Most of it was caused from growing up in a Catholic community as a homosexual and as an individual gifted with both the feminine and masculine energies. He embraces both and always has. Charles is an educator, spiritual care provider, mental health peer support counsellor, and is working towards becoming psychotherapist. He encourages others to be their self, embrace their self and be true to their self while living their best life. Charles stresses the importance of having volition, resilience, and perseverance and not to settle for less than they deserve. As a Buddhist, practices of mindfulness, acceptance, compassion and letting go help to improve his overall mental health and well-being.