Believe

Survivor Artist: Belgica Erika Diggs. "The story behind this piece begins with shackled hands; that is how I felt during and after my trauma. I believed the lies of words spoken over me to keep me quiet with fear. As I began to process my trauma – with the help of therapy – I understood that I didn’t have to believe those lies; I could replace them with truth. I’m continually learning how to live in my freedom – to fly just like a butterfly, learning to dream, smile and laugh again. Understanding that I am brave and confident regardless of my past. I’m not a product of what happened to me. I am a survivor who can now hold my head up high without being ashamed. The colors and shape of the hands were based on the stages I went through: from darkness with shackles, to some light with broken, shackles, and finally to all colors because it represents all who have gone through trauma and are still thriving. We survived and now we can move forward. Even with misshapen hands, we are still beautiful." 18 x 24" canvas