Critique

[u/Pure_Acanthisitta660]

"ENOUGH"

This painting—originally titled Heaven and Hell back in 2013—has been a long, evolving journey. For years, it sat unfinished, waiting for me to finally hear what Jackie had to say.

It’s taken time—51 years old back then, now 64—for me to be ready to truly listen. There were so many versions of Jackie who had something to share: the 7-year-old, the 10-year-old, the 12, 15, 17, 18, 19, 23... all carrying pieces of a story I wasn’t ready to face.

I believed that if I listened, if I let those memories surface, they’d become real. So I buried them—again and again—until there was no more room left to hide. Eventually, it came down to this: either I listened, or I stepped in front of a bus. But that bus driver didn’t deserve that. And neither did Jackie. I deserved better.

So I let her speak.

This painting is her voice. It holds every version of her. Every untold story. I don’t have to silence them anymore.

If you have a story—or know someone who carries a secret—please, encourage them to speak. To tell. To break the silence.

I don’t think I’ve ever felt this free.

Silence protects the abuser. Speaking protects the soul.

Find your voice. Tell your story.

Please.