**_'Let It Go'_** is a visual display of self-sabotage. Whether consciously or subconsciously, sometimes we can be our own worst enemy, often hindering our own success.

Let It Go

'Selfie Harm' is a piece of art that I used as a mask to tell my story. This piece represents the 3 ways I have and at times still see myself. If you've struggled with body dysmorphia then you may relate. My weight has always fluctuated throughout my life. October 2024 will mark 10 years since I lost 100lbs and in the time since I've kept about 80lbs of that weight off. But the other 20lbs fluctuates.There are times where I still perceive my current body as it was when I was 100lbs heavier. It's a weird disconnect between my mind and body. That perspective is different from the person I see when I look through photos on my phone. It's a tricky thing because usually that photo was the best 1 out of 25 photos. It represents a fleeting moment. But it started to set a standard that I should look that way in all moments. Then there is who I see when I look in the mirror. Stuck somewhere between 'not my best' but 'far from my worst'. All of these are elements of me, but sometimes it takes some work piecing together a complete picture in the present.

Selfie Harm

'Fly Me to the Moon' is a piece with multiple meanings. Firstly, it's titled after Frank Sinatra's “Fly Me to the Moon”, but it is also a reminder for me to dream like a kid again. I remember having audacious goals as a child. I'm getting back to dreaming without limits. Finally, as an avid cannabis enthusiast, the paper plane in the photo also represents a joint to 'fly' me to the moon.

Fly Me to the Moon

'Open Up (The Real U)' is a piece I did to reflect the first time in my life I understood the importance and value in vulnerability. It's fundamental to my desire to being a full person. Since then I've been working to practice it in my daily life.

Open Up (The Real U)

'All of Us (R Broken)' is a reminder that our flaws are a fundamental part of what makes us human. All of us are broken in some way. The work is in the healing.

All of Us (R Broken)

'The Duality of Man' explores the capacity for all people to do both good and evil. This duality exists within all of us, despite our intentions or desires. Every person may have a desire to do 'good', yet each of us simultaneously possesses the ability to be evil. Especially when terms like 'good' and 'evil' can very much be subjective.

The Duality of Man

'Eat Your Heart Out' is a literal illustration of the phrase. Jealousy, envy, and bitterness all come to mind when I think of this.

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Brian Tolbert