
Opening the Door; Agoraphobia
2024
Pastel on paper
9 x 12 in
This artwork reflects the intense social anxiety I often felt in my youth. Simple acts like leaving my apartment—or even getting out of bed—felt impossible, as if my feet were weighted with anvils and my skin slowly pierced by a thousand searing splinters. The effort to climb out of that pit drained me, leaving the vibrant streets and colorful communities around me feeling bleak and gray. While I’ve since outgrown this debilitating anxiety through years of personal growth and therapy, this drawing captures the struggle of stepping beyond my comfort zone and serves as a reminder of how far I’ve come.