Finding my voice has been a turning point in my life . Stepping through my own vulnerability and fear to embolden others to break their silence is one way of transforming my experience . It strengthens me to reach out , to encourage artistic expression as a means to return to wholeness . Pain inevitably comes from acknowledging what was done in darkness … but only by allowing ourselves to break , can light enter us . This experience built a foundation for further sharing that followed my inclusion in the recent exhibition with the International Encaustic Artists , “ Another Way of Keeping a Diary .” It felt hopeful to find opportunity that opened the way for insight and revelation through the public sharing of personal story . I made a piece from the bones of a cow , which combined macro photography with assemblage and sculpture , entitled , “ Tear Bottle ”. Respect , violation , fear , acceptance , outrage , grief , joy , and liberation all resided in the sculpture . Transfiguring this bovine pelvis into a safe and reverent space helped to widen my view : not just trauma , but joy and liberation , are within my body and spirit , emanating out when I am connected to my center , surrendering to what is .