Artist Statement: Life goes on—the only thing that changes is the emotion one experiences during a transitional time. We can drift between denial and anger, find solace in isolation or grief at the loss of human connection. Above all else, choose to value the emotions you come to feel deep within you.

Overcome the numbness that gnaws at your stomach each morning before you rise as you make the choice to simply be who you are. Abandon the mask that was sculpted for you, and from behind which you are expected to be perfect; allow yourself to face every day with transparency.

It is human to attempt to run only on instinct. Embrace both the good and bad, no matter how confusing the choices could be at first glance. The most complex problems we all face are without doubt formulated in our own minds. Many drown in the depths of that complexity and are never able to resurface, choosing to consider their circumstances at their face value.

To live in such times is unimaginable. However, we should not distance ourselves from the resulting emotions no matter how unavoidable we might hope them to be. —Grace Halinaty