Medium: Mixed Media on Paper 
Size: 12 in x 9 in
Price $333.00
Creation Date: November 2017
Note from the artist about this piece:
When I was a kid, girls were expected to sit still and be lady-like. In our house, especially at my dad’s, the rules around gender and expression were clearly defined. As children, we were told to suck it up when we were whiny, and my brother was called names I refuse to repeat.
To act in any way like a girl was the ultimate ticket to punishment. I didn’t even really know what it meant to be a girl.
When I was about 4 years old, I remember being at a party with my dad. It was a cookout with all of his friends from work. Mostly men.
When I started to take my shirt off like everyone else (including my older brother), my dad shouted at me from across the lawn.
Embarrassed, I felt my entire face turn into hot lava.
I didn’t realize I was any different, and I certainly didn’t understand why the boys could take their shirts off but I couldn’t.
It was extremely hot. I could feel the sweat coming down my back beneath my shirt.
Years passed before I REALIZED I COULD ALWAYS BE FREE.
- Mari Pardun