There comes a point in life when you realise that keeping everyone else comfortable shouldn't come at the expense of your own voice. And finding that voice can take years.

Growing up as a Gen X kid, I was taught to respect my elders, not question authority and generally do as I was told. Unfortunately, that didn't always serve me particularly well. I was painfully shy for much of my younger life, and it wasn't until I became a mother and found myself having to advocate for my first son that I really began learning how to speak up.

And once I found my voice, I wasn't particularly interested in losing it again.

Getting older has brought me a confidence I never imagined having when I was younger. I've become more comfortable speaking my truth, questioning expectations and refusing to accept things simply because that's how they've always been done.

Fierce and Unfiltered is part of a series of four artworks exploring stereotypes, labels, motherhood, guilt, expectations and the wisdom that comes with growing older. She represents the courage to speak up, take up space and be heard.

Your voice matters, even when it shakes. And you don't need anyone's permission to use it.

Details

Original mixed media artwork by Australian artist Jade Forder of Creative Abyss.

Acrylic paint, Posca pens, pencil, collage, stencils and jewellery on canvas.

50.5 × 60.5cm.