Name: Kym

City: York

Brain Injury: TBI and complex Nervous System trauma.  MVA – Rear ended by a tour bus.

Explanation of mask: Brain: The nail breaking open the cracks in the head signify ongoing headaches.  The injured neuron signifies neuronal death and the desperation for the facilitation of efficient and effective neuroplasticity recovery.

Eyes: The windows to my soul and constantly being invaded by piercing light and an array of visual disturbances.  The inability to track and perceive my surroundings, in a grounded way, have my eyes in a state of fire and fatigue.

Ears: The constant disruption of thousands of cicadas screaming in my ears and auditory sensitivity’s that can quickly tire my brain to a point of low functioning.

The Tear: Grief, loss, isolation, sadness, loneliness

Living a very strange and uncomfortable existence.

Mouth: Feeling the desperation and neglect of not being listened to; not being understood.  Feeling shunned by those who are not present and not meeting me where I am.

Water: The first year and a half I felt like I was mostly underwater.  Now I feel I have risen to the surface but have not found solid ground as of yet.

Nervous System Trauma: The impact sent shockwaves through my central nervous system and has affected all of my senses disrupting my perceptual awareness to a degree that makes it very difficult to navigate in this world and also within myself.  This spinal and cervical whiplash as my nervous system on constant alert.  My diaphragm has been frozen in a fear state unable to complete a full nurturing breath to sooth or restore me.  I am often disturbed by the startle response which is extremely uncomfortable.

I am blessed to have my art to speak for me.