Nina Parks': Reflection Eternal: Pin Me Up: Duality

As a young women I struggled with my own identity and self image, who I am vs what were the desires and expectations of others attention that I desired vs what I wanted to be. (Dizzy yet?) Finding that I was very uncomfortable with who I was (more rooted in my choices of action and inaction then what I looked like) I unconsciously developed a desire not to look at myself.

I found refuge, hiding behind the camera, being an observer and reflection of life but rarely allowing myself the blessing of the reflection received being on the opposite end of the lens.

I remember having a conversation with my cousin in my early twenties when she was questioning me about why I wore head wraps all the time, and in response I told her of my objection to being looked at as an object of desire, she in turn responded with, "So, what the fuck you gonna do? Wear a berka!!!?" and in my rebellion I responded with "Yes!! If that makes my point!"

But as time passed I realized that I felt restricted and a sense of shame towards being a women, not being fully proud of the duality of the nature of my true self.

I found that I was living up to the restrictions and philosophies of patriarchal and capitalistic thought, and placed myself into an evolutionary cage restricting my feminine identity would only do my future a disservice.

SO DECIDED THAT IT'S BULLSHIT TO LIVE IN FEAR OF MYSELF AND PINNED ME UP SO I'D NEVER FORGET! ;)

I am that, I am.

Snaps By: @onjackysheels