SEEN 330

THE TRACY PIPER

SEEN 330, 2024
Acrylic on Canvas
10 x 10 x 1.5 in

Signed on Back

Model: Kellie Martin

ABOUT THE WORK

This work is part of The Tracy Piper's "SEEN 3 Volume 3," the third iteration of a collaborative art project of 50 eye paintings that were made during the Spring of 2024. For this series, the artist organized an open call for her collectors, fans, and fellow artists to be featured as one of her models. Each participant answered the same question: What does it mean to feel seen? Each painting and response is featured in the artist’s fourth book aptly titled “SEEN Volume 3."

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO FEEL SEEN?

"Being seen sounds simple, but is it really that simple? Feeling seen is a desire shared by all, whether it comes from friends, family, significant others, the workplace, or the community. Are we truly being seen as wholeness? 

My ombre blue-dyed hair adds to my vibrant, upbeat, and full-of-life appearance. Nobody will ever presume that I am culturally Deaf and use American Sign Language at first glance. I'm a Deaf nonbinary queer person who experiences difficulties with mental health. Every facet of my multifaceted identity yearns to be perceived from many angles. 

For an individual who is deaf in this auditory world, everything revolves around the sounds. It might not always be easy. As my father who is hearing often says, "Kellie, tough it out." Own up to the fact that this world is cruel and that being deaf will make your life quite difficult. I developed a thick skin early in life, but I've always been an internally sensitive person who yearned to connect with others who could hear. I adore bringing individuals from all walks of life.

When someone actively learns sign language and tries to comprehend and understand my deaf culture, I feel appreciated and seen. I have a deaf brother, and my hearing parents are among the few who have learned sign language for us. It makes me feel quite fortunate. The majority of families would rather find a cure for their deaf child's deafness than learn how to interact with them. When someone is willing to spend hours conversing with me, listens to what I have to say, or allows me to take the lead, share my ideas, and provide accessibility to my needs. I feel included. It is more than just an exquisite language. Not only am I deaf, but I've experienced comparable things in life. I've known pain, loss, heartache, love, desire, and having a voice.

A kaleidoscope of self-discovery spanning multiple overlapping identities across time characterizes the intricacy observed."—Kellie Martin

ABOUT THE ARTIST

Learn more about The Tracy Piper and her vibrant figurative paintings.

HANGING & CARE

Artwork is ready to hang on the wall; hanging wire is secured on the back (nail and hook needed). Dust raw canvas with a clean, soft brush and HEPA-filtered vacuum to clean. Using a new, clean brush prevents transfer of grime from previous dustings.

PURCHASE INFO

Gallery pick up, local delivery & international shipping available! Questions? Contact us