Turning Pain into Creation

“Inner World” by Alexandria Phillips

Pain from existence living in the dark with no help. No one to uplift or save me, so I took my power back and turned the pain into creation. I was unseen, unheard, like a ghost floating through the living world. Healing alone was one of the loneliest experiences of my life. I had so many suppressed emotions rushing in with nowhere to go. I was completely numb, but I could feel it; I just couldn’t express it. My voice had been taken from me, but my ability to create was not.

Eventually, the emotions overwhelmed me and broke me down. I reached a point where I felt I had nothing left inside, but somehow, a small spark of creation remained. I began to rise by pouring everything onto a blank canvas. I painted, wrote books, danced, and styled clothes. I expressed myself through my personal style, hair, piercings, and how I dressed overall. Every piece became a reflection of who I truly am, someone bright, giving, and creative. For so long, I had been shamed for being myself and told that my light was “too much” for the world. But even in that pain, I kept fighting back for myself.

Art helped me rediscover my true self, the part of me hidden in the dark where no one else could see or hear. It brought my voice back, and with it came joy, memories, healing, and love mirrored back through every creation I made. To the unheard and unseen, you can find yourself through creating. Your voice matters, so don’t let anyone tell you it doesn’t. Be unapologetically you, no matter who tries to dim your light. Never let anyone take your love, light, or kindness away. I hope my story helps you feel less alone and inspires you to create your own way forward.

by Alexandria Phillips

Artist & Tri-C Student