Katie

From the Artist
The question -

When first meeting Katie it was a simple action of.. “hello”. I had met Katie through a friend, who had an art class with her in the past. She was always quiet , but always polite to others around her. This year, as I walked into my final year of college I happened to have a class with Katie. The social interactions with her, were never awkward or strange but of a new friend.

Which lead to the question. 
Me: “Hey Katie, I have a question for you?” 

Katie: “Sure , what’s up?” 
Me: “I was wondering if you would be interested in modeling for me?” 
After this I further explained my intents for the project at hand. 
Me: “ Think of how you feel exposed and when we take photographs for the 
painting, we can talk about them if you are comfortable” 
Katie: “Sure” she says ending with a wide smile. 

Katie's Response- 
I feel a little more vulnerable than usual right now, but I suppose that’s the point. When Crystalyn first asked me to pose for a painting, I was excited to do it. We didn’t know each other well, but I was happy that she reached out. Talking with her about what exposes me was hard to do initially. I feel exposed in certain social contexts, and this process has been no exception. My own insecurities and anxieties make it difficult for me to reach out to others and reveal my true self or make connections easily, as I normally don’t open up to people who aren’t my very close friends. It’s difficult for me to even write this knowing that you, a stranger, will know this thing about me, which is why I’m being a little vague. 

This whole process has allowed me to reflect on what really exposes me and possibly why I feel that way, though, and it’s honestly allowed me to start to cope with my shortcomings and maybe even accept them since I have had to physically come face to face with them. It’s a little uncomfortable, but a little in a good way.