At the center of the image is a large eye that hangs in mid-air. It is globular and its nerve endings hang off to one side making it look like a goldfish. There are strips of brown and blue papers on the bottom and top, creating mountainous forms on the bottom, and a cloudy night sky at the top. Hands arise from these forms in the bottom, and butterflies fly on top. In the background are the words ‘see through my eyes’ written over and over again. Some of the words are crossed out and re-written. A couple of drops of red are splattered between the butterflies. An outstretched arm enters the frame on the left.

Tristian Laney

See Through My Eyes, 8”x5” watercolor and collage.

As a transgender fashion designer, I often feel my art is seen as illegitimately referencing my gender identity or isn’t understood by others at all. I find that that by forcing others to live in the uncomfortable feelings I experience everyday I raise awareness and acceptance for myself.