Tin Woman
I made Tin Woman because I have had a hard time speaking up at times. Easier to keep quiet than to assert myself or stand up for someone. Easier to stay silent and avoid conflict than to speak up.
I painted her jaw clamped shut and rusted from disuse, her eyes sad from what she has seen. But I gave her some oil to loosen her jaw. And when she was completed, I knew I would find my voice. Now whenever I am deciding whether to speak up, I see her face and imagine her telling me to Go ahead, speak. Speak!
She says:
“My mother always said, "If you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all." She also said, "We don't talk like that in our house...Don't gossip...Don't cause trouble." I avoided conflict, didn't speak up at injustice, kept silent during problems. I kept quiet so long my jaws rusted shut. My eyes see much, but I have no voice. Please, hand me the oil.”
