This piece is an exclamation point to the substance and essence of my current paintings. "Exposed" is a culmination of what I experienced when I allowed myself to expel the idea that in order to feel safe I needed to be silent and keep my head down. The process of undoing that belief is painful and my tendency is to run. However, it is imperative I not only be open, but have a strong and powerful voice in the process. I must persevere through my urge to avoid painful and difficult emotions. The effects of a lifetime of self-restraint and suppressed emotions are crippling and will consume us from the inside out. "Exposed" illustrates the spectrum of fear, excitement, and angst that challenges us relentlessly throughout each day. The "command" on the bottom left center stating "don't you dare -RUN" was, and remains to be a critical mantra to remind me to go through the commotion and not avoid it.