Laura Wigley
Art by Sarah Barnard
Content Warning: mentions of trauma
As I reach out into a world full of possibility, I find wounds in me that I didn’t realise needed healing.
Uncovering that painful label: trauma. The realisation rips through me, breaking me all over again. The tremble of panic, my body frozen with fear at the thought of something beautiful; stress and anxiety and pain. But surely not trauma? Wouldn’t I recognise it if it was trauma? Surely I would have seen it before now. The vivid ugliness of trauma is easily spotted, not camouflaged by the messiness of life. Surely it announces its entrance with a terrifying roar, rather than the quiet fear that steals my voice? It couldn’t have woven its way into every part of my being, paralysing me, warping my view and stealing my joy… Surely trauma is an ugly monster, easy to spot?
Laura Wigley
Laura Wigley is a PhD student from Edinburgh working on how to explore, understand and share what it is to live with chronic illness. Currently walking through a painful but beautiful journey of self discovery which keeps coming out as poetry. As well as writing about living in a broken body, Laura explores topics such as sexuality, autonomy, feminism and trauma.
Sarah Barnard
Sarah Barnard is a largely self-taught artist based in Edinburgh and Norfolk, working mostly in acrylics, inks, and airbrush.
After a slightly unconventional journey to art through marine biology and environmental sciences, Sarah became a professional artist in 2015.
She is inspired by strong-minded people, their stories and attitudes; as well as the natural world and environmental concerns.
When not painting, Sarah enjoys practicing yoga, taking on challenges for charity, and running extremely slowly!
