Nicole Fillion-Robin

RS: In what ways have you experienced touch, or how has touch changed for you through the pandemic?
NFR: I live with my partner, and during the pandemic I greatly craved non-sexual touch, maybe because he was the only person I received touch from on a daily basis. I missed friend hugs and all those small gestures you take for granted, in other words touch that didn't ask anything of me.


RS: How do you define and or understand resilience as it relates to owning an identity that is marginalized?
NFR: In the past I put a lot of pressure on being "tough" and compartmentalizing negative feelings. I've come around to encouraging the more sensitive parts of myself to have their own space. It's still a challenge for me to allow emotions to flow through me, so resilience these days means that I can recognize that things in the world might hurt me, but I am able to grow and seek joy despite it.


RS: How does Austin play a role in your experience of touch and or resiliency?
NFR: Austin as a city is so warm and friendly on the surface. I underestimated how white it was demographically before I moved here. I've become much more aware of being Asian American here. I've also become much stronger in my boundaries here, starting to heal any harmful touch from my past, honoring my body and wants/needs in regards to touch.


RS: What was your experience in creating your skin prints? 
NFR: This felt like a safe way to honor my body and how it heals (scar tissue) and for all that it does for me.


RS: Where on your body did you choose to create your prints from? Why were/are these spots important to you?
NFR: It was challenging to choose which parts of my body I wanted to include! I chose a couple vulnerable spots (a scar) and another spot on my abdomen - one I'd like to embrace more (curves!).