Uchenna Ossai

RS: In what ways have you experienced touch, or how has touch changed for you through the pandemic
UO: I haven't experienced touch for my own healing or connection during the pandemic. I only experience thriving or healing others through my profession. As a plus-sized, short-haired, outspoken Black woman in Austin... It's very hard to find touch that isn't requiring me to perform in some way.


RS: How do you define and or understand resilience as it relates to owning an identity that is marginalized? 
UO: Staying alive. Waking up everyday. One foot in front of the other.


RS: How does Austin play a role in your experience of touch and or resiliency?
UO: I've never felt more isolated and othered in my entire life since moving here. It's a very, very difficult space to thrive in.


RS: What was your experience in creating your skin prints?
UO: It was hopeful, I think. I think I subconsciously wanted the sticker to take the pain away. 🤣🤣🤣.


RS: Where on your body did you choose to create your prints from? Why were/are these spots important to you? 
UO: It wasn't hard to decide where to place them.... they were the spaces that needed the healing. My heart and my abdomen. I've experienced profound heartbreak 💔 and I have tumors in my abdomen that require major surgery. I don't fear death. I fear the medical community's indifference to Black bodies...I fear being dismissed.


RS: Is there anything else you’d like to share about your story?
UO: I feel a bit lost in my life right now.... never had that experience before. So much pain and trauma over the past year and a half; I'm struggling to know what to do with all this pain.