Shen Womack-Smith

RS: In what ways have you experienced touch, or how has touch changed for you through the pandemic?
SWS: I'm a hugger, I was a tattooist/piercer for years, I did reiki and massage...touch was big for me personally and professionally. I got the virus early on and was quarantined from my partner. I am still having issues related to Covid, and find myself fearful of being around people and haven't touched anyone besides my partner in a long time. I crave touch but fear getting sick again.


RS: How do you define and or understand resilience as it relates to owning an identity that is marginalized?
SWS: I am feel like I fall somewhere on a spectrum of nonbinary genderfluidity. I am a bearded and rather masculine presenting on the outside, yet I am fluffy and effeminate and flamboyant on the inside. I guess my resilience lies in not allowing myself to become invisible and blend into society as just another dude. I let my freak flag fly instead of hiding behind a mask of heteronormativity.


RS: How does Austin play a role in your experience of touch and or resiliency?
SWS: I'm terrified of being around all the people. I don't trust the crowds of unmasked people. I used to like walking around and going to events downtown, now the idea makes me break out in a sweat.


RS: What was your experience in creating your skin prints?
SWS: Totally therapeutic and reminded me to be connected with my body and appreciate my body because I have been disappointed with my body's failings.


RS: Where on your body did you choose to create your prints from? Why were/are these spots important to you?
SWS: I did my nipples. I pierced my nipples many many years ago as a way to reconnect my mind and body and deal with past sexual trauma. About ten years ago I lost my right ring violently. I took my left one out in solidarity and never really dealt with that trauma. I feel like this experience helped me find some closure with that experience and reconnect with nipples.