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This is a portrait of my friend, Carol. I was inspired to make this work because of her. She, like me, is profoundly deaf. Although her ability to hear has declined past mine to becoming clinically deaf, I've seen how she has fought the isolation this physical change can create. Becoming a widow only added to her challenges, and the fight against isolation intensified within her home. Now during Covid, her fight against isolation has conceded beyond her home. Her face shows her history, but also an inner strength. I wanted to celebrate that kind of genuine beauty. To me, her eyes are soft and vulnerable, her mouth is questioning and uncertain, her chin is set and resilient. Carol's world has grown smaller around her, yet she grew in ways that the world should take note of. Sometimes the most vulnerable are the strongest people we can ever meet.

Peggy Magovern

pmagovern.com