A Melanin Memoir
ALEXANDRIA BULLEN
The intimate stories of a mixed woman on self-acceptance, self-love & vulnerability.
I am eager to share my work and my unique experiences as a biracial woman. This is a safe space to be your most vulnerable and authentic self. If even one person feels understood and represented by my page, then I am fulfilled.
THOUGHT OF THE WEEK
celebrating our black history
What do ya’ll think of my latest poem & painting, Malevolent Thread? Share your thoughts!
Thanks for your thought!
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I began painting back in 2020 when I had free time during the pandemic. I fell in love with it and it has become my peace in times of emotional distress as I navigate my adult life and my job in the military. The first four pieces started as simply painting and expressing my feelings. They were painted when I was in a place of deep emotional turmoil. The last and most recent paintings, (Finding Perfection, Organized Chaos and Vulnerable) I wanted to focus on detail and intention with my brush strokes. Focusing on detail grounded me in the moments when I fell into moments of anxiety. Painting has turned into a therapy, an escape that has grounded me in moments when I am at my worst.
Vulnerable
December 21, 2022
acrylic on canvas
This was my first real piece that I created when I began painting. This piece represents me opening up and portraying my real self, my true colors to the world. It marks the beginning of finally stepping into a vulnerable and raw space to share who I am through my paintings and my writing.
Marvelous Thread
Feb 16, 2025
acrylic on canvas
This piece is a smaller more optimistic variation of Malevolent Thread. Unlike its mother painting, this piece symbolizes the uplifting hope for new beginnings, and new possibilities for love and unity. May the world become a better place for all.
The pieces below incorporate “rushed” line work, a technique that I’ve gravitated to due to it’s relaxed nature. I love that the lines are not perfect with an unfinished feel to them. It’s a technique that I can paint with a certain level of detail, yet not feel the pressure of making them look finished or perfect – which has always been a stressor due to my perfectionist nature. Moving away from perfect and even realistic art has been a relief for my mind. Even the portrait Tender Stoicism was painted by the application of messy pallet knife smears. I loved how uneven and unrefined both techniques are which allow me to feel a sense of freedom and easygoingness.
TENDER STOICISM
June 2024
acrylic & watercolor on canvas
The title Tender Stoicism came from the dichotomous feeling of a man who struggles to grasp his emotional availability. It leaves a feeling of both sorrow and strength. Sorrow because we live in a world where society deems a mans emotions and vulnerability as unacceptable, and strength because only those who have fully tapped into their masculinity maturely and appropriately are able to exude femininity in a stoic manner.
UNTETHERED
September 2024 Collection
acrylic on paper
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