GALLERY
CONTENT NOTE:
Art in any form is meant to express and to move hearts and challenge minds, attitudes, and perspectives; as such, these works may be activating in a variety of ways. This space is intended to honor the voices and experiences of survivors. It is not a substitute for mental health treatment or clinical support.
All items are submitted and shared with consent from System Speak artists. Please engage with the gallery respectfully. Comments, inquiries, and shares should uphold the dignity and privacy of the artists. If an artist is open to contact, a direct link is provided in the photo for that purpose. Reproduction, redistribution, or use of the artwork without explicit consent is strictly prohibited.
The views and themes expressed in these pieces are those of the individual creators and do not necessarily reflect the views of EmmaS as a person or professional, or of System Speak as a podcast, community, or organization.
The artwork in this gallery includes creative expressions by survivors of complex trauma and dissociation. These pieces may reflect intense emotions, experiences of fragmentation, and themes related to healing or harm. Some works may contain imagery or content that is activating or distressing. Please proceed with care and use discretion. If you are in crisis or feeling unsafe, we encourage you to pause and seek support from your therapist or other trusted resources.
Please care for yourself and your system during and after spending time in the gallery.
ART FOR SHOWING
Acrylic on Canvas, by Caro C-Stem
These are some paintings we did for a friend when were brand new to the awareness that we are a system.
Painting helped us feel out some different self-states through color and form.
“Breaking Through” by Anmarie Flicker System
I created this collage during the first months after emergence. The prompt in my art therapy class was to create cover art for the story of my life. This image is inspired by my grandmother, who after a nervous breakdown in her late 40s decided to conquer her fear of heights by climbing mountains. This entailed learning how to use an ice ax by throwing herself backwards down a slope to catch herself from falling. Most of my life has felt that way.
“Blanket Training”
Digital Pencils
Symposium Art
The System Speak mural, to which symposium attendees added construction paper leaves with quotes of what they learned.
“Heretic House Hostage”
SUBSTACK & BLOGS
Several self-states collaborate on this humor and literary essay series— a professor, a parent, a comedian, and a poet. Mostly it’s about the illuminating absurdities of family life (with twins), but once a month we do a slow-read of a poem or literary concept and think about how it fits into our life and/or cultural context. Link is for one particular essay, but you can find an archive of hundreds more through the site.
A blog about life, education, and redefining boundaries
This was a project I started during COVID. I was going through a time of active growth and learning, and I really enjoyed writing about my thoughts.
System Speak Substack
Collages & Altered Books
Do I Know You
I just wanted to share my art that “I” created. A part of my healing journey is at times expressed through art. It has no other purpose than to connect to others through sharing art.
Photography
Music & Podcasts
By Anmarie Flicker System
Music is one of the main creative expressions of two of our adult protectors (with a younger one beginning to express interest). We joke we are in a DID-therapy rock band: we sing about diverse misunderstood and maligned literary and historical characters and events, seeking the empathy in their traumatic stories, and in doing so we sing about our selves. The image is the cover of my band's latest album. The songs are generally whimsical and often deceptively upbeat, but some content warning for a murder ballad, a mail order bride, some mentions of God, and quirky weirdness aka art rock. All the lyrics are posted, so folks can prescreen.
Trauma-Informed Career Development for trauma survivors.
ART for SALE
A visual love letter that "You Matter"
& what's on "The Inside Counts"
This is a hand painted & sculptured anatomically correct heart. Floating in a glass jar with a lid for containment. A hand written message tagged & attached to the lid. This uniquely handcrafted piece is designed by Meg's especially for you. The tag & message is personalized. 20% of your purchase will be donated the System Speaks Community.
Each anatomically correct heart, is 4x3 inches in diameter. Hand sculpted from clay. And then realistically painted or to your specifications. Each heart is made to order by Meg's.
For each purchase 20% will be donated to the System Speak Community.
This is a therapeutic & interactive Glimmer Board
Each 1½" magnetic is hand crafted & painted (epoxy coated).
Uniquely created for healthy encouragement
to accomplish each "task" with enthusiasm.
20 magnetics (individually created by Brushstrokes & Imagination (Megs) - your idea can be designed especially for you). The magnetics can used on a magnetic board as flowchart / reminder of tasks for neurodivergents & those living with DID. Your purchase will include 20% of your processed will be donated to to System Speak Community
This is an example of a 3D painting. The image or idea is scupted out of clay onto board. Handpainted. 24 kart gold flakes & real stone crystals are applied also. This uniquely handcrafted piece is designed by Meg's especially for you. The tag & message is personalized. 20% of your purchase will be donated the System Speaks Community
Films
“You’re Not Crazy & You’re Not Alone”
with Robert Oxnam, International Scholar & Author
