I love artists who make marginalized groups feel seen. To me, that’s something that makes a great artist.
As an aromantic-asexual woman and a person from a non-traditional family, it’s not often I find characters (or fandoms in general) that I can relate to. It’s SO rare to see an asexual and/or adoptee character in mainstream media and when I find one, my eyes light up and I feel a little less invisible.
At this year’s C2E2, I had the good fortune to meet @briannagarciaart and even managed to commission two pieces from her: Marvel adoptee hugs, Thor & Loki and Gamora & Nebula. I actually almost cried when she showed my the finished lineart. Because here was an extraordinarily talented artist who had drawn these exquisite pieces that made me feel seen. She hadn’t had a chance to color them yet and so would ship them once she finished.
About a week after C2E2, I learned that a dear friend of mine, and the only other queer adoptee I knew, had passed away. It hit me a lot harder than I expected. The world felt a little colder, a little lonelier. I kept myself busy with work, but it took a bit of effort to get back into my routine.
Yesterday, I received an email from Ms. Garcia letting me know that my commission was finished and she was kind enough to send scans of the finished works.
And my eyes welled up again as I marveled at these two beautiful pictures of adoptee siblings hugging. It made me think of all the adoptees I used to know who were adopted from the same agency as me. It made me think of my late friend and his sisters. And…it made me think of myself and my younger brother, totally different personalities and born to different parents, but we’re still siblings (just like blood related brothers and sisters).
Here was an artist who captured the warmth, love, and bonds between siblings not related by blood. It made this nerdy, aro-ace adoptee feel a little less invisible, a little less alone. I could not be more grateful 😃
Thank you, @briannagarciaart! 💜💖
#adoptedsiblings #adoptees #Thor #Loki #Gamora #Nebula #beautiful #gorgeousart #art