I am Gabby “Yella” Soyland, 16, Filipino-Norwegian. “The Unhappy Feet” is my take on finding myself, I wanted to really tackle my sexuality and how from a young age I never felt at home in my own body. Whenever I watched my movies and shows, I would always want to be the leading man to date the main female character. I wanted to be Troy because I was attracted to Gabriella, and this was a very big moment for me that I always just hid. I didn’t want anyone to find out. To this day, only a few of my very close friends know what I feel and I think I’m going to keep it that way. I like that even if only a few people can accept my feelings, I can be very open when I make art and take photos. My photos visualize the fear of not knowing myself, they visualize the way I don’t want people to see that side of me yet, which is why I covered a side of my face-this represents the fact that I have not reached my full potential yet and I am taking the small steps to get to that point. I struggled to accept that part and I know there are people out there who might feel the same way I feel and struggle with accepting it, to those people: you are not alone. All those unhappy routes I’ve taken in life have led me to where I am now and I am glad I can finally share this.
Instagram: @gabbysoyland