Just Keep Smiling - Samantha Gray

Description

Exclusive A5 print from UK tattoo artist Samantha Grey

Medium: 1 Colour Screenprint on Somerset Satin 310gsm Paper
Size A5 (148 × 210 mm | 5.8 × 8.3 inches)
Limited edition 30
Signed and numbered
Sold unframed

‘Just Keep Smiling’ is a striking image portraying the ability to wear a fake smile as a mask, because it’s easier than explaining why you’re sad.
This image was created when I was going through my own trauma - I spoke to someone about how I was feeling after they asked me how I was doing. I finally decided to give more of a truthful answer, to which their bewildering response was “you need to just keep smiling and it will get better”...
Realistically, does anyone expect a truthful answer to that question? Do people really have the time to listen about how you actually are? Is this why, ultimately, we feel like it’s easier to put on our ‘happy face’ and play pretend?..