Three: “Unwelcome Companion”

"Unwelcome Companion": 30 x 24 x 1.5 inches

Ansel’s constant “unwelcome companion” seems to have a voice originating from nowhere and everywhere at once. His companion isn’t a murderous conscience, but a relentless monsoon of intrusive thoughts.

The unwelcome companion often starts working subtly. A stray thought about an innocuous bump in an elevator ride morphing into visions of a 60 foot, rapid descent towards the earth in which the passengers do not survive. A casual conversation at a friendly gathering twisting into a social blunder he'll dissect for weeks. Crowded streets and venues sending a wave of panic and dizziness crashing over him. A minor headache escalating into a panicked internet search for symptoms and causes of rare brain tumors.

Intrusive thoughts might forever be a part of Ansel, but he is aware enough to understand and recognize he is not alone. He yearns to recognize the origins of the companion's voice, challenge its negativity, and find strength in the company of others. Rather than subjugate himself to his unwelcome companion, he strives to write his own story, a story of resilience and the fight to reclaim his life, one word, one thought, and one step at a time.

"Unwelcome Companion": 30 x 24 x 1.5 inches