Used Band-aid Collection

used bandaid collection

a piece inspired by an old friend of mine, thank you.

what does a bandaid represent?

it represents a temporary solution. it represents a covered wound that still bleeds. it represents the suppression of all that is gross and bloody. It symbolizes repression.

throughout life, we repress many situations, most of which we do not remember or quite understand. or perhaps, the memory isn’t repressed at all and it haunts you every single day, much like a cut stings. 

sometimes a cut leaves a scar. scars are battles we are forever reminded of, no matter how long ago they were made. some scars heal and fade almost as quickly as they were created, yet some remain deeply indented into our bodies. 

the concept of a used bandaid collection sounds disgusting if you think about it in a very literal sense. bandaids are covered in bacteria or get slimy and sticky upon removal. bandaids can be gross; i think we can all admit that. 

but i challenge you to think about it more metaphorically. 

if a bandaid covers an open wound, it is helping it heal. we experience pain, of all types, every single day, thus slapping a bandaid or excuse hides the disgusting reality of our pain. no one wants to see the bloody mess so you cover it up and move on; that’s how suppression works. so a used bandaid collection would tell a story of how you healed your deepest cuts and bruises. 

isn’t that some sort of beautiful? 

 yet, some people rip the bandaid off too soon, revealing the bright red surrounding your scraps, and the pain increases again. it is as if you are rubbing salt into a dirty wound. you must let yourself recharge and heal. some pain doesn’t just go away. it haunts you and terrorizes you until the wound is addressed. give yourself a pause. allow your body and mind to heal. 

the metaphorical bandaid could be found in one of your passions or perhaps in a person you love. allow yourself to be engulfed in your most valuable memories and love. give yourself that metaphorical bandaid. 

don’t bleed out in pain anymore, find your bandaid. take a breath. 

scars can be beautiful too.