Journey to Find Myself-Surviving Long Term Domestic Violence

By Maggie Bell

From discarded fragments, a new self emerges.

There are experiences that resist language. Trauma, grief, fear and survival often exist beyond words, making them difficult to explain, even to ourselves. 

This body of work emerged from that space. Created through analogue collage and assemblage, these works explore the deeply personal journey of surviving domestic and family violence, reclaiming identity, and rediscovering a voice after years of silence. Using found and recycled materials, objects that carry their own histories, the works become vessels for emotions that cannot always be spoken.

Torn paper, worn surfaces and discarded objects are transformed into stories of resilience, healing and hope. Art became more than a creative practice; it became a lifeline. When there were no words left to say, creativity became the language. The process of making offered a form of therapy when speaking was no longer possible, a safe space to release emotion, process trauma and begin to heal without the need for explanation. Through cutting, layering and assembling, difficult experiences could be expressed in ways that words never could. The repetitive, tactile nature of analogue collage became an act of mindfulness, a place of stillness, presence and peace amidst chaos. Each piece represents not only a moment of reflection, but also an act of reclaiming autonomy, identity and self-worth. At the heart of this exhibition is the freedom that creativity provides.

It is about finding the courage to exist authentically after years of shrinking to survive. It is about reclaiming ownership of one's story, embracing vulnerability as strength, and recognising that healing is rarely linear. Each work represents another step towards becoming unapologetically, and completely, oneself. While these pieces are rooted in lived experience, they speak to something universal: the human capacity to endure, adapt and rebuild.

They invite viewers to reflect on the stories we carry, the parts of ourselves we hide, and the quiet power of giving voice to what has long remained unspoken. This exhibition is not only about domestic and family violence. It is about survival. It is about transformation. Above all, it is about the enduring belief that even after silence, creativity can become a voice, and through that voice, healing can begin.

About the Artist

Maggie Bell is the artistic pseudonym of FeeBee, adopted for personal safety while also reflecting a desire to be recognised as more than her lived experience of domestic and family violence. An emerging multidisciplinary artist, she works primarily in analogue collage and textile-based practices, transforming recycled and found objects into thought-provoking works. Inspired by tattoo art, memory and material history, her practice explores identity, resilience and transformation. While advocacy for women and survivors informs much of her work, Maggie's creative practice extends beyond trauma, embracing the many stories, ideas and experiences that shape who she is.

Exhibition Opening

Sat 24 Oct | 2pm-4pm | Lyre Gallery | Free Event

Join us for the official opening and meet the artist to hear more about the inspiration, ideas and creative process behind the exhibition.

Main Artwork - Fragile, handle with care by Maggie Bell, 2025, plastic mannequin and tape-mixed media.