My Mettle of Armor

Medal of Honor

I always thought this medal was a charming but ridiculous thing. A military-style medal for art? Creativity and conformity have always seemed like such opposing forces.

I won it when I was thirteen and kept it around for years always thinking in the back of my mind that it was a piece of art in itself. I didn’t fully appreciate then how well it described me, for art was not only my avenue of expression, it also insulated and sheltered me—a safe haven that offered recognition and appreciation.