“I’ll love you forever. Even when I can’t […] And I’ll love you forever. Even when I shouldn’t.”

These are the first confessions made five years ago between Auburn and Adam. Adam’s confession will forever be connected to the painting Owen made Adam, which Adam had him send to Auburn.

“It’s somehow sad and breathtaking and beautiful all at once.”

Auburn understands Owen’s art. They both have traumatic pasts that left wounds, and his art taps into those wounds, making them beautiful. Owen’s art turns trauma into art, giving trauma purpose and form rather than just pointless loss and harm. This is how Art Heals.

“Seeing all of these secrets and knowing that these people have more than likely never shared these with anyone, and never will, makes me feel a sense of connection to them. A sense of belonging.”

The confessions that inspire Owen’s art make Auburn feel less alone with her own secrets.