Seven Years Down the Drain… is an extended exploration of my identity. As a work in two parts, a hanging acrylic panel and mounted knit panel, the interaction works to visually obscure the text and conceptually relate to the subject matter. Utilizing flatbed UV printing technology for the acrylic, a matte finish is applied to affect the clarity of the panel behind. The choice to embed the text within the knit structure, instead of screen printed, is important. There is power in the embedded text. The content is integral to my being, just as the fabric would fall apart if the yarns that make up the text was removed. With the nature of the text being essentially a journal article, the act of obscuring the content echoes my own experience hiding my truth to the world. When displayed, however, one can walk around the work and closely investigate the text. The work exists as a conversation between myself and the audience, inviting them to get to know me on a deeper level.