This is an artistic response to the question, “What do you bring to the table?” 

I achieved this painting by layering seven images on top of each other. I did not know the meaning of each image until the final picture that was in my head emerged.

The woman and a cat are the main subjects while there are silhouettes in the window. The silhouettes represent surveillance and how information spreads fast in the notion that someone is always hearing. The woman is in a standing position uncovering what she has as a surprise to the other person who asked what she brings to the table. The cat depicts the decision of clinging and bravery that is delicate at this moment because at any moment it will be pushed off the table.

The question, what do you bring to the table?

Mostly asked by the stronger person when the debate is hot and often leads to a conclusion of the debate. This is a reflection of what I experienced in the household I was brought up in and the community around me. These conversations would be highly pitched because they came with some anger and I felt the intense air that covered the room. I tried to recall the atmosphere and characters correctly and this artwork was the best I could paint of the picture in my head.