Financial Times letter, my first and there is the "control" word from Jan 2008

SUNDAY, JANUARY 20, 2008

My letter in The Financial Times weekend June 3/June 4, 2000
The Financial Times weekend June 3/June 4, 2000

William Packer's description of Lucien Freud's "Naked Portrait" ("Paint is back in fashion", May 16) and the courage of the FT to show the image are truly spectacular.

Women's sexuality seems to be "hidden" in the most negative shame-based way as a form of control. When women's body parts are visually displayed, it is to sell a product. The woman's body becomes "plastic"; her power from being an object directly analogous to the product.

I am not a big Freud admirer but this painting and your courage in publishing it are at the cutting edge. As a woman painter, I feel I would have more to lose than to gain if I were to produce a self-portrait like "Naked Portrait", because women are still lagging behind on all fronts -- from economic power to the most basic human rights.

I would not expect the New York Times or the Wall Street Journal to carry an image like "Naked Portrait". Bravo FT.

Suzannah B. Troy

*This was the first letter I had published. I was volunteering as Rusk, NYU with pre-school kids and I came home and saw an email from the FT...I can't express how much this letter meant and still means to me as a woman and artist and seven years later it is still true -- globally economic issues and basic human rights....the way women are treated.

+As I cope with the stress and trauma of leaving my home of 20 years I can't help but think of this letter and there is the "control" word...the word I kept leaving out in all my pieces I kept writing on violence towards women and it was done -- attempted -- this control thing, trying to control me, shut me down, intimidate me, etc....it is all documented and everyone that could be made aware is aware.  Not an ex-boyfriend...I think of Ben posting Tina Negron's last words on my blog, telling her murderer, You are not going to control me. Stop trying to control women.

I do feel I will be famous even if it is after I am dead so I can really enjoy fame.  This chapter of my life...I believe my story will be told.  I believe my basic rights were violated  and the thought of my story being told in the context of the "big picture" because there is more to the story, anyway it  is a comfort to think one day...but for now everyone who should know knows.

I look forward to closing this chapter and never looking back.  I will continue to help my community and I will be here but life has changed for me.

I also am really happy with a new friend that  I need now and I am very appreciative...I am appreciative for everyone who helped me and supported me, listened to me and continues to do so...thanks and gratitude.   You are what makes the East Village a Village, you are what makes the big City from Staten Island to Manhattan a village. Thank you for helping me cope...hugs and love and gratitude.