Guest Essay: The courage to let your guts out

A guest meditation from the painters Jamie Nami Kim and Paul Waters (Twins)

My [Paul’s] grandmother was a Wachapreague woman. 

There was a Wachapreague word I learned from her — ”comaglacia” [spelled phonetically – it’s not a word that was written, only spoken].

The word translates to “let your guts out.” Meaning let your deep, inner expressions out. Let what needs to come out – out. 

We were talking about this word in our studio recently. Comaglacia is what we do when we make and put out work as artists.

We let our guts out.

It takes courage to make and release work as an artist. It’s a risk. You’re showing people what’s inside.

It isn’t easy. But it’s worth it. 

The more you release, the easier it becomes.

The more you release, the closer to your truth you get.

The more you release, the more you see who you really are.

The more you let your guts out, the more you shine a light for others to do the same.

Comaglacia takes courage. Courage is something we all need. As artists, our work can inspire courage in others.

Create. Release. Be courageous.

Let your guts out.

— Paul Waters and Jamie Nami Kim