Illustration |

Spiders and Feelings

Shira Anisman

“Spiders and Feelings” is the second in a series of three illustrated short stories exploring magical realism, irrational fear, and obsession. They are autobiographical, fictional, fun and funky. The first story can be found at shiraanisman.com/lopsided

Spiders and Feelings By Shira Anisman
Ew ew ew Fuck I hated that Nooo
I told you I get scared when the door is left open What if a big spider gets in And I'll have to be the one to kill it.
I hate that part of this process is me googling pictures of spiders. Nasty.
One night when I was in the kitchen at 3 am, I thought I saw something moving. It was a spider. I guess it got in when the door was open.
Spending this much time drawing spiders just makes me more afraid.
Get out of my house! No no no The hell?? Spider: Hey wtf?
Oh. Looks like I can't trap you. Wanna be my friend? Spider: Meh.
No like I don't really have anything to do right now. Like what's your deal? How old are you? How long do spiders live? I'm 20. Spider: Good for you? Do you ever talk to people instead of just going inside their homes?
While I was making this I dropped a pen and when I went to get it I saw a spider was guarding it. They know.
Listen I think this could be really fun. What do you like to do? I've never had a friend who's a spider. Spider: lol ok
Why aren't you paying attention to me? Why can't you just love me? I'm very likeable You're in my house you could at least try. Spider: Umm
Why are you going? Can I come too? Do you have other friends??
Ok goodbye! It was fun hanging out!
Hey don't leave the door open! Shit I'm so stupid. Why did I say I don't have spider friends? Is that offensive? I always ruin things like this.
Why did it leave me? Oof I fucking hate it here. I know it's my fault. But it sucks.
End.

Shira Anisman

I'm seeking opportunities
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Oh hi, I’m Shira! I'm an illustrator, living on unceded territories of the Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh First Nations (aka vancouver). My favourite thing in this world is to tell a story and see people react. I usually do narrative illustration, and I use digital mediums, watercolour, and ink. If you like my art, please consider telling me you like it. That would make me really happy!
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