When I was a kid, all but 3 of my teeth had to be pulled.
(Those other 3 I pulled out myself, wiggling them because they were "loose" until they actually were loose. One I yanked out at summer camp, out of mild boredom. Every one else was swimming.)
They weren't falling out naturally. A few adult teeth were coming in, but in a very helter-skelter way, all over the place. So I'd have to go in, get shot up with novocaine, and get a handful of teeth pulled at a time. From this, plus a couple of other lovely interactions with medical professionals, I developed a solid fear of needles, and I quickly learned to not open my mouth at the dentist's anymore. So they sent me to a pediatric dentist who gassed the f*ck out of me before bringing out the needles.
I wish I had kept more of my actual teeth as mementos. I only have a couple in tiny plastic treasure chests tucked away in jewelry boxes somewhere.
For those of you asking about what my deal is with teeth -- the Dentata painting, the tattoo, this newest print -- I'm sure that has something to do with it.
In related news, I'm giving away one of my new prints, "Smile."
Head over to my Instagram: @carlybodnarstudio and leave a comment on the giveaway post (look for the above image) to be entered in the drawing.
This contest ends Sunday July 2nd at midnight. The winner receives print #1 out of a limited edition run of 25, hand-drawn and hand-printed by yours truly in 4 custom-mixed semi-transparent colors on 8x10" paper, complete with certificate of authenticity. This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed, or administered by, or associated with, Instagram.
Or, you can forego the suspense and pick one up in the shop :-D