About
As an active feminist and lover of words, I created this collection of two-toned linoleum prints with messages in collaged magazine letters as a colorful celebration of the strong, creative, openly vulnerable, badass women who have, and still do, contribute to the mission of intersectional gender equality. With the result of this past year election, I felt it important to create a reminder of all the strong women that have contributed to the progress of our nation.
I incorporate the quotations that I do because these words and phrases have been nothing short of life-changing for me. Gloria Steinem taught me how to better understand the link between gender stereotyping and self-esteem in her book Revolution From Within. Roxane Gay made me laugh and cry during The Bad Feminist Essays when commenting on everything from popular culture to the very real consequences of sexual assault and other forms of violence against women. Sara Bareilles' music and lyrics, especially songs like "Between the Lines" and "Hold My Heart", carried me through many moments of my life in which I was uncertain of the girl I was or the young woman I wanted to become. Laverne Cox helped me to stretch my understanding of gender identity and expression. Serena Williams and Ronda Rousey have long exemplified strength and passion in sports, a realm mainly dominated by men. Caroline Knapp, with her book Appetites, and Courtney Martin, with her book Perfect Girls, Starving Daughters, helped me to better understand, and thus overcome, my struggle with body image and disordered eating. Audre Lorde helped me to understand how to be a better ally to women of color. The list goes on.
Understanding and developing one's own personal brand of feminism is a process of collecting words, thoughts, images, and values from way back before we can even remember and continuing to build upon that every day we are alive. This portfolio is a reflection of my own personal brand of feminism, full of the many influences that made their way into my life prior to me even identifying as a feminist. I hope you will find it useful in developing your own personal brand, as well.
About Me
I am a local DC resident who (relatively) recently graduated from Duke University with a double major in Public Policy and Gender Studies. I spent my first year out of college waitressing and writing a book called The Effortless Perfection Myth about the gender issues millennial women face while in college. After that I spent time in the policy realm working at a law firm that lobbies for rehabilitation and disability issues. I am now back in school to become a high school English teacher. I am an avid print maker, collage-er, and writer.
I am also on the Impact Committee at N Street Village, a shelter that "empowers homeless and low-income women to claim their highest quality of life by offering a broad spectrum of services and advocacy in an atmosphere of dignity and respect." I'm thrilled to announce that over $5,000 in proceeds from my installation at Baked & Wired in Georgetown were donated to this important cause.