Cambridge artist designs period boxes to promote menstrual equity
Alana Decker has always embodied messages of love and strength through her artwork.
The Cambridge artist took her work to another level during the COVID-19 pandemic, and now she’s partnering with Changing The Flow, a Waterloo Region organization focused on menstrual equity. Decker’s artwork is showcased on a line of period boxes, designed to hold menstrual products in public restrooms.
The goal of the period boxes is to break the stigma of shame surrounding menstruation, and the artwork provides a positive narrative about menstruation.
The Cambridge Times spoke with Decker about why it’s important for her to create artwork that empowers young women and why the community needs to embrace period positivity. Below is a Q-and-A with her.
Tell me the story of how you became an artist. How did you become interested in art?
You know, being an artist, it actually came by surprise, mostly because it was during the pandemic. It really opened up the door for creativity.
Why is it important to you to create art that empowers young women?
It’s important to my inner child and to my female children as well. I want my son to know the value of an individual and the value of a woman. I think it's important for people to understand their strength, their value, that they’re loved and supported and that they're never alone.
Traditionally women have been ashamed and embarrassed of their periods. Why is it important to create a positive narrative around menstruation?
It's important because I look back to when I was in high school, and we’d pass pads and tampons under our sleeves and secretly give them to each other. These period products were literally designed to undermine us, even though we’re contributing to the economy by buying them. Why did we feel we needed to hide the fact that we were menstruating? I have access to food products that aren’t hidden. There should be no shame at all because we all have a friend that bleeds.
You have two Black hands on the period box that you designed. Why is it important to have that kind of representation when it comes to period positivity?
I think it's important because representation matters. This is relatable to everyone. I want people in the BIPOC community to feel loved and supported like they’re part of a sisterhood or brotherhood. There needs to be representation when it comes to knowing that you are safe, loved and respected.
To check out Decker's art, go to https://www.adeckercreations.com
Genelle Levy, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Cambridge Times
Alana Decker has always embodied messages of love and strength through her artwork.
The Cambridge artist took her work to another level during the COVID-19 pandemic, and now she’s partnering with Changing The Flow, a Waterloo Region organization focused on menstrual equity. Decker’s artwork is showcased on a line of period boxes, designed to hold menstrual products in public restrooms.
The goal of the period boxes is to break the stigma of shame surrounding menstruation, and the artwork provides a positive narrative about menstruation.
The Cambridge Times spoke with Decker about why it’s important for her to create artwork that empowers young women and why the community needs to embrace period positivity. Below is a Q-and-A with her.
Tell me the story of how you became an artist. How did you become interested in art?
You know, being an artist, it actually came by surprise, mostly because it was during the pandemic. It really opened up the door for creativity.
Why is it important to you to create art that empowers young women?
It’s important to my inner child and to my female children as well. I want my son to know the value of an individual and the value of a woman. I think it's important for people to understand their strength, their value, that they’re loved and supported and that they're never alone.
Traditionally women have been ashamed and embarrassed of their periods. Why is it important to create a positive narrative around menstruation?
It's important because I look back to when I was in high school, and we’d pass pads and tampons under our sleeves and secretly give them to each other. These period products were literally designed to undermine us, even though we’re contributing to the economy by buying them. Why did we feel we needed to hide the fact that we were menstruating? I have access to food products that aren’t hidden. There should be no shame at all because we all have a friend that bleeds.
You have two Black hands on the period box that you designed. Why is it important to have that kind of representation when it comes to period positivity?
I think it's important because representation matters. This is relatable to everyone. I want people in the BIPOC community to feel loved and supported like they’re part of a sisterhood or brotherhood. There needs to be representation when it comes to knowing that you are safe, loved and respected.
To check out Decker's art, go to https://www.adeckercreations.com
Genelle Levy, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Cambridge Times
No comments:
Post a Comment