Fundraising Efforts Updated

** 50% of all proceeds from my online shop are donated to Sheena's Place: a non-institutional, non-residential organization that provides support, resources, and skills building classes and workshops for people of all genders struggling with Eating Disorders AT NO COST. Please visit https://foxtalesbykira.patternbyetsy.com for sales information. **

Today I have been working hard on updating my online store. I have added new links, created new sales, and I will continue to pursue my goal of raising $1000 by December 31, 2016. 

Being a teacher of adolescents, issues around body image and self-esteem are so important to me. Eating Disorders affect people of all ages and all genders. 

The National Eating Disorders Information Centre (NEDIC) cites overwhelming statistics on their website. 

www.nedic.ca

Prevalence of Eating Disorders

According to a 2002 survey, 1.5% of Canadian women aged 15–24 years had an eating disorder.
Government of Canada. (2006). The Human Face of Mental Health and Mental Illness in Canada 2006.

The prevalence of anorexia and bulimia is estimated to be 0.3% and 1.0% among adolescent and young women respectively. Prevalence rates of anorexia and bulimia appear to increase during the transition from adolescence to young adulthood.
Hoek, H. W. (2007). Incidence, prevalence and mortality of anorexia and other eating disorders. Current Opinion in Psychiatry, 19(4), 389-394.

Four percent of boys in grades nine and ten reported anabolic steroid use in a 2002 study, showing that body preoccupation and attempts to alter one’s body are issues affecting both men and women.
Boyce, W. F. (2004). Young people in Canada: their health and well-being. Ottawa, Ontario: Health Canada.

The fashion industry has long dictated that female models be tall and waif-like; however, male models are now facing increasing pressure to slim down and appear more androgynous, in order to book top fashion jobs.
Trebay, G. (2008, February 7). The Vanishing Point. The New York Times.

(for more stats and information see http://nedic.ca/know-facts/statistics)

I watch children go through issues around their bodies on a regular basis. Both boys and girls. There is so much emphasis on bodies and the way that they look. 

These are just some of the reason that I am so passionate about raising money for an organization that supports people of all genders who are struggling with eating disorders, or are in various stages of recovery.

It is a lofty goal to raise $1000 6 months, but I am convinced that I can do it. 

Be kind to yourself, 

Kira

...

How I Began Creating Art

** 50% of all proceeds from my online shop are donated to Sheena's Place: a non-institutional, non-residential organization that provides support, resources, and skills building classes and workshops for people of all genders struggling with Eating Disorders AT NO COST. Please visit https://foxtalesbykira.patternbyetsy.com for sales information. **


In April 2015, a wise and thoughtful woman suggested that I try out a drawing app for my iPad. Having never been very good at drawing, I was reluctant to begin. I started by experimenting with colours and textures.

Eventually, I got up the nerve to draw a sunset.

Right before my eyes, my fingers discovered that they could draw.

There is something about using just one finger on a screen that allows me to create images that I just can't translate from my head through an art implement such as a pencil or a paint brush.

I became more and more brave and started to attempt faces.

In time, I came to love facial expressions.

I began to share my art with my brother. He gave me very positive feedback and helped me to print out that first sunset drawing onto canvas. 

I felt so happy about that print. 

I then decided to begin exploring body language 

which led to an exploration of body movements.

My brother decided that my drawings needed to be bumped up to the next level and he bought me a more advanced drawing program that had computery stuff (that I don't really understand) which created crisper lines, more tools, a better zoom, the ability to create layers, and a handbook of several hundred pages that I still haven't finished reading. 

My drawings began to feel more like "art". 

Drawing turned from a pastime, to a coping mechanism, and then into a passion.

I am able to flip between several different styles with ease by choosing a different tool in my art program. 

My most recent project is about positive body image and I can't WAIT to share with you that exciting venture!!

I look forward to sharing this journey with you and hope that you will visit my site again.

More Bodies

** 50% of all proceeds from my online shop are donated to Sheena's Place: a non-institutional, non-residential organization that provides support, resources, and skills building classes and workshops for people of all genders struggling with Eating Disorders AT NO COST. Please visit https://foxtalesbykira.patternbyetsy.com for sales information. **

Today I felt like sharing a couple piece of art. 

I have been playing with shadows in my pieces in The Body Project series. 

And as always, I have been playing with movement and shapes.