A binary conversation for a non binary menopause experience
I have always sought refuge in image making as a way to explore my own sense of self & the transitions & nuances within that, hoping that others will share parts of themselves with me too.
As I navigate PCOS and POI I find solace in the capture of others, in community, in knowledge sharing, in celebrating bodies for more than just their ‘feminine’ looks, ability to reproduce or serve the socio economic narratives for which they are so largely judged upon. Creating with others offers a unique space for conversation, for curiosity, bravery, connection & I hope, in some ways, education.
I am currently asking those who have experienced or are experiencing Menopause outside of the binary understandings we are so familiar with, to collaborate with me to create images and record their stories so that richer narratives can be considered. So they may be included in contemporary rhetoric, in current discussion, imagery and understanding.
This could be a transition that occurred due to medical intervention or illness, maybe you are gender queer or Trans, also have POI or PCOS or other chronic health conditions which must be managed alongside menopause. Maybe you are nuero-divergent, from a marginalised community, physically impaired or suffer from mental health conditions that change the way you receive care or interact with the medical system or, which impact the relationships you have with your body and others.
It is you I would love to speak to. It is this unique and embodied experience I’d like to share, together.
If you would like to learn more or get involved please see below and then when and if you are ready, drop me an email, WhatsApp or complete the expression of interest form here.
THE PROCESS…
#1: Let’s chat
Coffee and a quick phone call, to run through the details, check that you are happy & explain a few of my ideas to you & how our collaboration might work. This process is lead by you & you can choose to cease your involvement at any time.
#4: PHOTOS AND WORD
This project includes a portrait or image/s of you and may also include audio or text about your Menopausal journey.
I will either write notes or record some audio while we chat so that when the time comes, quotes or excerpts may be used.
Nothing will be published or shared without permission.
COLLABORATION & MARK MAKING
This entire process aims to be as collaborative as possible so we work together to create the images.
However I will also be asking you to bring a part of yourself to the final presentation of the images by mark making on the piece/s of yellow wallpaper and possibly some of the photographs that are created. This could be done while we are together at the close of shooting or something you do at a later date in a space & place that you feel most comfortable.
#2: COFFEE
Because this project is lead by you and your personal experiences then I find a coffee or a meet up to chat, properly say hello & for me to just get to know you & how Menopause forms part of your life is a great place to start. It’s nothing formal,, I can guide you with questions & only ask that you are honest, open & bring yourself to the conversation.
#5: WHERE WILL THE IMAGES APPEAR?
This is a process & right now I don’t know exactly where this work will go but, I do know that I would love to exhibit the work, include in ,y social media & portfolio.
Ideally, I would love to start with venues and locations local to you and to me, so that it is an accessible piece of art for as many people as possible. Then let’s see where the adventure goes…
YELLOW WALLPAPER
Using yellow wallpaper - this is a recognition of the common Hysteria diagnosis associated with menstrual or menopausal women & is a historical reference linked to internalised patriarchy.
Maybe it will acts as backdrop, perhaps we will dress you in it or tear it up & include it somehow in the images but together we will experiment & see what we can create!
Here is a little more about Yellow wallpaper & Hysteria.
LOCATION
At your home, a local beach, in the bath tub, stood in puddle, in your living room, in mine, amongst the trees of a favourite walking spot, a swimming pool, in the sea, on a rock or lying on your bed - these images will be made in a space that you are comfortable & together we feel represents you and your story. I will travel to you where & when I can & if that’s not feasible, we will find a spot midway.
If you are outside of the UK, then we will use remote shooting for now
#3: TIME
This is not about rushing things, its about creating a relationship, a connection & me really getting to know you so that we can wholeheartedly tell your story, bringing you in to this as an experience and, so that we can find exciting, fun & mindful ways to work together.
I imagine we will meet anywhere between 1 - 4 times before we begin taking photographs.
CREATIVITY AND IDEAS…
Because everyone is an individual, the photographs of you will be unique to your lived experience however, I do have some consistencies that I’d like to include.
WATER
I have always loved the water, it makes me feel safe & free & really connects me as a whole. It is such a wonderful representation of all that is nature - fluid, accepting, kind, harsh & offers a beautiful nod to the transitory identities we experience especially when dealing with our own health.
I will aim to shoot in or near water with you and, then collect some of that water to use within the process of developing the final photographic image.