EmpowHER quilt, patch 28
Maker and role
Saffiya: Artist
Production date
2021
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Details
Description
Saffiya wanted to create her patch using a new skill she developed during one of the Covid-19 lockdowns. "I've always loved art, so any opportunity to do it, I will definitely take! I thought lots of different people's images on one quilt was a powerful message, and I wanted to be a part of that. Not long ago, I got an iPad with the sole purpose of drawing on it, so I got a painting app and made it (the patch) on there. I also wanted to do it on the iPad to reflect what the last year has been like, doing a lot online."
Explaining her design, she said, "I had this image in my head of a silhouette. I thought I would do the outline of a face to show [the importance of] being there in the moment." Saffiya also included the words 'my body, my rules'. "It really came to me straight away. It's an important message to put out... I hope people learn that they need to respect everyone and that you are worth it, so don't let anybody disrespect you or your body."
Saffiya hopes that when people read the quotes on the finished quilt, they take the time to understand the opinions and topics raised. "I think people should take in all the different messages because there are so many different viewpoints. I hope they will open their minds to expand their knowledge and start to ask questions because questions can lead to so much more."
Explaining her design, she said, "I had this image in my head of a silhouette. I thought I would do the outline of a face to show [the importance of] being there in the moment." Saffiya also included the words 'my body, my rules'. "It really came to me straight away. It's an important message to put out... I hope people learn that they need to respect everyone and that you are worth it, so don't let anybody disrespect you or your body."
Saffiya hopes that when people read the quotes on the finished quilt, they take the time to understand the opinions and topics raised. "I think people should take in all the different messages because there are so many different viewpoints. I hope they will open their minds to expand their knowledge and start to ask questions because questions can lead to so much more."
Collection Type
Objects
Production Place
History
Saffiya was part of many different social action projects, all with powerful messages. Speaking about her EmpowHER experience, she said, "the magazine about sexual harassment was one of the biggest projects. We also learnt about doing small activism in your community."
The EmpowHER programme made a huge difference to Saffiya, and she became keen to help others. "I hope I'll be able to reach out to more people and get involved in projects and spread the word further. I think one of the biggest things I've learnt has been adapting myself to situations like when we pitched for funding for our magazine. I think another would be my skills in group work, being able to collect everyone's ideas so gaining knowledge from other people."
Reflecting on her time with EmpowHER, Saffiya said, "When I got involved in EmpowHER, it opened doors to meeting new people and charities. I've had opportunities to speak at events, and I've done a couple with the British Red Cross, which is amazing." Saffiya spoke as a Role Model at the Anti-Racism, Inclusion and LGBTQIA+ EmpowHER event.
The EmpowHER programme made a huge difference to Saffiya, and she became keen to help others. "I hope I'll be able to reach out to more people and get involved in projects and spread the word further. I think one of the biggest things I've learnt has been adapting myself to situations like when we pitched for funding for our magazine. I think another would be my skills in group work, being able to collect everyone's ideas so gaining knowledge from other people."
Reflecting on her time with EmpowHER, Saffiya said, "When I got involved in EmpowHER, it opened doors to meeting new people and charities. I've had opportunities to speak at events, and I've done a couple with the British Red Cross, which is amazing." Saffiya spoke as a Role Model at the Anti-Racism, Inclusion and LGBTQIA+ EmpowHER event.
Catalogue Number
3327.28
Associated Person and Role
EmpowHER Participant: Saffiya
Maker
Associated Person
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Object Types
Place Made
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