First Contact From R

I received my first email response from R today! It's interesting already seeing the parallels between M and R's answers and concerns. I'm hoping by the end of this project there will be a real range of authentic and powerful answers. I feel as though the more I'm getting from my interviewees the more I want to do this project justice. I spoke previously about creating this book as a hardback rather than a zine and I think this is a good choice. The content I'm getting from a few of my interviewees are showing real consideration, intelligence and heart. It's quite a big thing I'm asking of these women, and in instances they're really trusting me in opening up about things that are close to home. The more I think about this project, the more I think this is perhaps a publication with the focus on communication of their thoughts than the illustrations that go alongside it. I've found that my practice really shines when I'm given something with human context. I enjoy expressing emotion and telling stories with my work and this project allows for me to really run away with that. I'm hoping, in the end, I can just sad I've done these women proud.

" 1.    Tell me about something that made you happy this week.
I started editing a new video!
2.    Do you have any objects or possessions that mean a lot to you? Could you tell me a little bit about them?
I guess my cameras. Without them I wouldn’t be able to create the work I create. I have recently bought an Olympus OM-10 and I have rediscovered my love for film photography. I also have a box full of letters and gifts from pen pals I used to have, which I love!
3.    What’s something you’re really enjoying at the moment?
Taking photos and procrastinating!
4.    As a woman, is there anything that’s troubling you at the moment?
I don’t think there’s anything that’s affecting me specifically but I think that there is so much competition between women, girls especially. I also think that this isn’t always vocalized, but I do think many women measure their achievements based on the achievements of others.
5.    If so, do you think there is anything that could be done to help combat this issue?
I think girls just need to support each other more and try and not compare themselves to others. You should be happy by what you’ve achieved and not put yourself down by comparing yourself to others.
6.    As an individual, do you think there is anything women and girls could do to support each other more?
I do think that there is a lot of comparison within women, teenagers especially, and I really don’t think this should be the case. I think women/girls should acknowledge each other’s accomplishments and let each other know how amazing they are, instead of thinking that you’re less of a person because they’ve done something you haven’t!
 7.   Could you describe or tell me about a woman in your life that makes you feel proud about being yourself?
I don’t think there’s one person in particular but there’s so many girls/women that I follow on social media that are doing such amazing things and it somehow makes me feel proud and they have definitely inspired me.
8.    Could you tell me about a time you felt empowered?
Setting up my own magazine! It made me realise that I can achieve the things that I want to achieve.
9.    And lastly, what is your favourite thing about being a woman?
Even though I did say that there’s a lot of competition between girls, I love how many of us do support each other and I love seeing what others are creating and achieving with their lives! 
This is probably really badly written as I'm half asleep and have just finished writing it but here you go! 
I'll send some photos soon! What sort of thing do you want and does the quality of the images matter?
R xoxo"