Hi Friends!
Back in January of this year, I had the honour of participating in the Paper Crafters Unite Against Racism Instagram Hop. When I heard they were doing another one, I jumped at the chance to participate.
Racism is a tricky subject to talk about but it exists and we need to change that. When I was trying to decide on what I was going to do for my project, I had a moment in my mind stick out to me. It wasn't necessarily racism just more ignorance.
Back in May of 2019 me and my partner Kevin were flown in to help out my good friend Ann (of Stamp Anniething) in her booth at an expo. I was teaching how to colour with Copics and created a project showcasing our products. It was a great day and everyone loved learning how to use Copic markers. Halfway through the day (I think this was my 7th time teaching the same class) while I was handing out the markers, a person attending the class asked if I had any more skin tones to choose from as we were only showing how to colour light skin. She said she wanted to colour her image to look like her...after hearing her say that I felt mortified that I had never thought of diversity or representation. Being gay, I know what it feels like to not be seen and it so upset me that I had done that to someone else unknowingly. I immediately told the lady we didn't have a dark skin tone but I would make one up for her then and there using the markers in her kit. I quickly figured out a dark skin combo for her and continued on with the class. When we were done, she was so over the moon with her project and thanked me for taking the time create a skin tone for her...In reality I should have been the one thanking her...she opened my eyes to something I didn't even realize I was doing and I will never do again...We all deserve to be seen and feel represented in this world. I wish I knew the name of that lady but maybe one day you will read this post and if you do...thank you! Thank you for being you and for asking to be seen...this card is for you.
Products Used:
Always follow your creative heart
Steve, I love your card and your story brought tears to my eyes! Learning different skin tones was one of the first things I wanted to learn with copics because we have all colors in our family. I too am delighted someone asked you to provide different skin tones, but even more, I delighted you were able to comply on the fly! :)
ReplyDeletethanks so much for not only stopping by but for reading my post....it truly means a lot
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