5 minute read
CELEBRATING LIFE
Through detailed styling and photography, an ongoing two year project shows the strength, beauty and courage of women who have had breast cancer
Two businesswomen have launched a campaign dedicated to empowering women who have undergone a mastectomy, through styling, make-up and illustrative body art.
The concept, designed by make-up artist Anya Pogodzinska and photographer Alison McMath, uses their experience in the photography and cosmetics industry to create magnificent, visual masterpieces of the women, to celebrate life and find beauty and uniqueness in everyone.
The MastectoME project, which started just over a year ago, has received tremendous support from those participating.
One of them, Clare Lewis, who is featured on the cover of this issue of Live Preston & Fylde, says: “I saw this on social media and wanted to be a part of it. Life after cancer is hard! It left me feeling conflicted in many ways but most importantly with regards to the changes in my body confidence.
“I had my hair, make-up and spectacular body art done in Alison’s studio. The day was fun and celebratory. Alison and Anya are sensitive and caring and the whole experience was a collaboration.
“I think the photographs show the glorious strength, beauty and courage of women that have been through cancer.
“I had an amazing day. I wanted to take part and share my image to show that we are still beautiful even if we have been taken apart and then rebuilt (if we’ve chosen that option). I think the images are inspiring others in similar circumstances to feel beautiful about themselves and focus on the women they are. Of equal importance is that the images raise awareness whilst focusing on real women’s bodies.
“Anya and Alison are brilliant at what they do and the images they produce are of spectacular quality. If this project is aiming to empower and build confidence, I can assure you that being part of this has achieved it all!”
As part of their mission to transform and photograph more than 40 women from all over the UK, Alison, from Chorley, comments: “The photoshoot experience helps the women to feel beautiful and empowered. When they look at their photographs, I hope it gives them strength and positivity.
“We wanted to do this because women who have faced breast cancer and had to undergo surgery, often struggle to connect and accept their changed body – it feels unfamiliar to them, less attractive, less feminine, less sexy.
“With this project we wanted to help them rebuild that connection, make them feel confident and beautiful, make them feel themselves again.”
Anya and Alison are passionate about creating a memorable experience for the women, which involves personalised body art and styling by artist Anya followed by a tailored photoshoot by Alison, themed according to the women’s personal stories and favourite colours.
The women then receive a beautiful print as a memento of their day, enabling them to feel more confident about themselves. Speaking about her inspiration for the project, Anya says: “I wanted to create a beauty project for women and the subject of mastectomy struck a chord. I lost my grandmother to cancer as a teenager and saw how she fought the disease that took so much from her, but which never broke her spirit. We hope to create a special experience for women, as well as their families, bringing them joy.”
One of the first women to embark on the project with Anya and Alison was Chorley-based Pauline, who says: “A big thank you to Alison who photographed me discreetly throughout my transformation and to Anya for the beautiful make-up and body art skilfully and artfully applied. I truly appreciated both their efforts and felt totally different from my usual plain self. To anyone thinking of having this worthwhile makeover I would say go ahead. It’s a truly once in a lifetime opportunity.”
Pauline’s daughter, Louise adds: “We know our mum is beautiful, but sometimes she forgets. Alison and Anya captured the inner warrior in her with such elegance, beauty and poise – the fighter we know she has been throughout her life.”
Anya and Alison estimate the project will take about two years to complete and hope to continue their work through fund raising. They donate their time and resources for free to create these inspiring images and they have launched a JustGiving page with the aim of raising £10,000 to cover the costs of materials, hair styling and make-up products, printing, transport, studio running costs and marketing.
They also plan to have a gallery exhibition including a charity fundraising event at the end of the project to celebrate the empowerment of women who have undergone mastectomy, in order to inspire others and give people a better understanding of the subject.
Anya and Alison have also been working on a calendar featuring all the magnificent photos from the project with a portion of the profits being donated to a breast cancer charity.
mastectome.co.uk
