Hello, this is
west
We hope you enjoy Issue Three: Pink. Pink is seen as a feminine colour, but one which is also being reclaimed for girl power and feminism. We want to dedicate this issue to the inspirational women of the world, so we asked each of our creative collaborators to tell us who the most influential women in their lives are. So thank you to all the women who have impacted our lives in astounding ways - this one’s for you! We would also like to say a big thank you to each of our contributors, whose work never ceases to amaze us. Dani, Danielle, Amy & Molly (WEST Art Zine Team)
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ABBIE GAIGER abbiegaiger.com The most inspirational woman I know has to be my nan - she’s a strong, stubborn lady who lives in rural Ireland with her tiny fluffy dog. She’s recently completely beaten cancer against the odds, is just hugely independent and I hope I’m as strong as her when I’m her age.
DANIELLE LOCKWOOD daniellelockwood.com I think of myself as someone who isn’t influenced easily, but one person does this in every way possible. She calls me out when I’m a dick and teaches me how to be more empathetic. I can’t think of a more inspirational woman and I’m so proud of what you have achieved in the last few years. You’re a best friend and the sister I never had. Thank you Abbie, you’re alright.
AMY COX amycox94.wix.com/amycox My Mom is the most influential and inspirational woman to me. My Mom has a large birthmark on her face which she covers with make up every day. People stare at her in the street, judging her for something she was born with. And yet, she is the nicest, most welcoming, most caring person I know. She is always there for me no matter what. She may not be society’s idea of beauty, but she is the most beautiful person in the world to me, inside and out. I want nothing more than to grow into a woman like her - so strong and positive, even after everything she’s had to put up with by being a little bit “different”. My hero. My best friend. My Mom.
BetH Nicol @bethnicolart
Although it may sound slightly cliché, my mother is the strongest and most inspirational woman I know. She single-handedly raised my brother and I and provided for the family after the death of our father, and did a damn good job of it. She’s wise, patient, and kind, and exactly the kind of mother I would want to be. So shout out to Claire for being fab. In terms of famous influential figures, I’ve always been fond of female singers like Kate Bush and Stevie Nicks- kooky, beautiful and brilliant; unashamed and unabashed to sing openly about their emotions. To quote Nicks, “Never have I been a blue calm sea, I have always been a storm”.
My mother, is a single parent of three, she is my inspiration. She puts up with mine and my sister’s screaming fits when one of us shotguns and another bum barges them out the way. She puts up with all of us phoning her at work trying to snitch on the other because they haven’t done any housework. She puts up with the snot and makeup running down her new blouse when you’ve had an argument with your boyfriend and she sits up at the side of your bed to stroke your head at 4am to ease the pain when you’re sick. The first thing she says when you’re feeling homesick is she’s on her way and she has the patience to wait to pick you up outside work when you leave over an hour late. She buys you tickets to your favourite artist just to watch you gaze (and sob) in awe when they come on stage. She has the ability to walk around everyday for hours on end at work whilst you know how much pain she is in. I watch her at work and see the amount of people that walk into her office, that have specifically been sent to her, because they know she will help. I’ve seen the type of people she is compassionate with and I’ve seen the difference she has made. She is the first person I call when I have creative block and seems to know every substitute for any material I would ever need. My mom is inspiring because she wants to help and has taught me to give unconditionally. Every time she comes to an exhibition she tells me how proud she is and has taught me to persist.
Felicity Harris
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AMY HOULT amyhoult.com An inspirational woman to me is Tracey Emin. She was the first artist I experienced that showed true expression of what it’s like to be a female; it’s highs and specifically it’s lows. Her written work being my favourite, her anecdotes from growing up and experiencing the world resonate with me so much I feel like they are mine. She has become something from all of that sadness, anger and insecurity. More personally is my sister Leanne, who is one of the most amazing women I know. She is strong, kind and incredibly selfless. She has so much determination to power through and never back down to anything. She’s a wonderful person and I have no idea where I’d be without her.
Anna Phillips @annaphillips_artistÂ
There are so many amazing women I could list, who have influenced a part of my life in some way. From friends who have helped me see things differently; to artist Chiharu Shiota, whose installation work I am completely in awe of, and was the first artist I found who really inspired me to want to be a fine artist. However, the woman who has inspired me through my whole life however, has definitely been my Mum. My Mum is one of those women that all my friends seem to turn to for support, guidance and care. To me, she’s not just a Mum but a best friend, a teacher, a listener, and my greatest supporter. She’s inspired me since I was a little girl; in a household full of males, she has always been my primary female figure, and taught me so much about faith, respect, forgiveness and happiness.
bethhardwick.wix.com/bethhardwick For me my mamma is someone who I can always count on. She has lived on the same street as me my whole life, and I now live with her. She has always been caring, supportive and generous. When we lost my Dadda she remained so strong and has helped all of my family through a very difficult time. A very keen knitter she provides the whole family with knitted jumpers for the winter. Thank you for everything you do for me, you’re amazing.
Beth Hardwick
Danang Prananda
danangprananda.wix.com/6105 I know I’m not a perfect son, but I know I’ve got the perfect mum. The first woman of my life. Nothing but love and respect for mothers and daughters.
Emma Holliday
emmavacation. tumblr.com
The most inspirational women in my life are my mum, my sister, and my grandma. My sister influenced me to play around with photography, and in doing so photography is now a big part of my art practice. My mum has always encouraged me to do anything I want to do, whether that’s travel the world or to become an artist; she makes me feel invincible. Lastly, my grandma encourages me to be myself; to have fun, to laugh a lot and to not take life for granted. Also she has hilarious stories, like when she covered herself in fake tan thinking it was suncream.
Dani Green behance.net/danigreendesign I’m lucky to have so many inspirational and influential women in my life. My friends and family never cease to amaze me with their support, kindness, intelligence, compassion and general all-round fabness. Julz, Morgs, Kate, George, Amy, Juli, Josie: I love you guys xxxxxx
kennycowle.wordpress.com
Kendall Cowle
The most inspirational woman in my life has to be my mum. A beacon of strength for me when I most need it, always supportive and simply a precious gift, I would be lost without such an inspiration.
Chris Ansell chrisansellsculptor.com
As with most art forms, the history of sculpture is somewhat devoid of female sculptors with men dominating the field in quantity... But certainly not in quality. Contemporary sculpture is supported by a backbone of female artists producing influential and visually stunning works. Among these notable female artists are Virgile Ittah and Corin Sworn but it is, in my opinion, Berlinde de Bruyckere who is the driving force at the forefront of contemporary sculpture. Belgium’s entrant into the 2013 Venice Biennale, Berlinde de Bruyckere is the largest singular influence on my practice. Her sympathetic sculptures exude pathos as the figures embody a range of emotions and characters. The sculpted forms she produces pay homage to the rich history of figurative sculpture yet maintain their position as contemporary works. Berlinde de Bruyckere’s extensive body of work has been exhibited at some of the most prestigious galleries in the world, inspiring awe and determination her sculptures influence my practice and the wider sculpting community.
Lesley Imgart lesleyimgart.com This is the story of a woman who is decidedly not famous. Maybe it seems ridiculous of me to name a family member as a stronger feminist influence than Marie Curie or Caroline Herschel, but in all their bravery and tragedy, their biographies have not shaped me THAT profoundly. You see, while my aunt is unlikely to appear in Buzzfeed listicles (“The 20 Most Inspirational Women Ever!!!”), she’s greatly impacted me. Growing up, I loved spending afternoons with her: we’d talk about the universe while I tried to befriend the cats. And above all, I felt taken seriously by her. I remember the night I - then 15 and terrified - called her and I confessed that I was gay. Her unconditional support made a big difference to my experience; she is the one who encouraged me to stand up to my parents, but also reminded me to have compassion for them. Gifting me books about lesbians, and regularly sending me online articles about current feminist issues, she values my life and interests. Each like of hers on my Instagram posts, combined with the detailed critiques of my artwork she provides has helped changed my life. Her continued presence helps define me, and has shown me what kind of woman I’d like to be: smart, assertive, passionate and kind. Women like her, who really, truly care, are inspirational to me. Thank you, Agnes.
Kate Bradley katebradley.co.uk
I know it’s an obvious one, but it has to be my mum. She’s the most independent, self driven woman I have ever met. She’s built her own career from a young age and still managed to raise two, pretty great, daughters. Thanks for the being the wisest, most supportive and the best possible mum I could ask for.
Nadine Lowe nadinelowe.co.uk This is a hard one. I’m fortunate enough to have lots of strong and influential women in my life. They’re my friends, my family. The women who create my favourite paintings and direct my favourite films. I adore Sophia Coppola. Her adaptation of Jeffery Eugenides coming of age novel, The Virgin Suicides is my favourite. Of course the hazy aesthetic is stunning but it’s her portrayal of the woman that really gets me. The unfaltering honesty; the fragility, the desires, the insecurities and the roller coaster of human emotions that command an adolescent body and mind. I love the scene where one of the neighbourhood boys explores the sisters collection of bathroom essentials. Those lipsticks and tampons beautifully encapsulate their transition from child to woman. Also, I can’t not say my sister. She’s been my best friend for 23 years and she knows me better than anyone. She is incredibly smart, beautiful and has the kindest heart. I’m forever telling everyone else how fabulous she is, I sometimes forget to tell her. Jade, you are fabulous.
Molly Rudoni behance.net/mollyrudoni There are many amazing women in my life, and without a doubt I owe an awful lot to my mom, who has supported my every move and shaped me to be the person I am today. However, one of the most awesome women I know is my aunt, who’s really more like a sister. She’s passionate, creative and talented, and I’ve always looked up to her for following her dreams. She puts her whole heart and soul into everything she does, and as a result lives a wild and colourful life. She taught me to put my happiness above all else, and has always made time for me, even when she was living on the other side of the world. I look forward to every catch-up, especially when it involves dancing all night in some weird, sweaty Swiss nightclub. Love ya loads Ro - keep living it up your way!
Chloe Barrett The most inspirational woman to me is my nan, Gillian. She has always influenced me to never be defeated by what life may throw at you. My nan has taught me to always be generous and kind to others, as she always helping other people even if they are strangers. I would say my nan is my saviour and if it wasn’t for her, I wouldn’t be achieving my dreams as an Artist. My nan stood by me when others told me that Art and Design isn’t a real degree! There has been times where I have thought “I am fucking shit at this, I can’t carry on”. My nan has always reassured me and told me to never doubt my ability at University. All in all, shout out to Gillian for ironing my thongs because that shit is hard work! On a serious note, I love you Nan and thank you for blessing me with the best pack lunches which would make people jealous at school.
@restinparadise_cb
SJ Paskin level6negotiated.tumblr.com The most influential and inspirational woman in my life is most definitely my Mom. She is the definition of strength both mentally and physically despite any adversity and sometimes she simply amazes me. She is kind, loving and generous and I can’t thank her enough for everything. I love her lots. “A mother is the truest friend we have, when trials heavy and sudden fall upon us; when adversity takes the place of prosperity; when friends desert us; when trouble thickens around us, still will she cling to us, and endeavour by her kind precepts and counsels to dissipate the clouds of darkness, and cause peace to return to our hearts” Washington Irving
Lucy Martin facebook.com/deliento There are many women that I look up to, but one at the top of the list it’s Joanne Rowling. She has the power to touch so many lives with just one story. This one story has inspired, comforted, supported and created so much happiness all over the world. A quote from the book says “Every child in our world will know his name!” At the time when she wrote this she never knew how true it would become. J.K Rowling is not only one of the best Authors of our time but she is also a generous philanthropist, it’s estimated that she has donated around £110million to charity, which as led to her to lose her billionaire status. She has also founded her own charity, Lumos which “works to help the millions of children in institutions worldwide regain their right to a family”. J.K has helped me through many rough spots in my life just by having something I can go back to when I’m down to remind me that my life and situation isn’t that bad and everything will work out fine, as long as I have amazing people around me and I do, I’ve never had so many amazing people in my life. Its also shown me that I can’t do everything on my own, I have to rely on others and let them help me. Its also instilled a sense right and wrong in me and that you must always help others to the best of your ability and never do anything half heartedly. It shown me that the most humble of begins can’t stop you from being successful and the best person you can be. J.K. started with nothing, she was on benefits and one day when she was on the train, she thought of a little boy, with a lightning scar on his head, on a scarlet train, on his way to adventures at the most magical place in the world.
My late Auntie Mary is without a doubt, the most inspiring woman I have known. I find the strength that people are able to have when fighting an illness and the bravery upon facing death incredibly inspirational. Their ability to maintain that level of positivity at the hardest time of their life shows me that I can at this time of my life. Witnessing Mary’s fight against cancer was extremely hard, but also extremely motivating.
Sinead Moakes
sineadmoakesart.tumblr.com
Tatiana Lopes Pondes tatianalopespondes.tumblr.com My biggest inspiration is my mother; she has taught me that all good things in life needs to be earned through hard work. She is a dedicated, passionate, loving and hardworking individual. Her determination to get things done has always inspired me to never give up in my dreams and to always appreciate all that I have.
Lisa Kainz
liser.kainz@yahoo.com
I love every woman and admire her for breaking out of what is actually “for her” according to “The Rules”