Drawing a Line on Body Image Issues

Thanks for joining us, Tori. As you are aware, Aligned is all about creative solutions to the world’s most challenging problems. If you don’t mind sharing a little bit about how you arrived at doing what you do?

In my late teens/early twenties, I struggled with anorexia and bulimia. I spent years running away from my problems, whether that was ignoring my anxiety or literally running away to new countries. I finally accepted that I had a serious issue while living alone in what can feel like the loneliest city, New York City.

I’ve spent years learning how to be at peace with my anxiety — yo-yo dieting, relapsing, over-exercising, and trying to find the right equation to find self acceptance. Art became a tool to express myself at times when I felt an excess of emotion or energy. I turned my attention to painting and drawing, where I would find myself completely and utterly exhausted after an hour of channeling my energy into something creative.

It wasn’t until I found the courage to start hosting my own art shows that my life drawings began to gain momentum. Friends, family, colleagues, and strangers online starting buying my sketches. Initially, I only ever drew voluptuous women, enjoying capturing the expression between each fold and curve while developing an admiration for women who have the courage to stand nude in front of a class of students. They are perfectly vulnerable.

Initially, I only ever drew voluptuous women, enjoying capturing the expression between each fold and curve while developing an admiration for women who have the courage to stand nude in front of a class of students. They are perfectly vulnerable.

Eventually, I realized that what I admired in these full figured women was their ability to be comfortable with themselves -something very foreign to me. The more women and men I draw who had the courage to stand there, in a “take it or leave it” spirit, inspires me to continue sharing my story and encouraging others to take the leap. Vulnerability pushed me to really feel and grow and I want to encourage others to as well.

Vulnerability pushed me to really feel and grow and I want to encourage others to as well.

What are you hoping to achieve through your sketches?

My sketches are designed to encourage men and women to live in full expression of themselves. I want them to break the barriers of how we should look and be to become our true selves. I want to create awareness of body image disorder and promote the truth. The truth is that we all have the same parts, we’re human — so why are we so ashamed of our bodies? Our bodies are magical, they heal and reproduce life!

What are some of the different ways you involve people in this project? Is it one on one mainly, or through shows and events etc.?

People usually reach out to me to be drawn; I never ask.. I’ll have people reach out to me on Instagram, on my website or via email through word of mouth. Most of the time, people will book sessions after my art shows, which I feel has the most impact. This implies that they truly experienced my intention as an artist, and that my message was clearly received and something they can relate to.

Do you find that people are reluctant to remove their clothing to be drawn?

People are a little bit hesitant to follow through with the drawings. Most of the time, people will approach me and say “I don’t know why I’m doing this, but I’m just going to go through with it”. To me that’s beautiful, they’re fighting their instincts and looking to grow, they want to appreciate their bodies and be vulnerable.

To me that’s beautiful, they’re fighting their instincts and looking to grow, they want to appreciate their bodies and be vulnerable.

When I draw individuals, they generally comment on the body part they’re the most self-conscious about and I try to draw that part in a way that they appreciate it. Oddly enough most women feel weird about their vaginas, and I love drawing vaginas — they’re SO powerful! I recently drew a well-known Vancouverite. This particular session was special because she’s pregnant. We started talking about pregnancy, we paused for awhile because she felt the baby moving in her stomach, I felt like I was not only drawing my friend, but the newborn baby too. It was such a special moment, and she looked absolutely beautiful, she was glowing and SO brave.

Do you have any ideas of how you can help scale what you are doing to grow the fantastic impact?

My BHAG(Big Harry Audiacious Goal), is to speak at a Ted Talk before I turn 30.

In the future, I would love to work on this project on a full time basis. I partake in many speaking engagements to talk about my story and art, what I do, and why I do it. I’m trying not to force anything, relying on my social following, word of mouth, and connecting with other artists for valuable advice.

I’m confident that I’m placed on this earth to communicate with my voice and through my artwork. I’m open to wherever this road takes me, and I continue to say “yes” to opportunities that come my way. I used to write a blog and I would love to apply my experience to date to write a book too. Lately, I have young men and women approaching me to consult and mentor their business too. As long as I stay open and clear with my goal, I know that it will happen, there’s no doubt.

Do you have any advice for other aspiring creative changemakers?

Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there. It’s scary, but nothing great comes from staying in your comfort zone. Don’t listen to that voice halting you from hitting that finish line or pursuing your dream. I never think about failing because the worst thing that can happen is a no, or you hit a wall — there’s ALWAYS a way around everything. -I truly, truly, believe this. You can do anything you want to do, and trust that people will and want to help you.

You can do anything you want to do, and trust that people will and want to help you.

Every time I’m hired to draw someone nude, I get so nervous. I want to do my best and hope that they’re pleased with my work while staying true to myself and style. I’m nervous because I’m catalyzing change, honesty, and possibility into someone’s life.

Incredible Tori. We really appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts. Your approach to helping people feel comfortable in their own skin is inspiring. If you want to connect with Tori or support her initiative, head to her Aligned profile here and show her some love!