After several sketches and a lot of editing while doing, here is the result of the SAWGust Challenge. Overall, the experience was illuminating in that there is never one process for getting stuff done. As an artist, I found that giving up control was most helpful during a tumultuous time involving loss, relocation, and starting a new job. I am looking forward to keeping Hairica’s voice going while I get back into the grove of full time-work (outside the home).
Part of the natural hair movement was about dealing with micro-aggressions differently.
Here is the “original” vision that ties Hairica to “I’m Thinking of Going Blonde.” We have all been exposed to the image and concept of “blonde is better” for decades. Women (and men, but mostly women) have gone to great lengths to achieve “sun kissed” tresses given their manufactured association with beauty, femininity, and desirability.” ITOGB is an exploration of these ideas from the Black American, female perspective.
Page 2 was not as difficult because the images already existed! They have always existed really. All one has to do is turn on the television or walk into a book store or supermarket to be inundated with “blonde locks” of every shade and cut. Thanks to Clairol and Marilyn Monroe going blonde became big business. Despite the color being a near prerequisite for being in Hollywood’s employ, the natural blonde population hovers around 2-4% globally. Considering what it takes to go blonde, it is rather curious that people are still willing to reach for the bleach.
In August, I started SawGust with the Sequential Arts Workshop to document some of my adventures in as a graphic novel! The title of this story is “I’m Thinking of Going Blonde,” which is about the concept of “going blonde” as a person who isn’t born with corn-colored tresses and the impact it has on those who reach for the bleach. So far, it has been a lot of work juggling between ideas, learning to use Adobe Fresco, and a host of summer activities. Here is page one, which will probably end up being the “cover” when it’s finished. Thankful to the SAW Community for this group accountability activity!
About Me
Hi, I’m Hairica. I am a fashionista and natural hair maven living in NYC. My first love is brunch, but I make room for travel, friends, and volunteering to make the world a little better than I left it. Thanks for stopping by to learn about my crazy stories! I hope you enjoy!
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