Many of you know I’ve been working on a drawing of one of my favourite artists for a long time, the incredible Lizzo. From the start, I’ve been transparent about the fact I would inevitably use this image for fundraising- though when I started in November of 2019, I had no clear idea where I would direct those funds. I kept jokingly asking my Instagram followers “WHAT WOULD LIZZO DO??”
There are a lot of reasons I shouldn’t profit from Lizzo, her likeness, and the black culture that she blossomed from. I don’t think I need to list them, you all get it.
I’ve also been honest about the fact I directly copied a fabulous photographer’s image of her. The album artwork for Lizzo’s “Cuz I Love You” is stunning- And I would happily credit the artist if I could find their name. I’ve searched unsuccessfully. If anyone can provide it to me, I’ll happily update this.
Anyhow, I took that image, I overexposed it, and trimmed it down. Then I traced the outline of what that over-exposed image looked like, and filled it in with my own patterns and design.
I love Lizzo and this album cover. I love seeing a full figured naked body in pop culture, and I was super happy to create this piece as an homage to her.
At one point in my journey through this piece, I reached a place where I was completely paralyzed. I held off finishing it for a long time. I didn’t know what to do with it and while it gained traction and interest, I was still unsure how I would handle requests to purchase when that time came.
The events of late May 2020 and everything that's followed, has given me clear direction for where my heart would be satisfied to see funds land. I finally finished this piece on June 2nd 2020.
You can see progress videos of this work here:
I’ll be creating 11” x 14” prints and 8” x 10” prints of the finished piece and selling them on my Etsy page.
I wish I could say I could cover all the expenses involved with reproducing and shipping these, but the best I can do is be super transparent about this. I’m an artist working through the veil of Covid.
So! Here is the final image:
I have 11” x 14” prints for $35.00 + Shipping. From each one sold, $30.00 will be donated. Click here to view the listing.
I have 8” x 10” prints for $20.00 + Shipping. From each one sold, $15.00 will be donated. Click here to view the listing.
What’s happening with that other $5.00? It’s going to cover thick back boarding, a poly sleeve, and a rigid mailer. This will ensure that the print makes it to you safely.
Now the second question- Where to donate! The Minnesota Freedom Fund has been blown away with support. They have openly asked people to begin looking at where else they can send funds.
Next best bets?
I’ve chosen Black Cultural Society of PEI to support our local advocates. They’re handling a lot of the local events and education, and they have goal of inclusion, access, and justice.
Campaign Zero is my choice for supporting friends across the border. Self described as an “Organization that utilizes research-based policy solutions to end police brutality in the U.S.”
“Over 1,000 people are killed by police every year in America. We are calling on local, state, and federal lawmakers to take immediate action to adopt data-driven policy solutions to end this violence and hold police accountable.”
If you make your purchase on Etsy, there is a space where you can have input on which your funds go to. If you know of another great organization or cause that I’m really missing out on, please send me a message and let me know.
Those who would prefer to pick the piece up locally can use coupon code LOCALPICKUP and pick the print up on June 13th in Charlottetown.
Thank you for taking the time to read this. I really appreciate it, and welcome any feedback or conversation.
I’m best reached via email: lindseyrossart@gmail.com