Reflections of Athena:
Inspiring Inclusion Through Art!
THE STORY
In a magical land far away, there lived a doll named Athena. Just like her namesake, she was as wise as she was beautiful. But what made her even more extraordinary was that she possessed an enchanted mirror that had the power to reveal the true beauty within.
In the heart of her studio stood this mystical mirror. When someone gazed into it, they didn't see a reflection of themselves but rather a reflection of their inner essence — the beauty that goes beyond physical appearance. She decided to embark on a journey to spread the message of empowerment and inclusion. She invited people from all walks of life to experience the magic of her mirror, encouraging them to see the strength, resilience, and beauty within.
Each person who looked into the mirror found themselves surrounded by an ethereal landscape of art and creativity. The mirror showcased how art could inspire inclusivity. It depicted the idea that just as each brushstroke contributes to a beautiful painting, each individual adds their unique essence to the tapestry of life. The mirror portrayed a shared journey of empowerment, with threads of creativity, strength, and mutual support weaving through each reflection.
As more people experienced the mirror's magic, they began to discern the collective responsibility they held in fostering an inclusive world. They understood that art, with its ability to transcend boundaries, could be a powerful catalyst for positive change. The mirror reflected not just the individual, but a community of empowered people united in their commitment to inspire inclusion.
And in that moment, Athena came to the realisation that the magic wasn't in the mirror—it had always been within herself and the people around her! They were extraordinary all along. This insight served as a reminder that, much like the mirror, we all have the capacity to reflect and contribute to a world where everyone's unique beauty is celebrated.
THE INSPIRATION
It all begins with an idea! Here are some resources that I drew from while ideating this project for International Women’s Day. #InspireInclusion
Last year, I stumbled upon the Barbie movie, and surprisingly, it sparked something profound within me. Who would have thought that a film centered around female empowerment and a doll draped in pink attire could leave such a lasting impression? It's especially amusing considering I wasn't much of a Barbie fan in my childhood!
What truly captivates me is the art of storytelling. Drawing inspiration from my Master's in Literature, I found a muse in the Ancient Greek goddess of wisdom, Athena!
And, because I can't resist a dash of Harry Potter magic, the Mirror of Erised snuck its way into this project. But, taking a cue from Dumbledore's wisdom, I made sure not to let the mirror dictate the entire essence of this endeavour!
MOODBOARD
When this project for International Women’s Day came along, I knew that I had to utilise my love for pink, aesthetics, and storytelling to create something unique!
Here's a glimpse of the moodboard I put together for inspiration during the creation of this diorama.
Aesthetics for the project colour palette- also reflecting my small business colours
Colourful beads that make up the mirror decor
The thick and textured paper on which the affirmation cards are designed
A mirror selfie that was the biggest inspiration behind the project
Affirmation cards that I based the current ones on
WORK IN PROGRESS
I began by using two wooden planks to make the diorama. Then, I made a moodboard to decide what materials and colours to use.
To keep everything cohesive, I started by spraying a pink base coat to the planks. After that, I shaped the clay around the mirror and added beads, glitter, and the other decorative items. I also coloured Athena's eyes to match what I had in mind.
The last step was
making affirmation
cards to pin on top
of the mirror. And
et voila! Athena and
her mirror were
ready to be displayed!
