I believe in the power of the pencil and the dangers of an eraser

I am not a perfect feminst. But, my feminsim is mine. It is not up for debate. I will not let anyone tell me what I am or what I am not. The power to name oneself is essential. The ability to claim an identity is crucial. I am a feminist, and I will not let anyone change my mind. I believe feminism is ever changing and that its inconsistency is necessary for its survival. Without change or growth, feminism becomes static, stagnant and stuck. Feminism does not adapt or conform to a more convenient position or stance. Rather, it morphs and evolves to be inclusive of a new generation, of new ideas and of new understandings. Feminism does not need to give into pressure of dominant ideas. Instead, it creates pressure to form new ideas and ways of knowing. My feminism cannot be separated from the rest of my life. It is a part of everything I do. That is why I draw on the life of Vincent Van Gogh as an inspiration. Van Gogh lived a troubled life, but he lived it with passion. His emotion fuelled some of the greatest paintings ever created, and it is a testament to the power emotions have. Emotions have been used by the feminist movement, so too did Van Gogh, and so too do I. I also find inspiration in Simone do Beauvoir whose ideas and new ways of thinking continue to affect the feminist movement years after they were conceived.

Manifesto

• I believe in the power of the pencil, and the dangers of an eraser. I will not be afraid to colour outside the lines. I will not fall back on my eraser to fix my mistakes. Rather, I will use my mistakes as learning tools to move forward. It is a great power to be able to look at your canvas and see the errors of the print but see beyond that to the finished product. The final piece is beautiful and enriched by each line the brush, pencil, pen or pastel makes. Each stroke builds on the previous and each mistake is priceless.
• I believe in failures and new beginnings. Feminism has taught me that no one is perfect and that is okay. Change, growth and re-evaluation are key.
• I believe there are hegemonic processes that contort and misshape our humanity. We are taught to think and act in ways which are contrary to our purpose and innate goodness. I believe feminism has shown that these constructed ideas of right and wrong are harmful and has opened new ways of understanding what it means to be human. I will strive to challenge existing norms and never settle for what is in front of me.
• I believe in the ultimate power of humanity. I choose to trust in the intrinsic good in each of us. I place my future and the future of those that come after me in the hands of those around me. I choose to hold the hands of those around me and be an active participant in my destiny.
• I will explore new dimensions and play with perceived realities. Everything is subjective, and there is no one truth. I will challenge the truths around me and offer alternatives.
• I believe that beauty is found everywhere. I believe we are taught to hate ourselves for the benefit of those who cannot see past their own imperfections. I believe no imperfection is truly beyond value. Look at the whole of a person and you will see how each imperfection adds to the mystery and beauty of who they are.
• I will never do what I am told simply because I am told to. I will not let my morals get in the way of doing what is right.
• My feminism is so deep and innate that I was a feminist before I knew feminism. My feminism is connected to each part of my being. I will continue to develop my feminism as I learn and grow. I will never be satisfied with a static understanding, and will continue to challenge myself in new ways. I will never rest in my feminism.