Catalina Carvajal: It’s Okay to Cry
Illustrator Catalina Carvajal creates work that transports the viewer into varying worlds of anthropomorphic figures, geometric-esque landscapes and emotive narrative. In support of Guy Cry Club she has produced a series of prints interpreting the sentiments of the Club in her distinctive style*. On her blog Catalina opens up about her own experiences of masculinity, how she has challenged her own perceptions and channelled that energy into her creative practice. The quotes below are from her blog and you can read the full piece here.
I Lost my Head
“I think it’s important that we all try to understand the struggles of others. I’ve always felt curious about what being a man means. I sometimes wanted to be one because it seemed that they had more chances, were less bullied and sexually harassed. They had the power. But I’m looking at things from my perspective as a female with a particular story. I don’t own the truth. I think unique realities don’t exist and it should be everyone's responsibility to understand different perspectives.”
Raining Inside and Out
“I grew up surrounded by men who’d been taught that showing their feelings wasn’t manly enough. While studying fine arts I got in contact with men made more sensitive by the arts. It was magnificent. There I learnt that men could be real friends and not just husband material.“
It’s Ok to Cry
“It feels that it’s in the nature of human beings to persecute each other for whatever reason. Growing as a woman I felt harassed and abused by men many times. In recent times equality movements and the exposure of abusive popular male figures has made me feel very curious about masculinity. How should some men be feeling if society tells them that what they’ve been taught for generations is not acceptable anymore. I would like to understand the male perspective on identity issues as much as I can, issues that are very particular to someone who was born a male in a society with well-defined gender roles.”
If you’re interested in purchasing one of Catalina’s prints head to her website/social to get in touch. 20% of sales will go to Guy Cry Club, 5% will go to Suffolk Mind.
