Q&A with Alison Rachel, Creator of Recipes for Self Love

Dear readers, We’d like to introduce you to a friend from across the pond. Alison Rachel, an artist who creates zines and illustrations about self-acceptance, sat down to have a chat with New Sincerity. Read, enjoy, give her a follow on Instagram, and maybe buy someone you love a zine.  

 

Tell me a little about who you are and what led you to become an artist?

I’m from Cape Town, South Africa, but recently moved to Amsterdam. I’ve always dabbled in the creative arts including drawing, painting, printmaking and embroidery art, so when I started messing around with Photoshop and Illustrator it was only natural that I found my way to graphic art.

I love how your work is often about unabashedly accepting all parts of yourself – even the vulnerable and imperfect moments. What messages are you trying to send?

I’m driven by how much work still needs to be done in dismantling oppressive systems of power. When I hear a woman talking negatively about themselves or another woman it inspires me to disrupt that kind of culture, both in my personal life and through my work for ‘Recipes for Self Love’.

Talk about a favorite piece!

I have one piece that I think is important because it’s one that most women struggle with. I myself have to be careful about becoming too obsessive about food and eating and struggle at times with disordered eating and guilt. Finding a healthy relationship with food is an ongoing journey but an important and valuable one.  

 

“Women’s relationship with food is notoriously complex. Although difficult and ongoing, this journey is one that is most definitely worth the effort. Love your body, love your food, it’s fuel to keep you being the amazing person that you are!”

 

When you’re not making art, what are you doing?

I’m listening to/making music. I’m in a psych/pop rock band called HONEYMOAN and we’re releasing our first EP next month.

Advice on how to make social progress?

Start with yourself and your community, educate yourself (the internet is an amazing resource), listen, and disrupt whenever you come into contact with injustice.  

  This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.