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French Artist Creates Illustrations That Challenge Society’s Standards For Women (32 New Pics)
Interview With Artist
It's no secret that women in modern society are believed to be in constant need of improvement. It's the result of many factors rooted deeply in our lives. The idea of "looking good" is communicated through slogans such as "because you're worth it," which is not really what self-love is all about.
What women are really worth is to feel good the way they are. With or without makeup, skinny or curvy, shaven or hairy, etc. That's what Cécile Dormeau, an artist based in France, tries to tell us. With her colorful illustrations, she confronts restraining stereotypes and inspires many women around the world to love themselves just as they are.
The artist has previously shared with Bored Panda that she likes to show that it's completely normal to not feel great all the time or to have body 'imperfections'. "We all face problems, and sometimes our lives don't fit what society expects from us. There is not only one way to be or live your life. I like to celebrate imperfection and try to be as authentic as I can."
More info: Instagram | ceciledormeau.com | youtube.com
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Bored Panda got in touch with the artist again to get to know a little bit more about her creative process and the thoughts behind her illustrations. Since Cecile's drawings are about celebrating "imperfections" and authenticity, we got curious whether she noticed some sort of change in the way our society perceives women. The artist answered that people on social media started to speak more and more about these topics, so media and advertising finally realized that some things needed to be changed.
"Of course, everything is not perfect as these topics became marketing tools, and can sound a bit empty or hypocritical sometimes. For example, a clothes brand speaking about inclusivity but not including all sizes in their clothing. Or the popularity of self-love sometimes became a bit oppressive and made some women feel guilty about themselves too. I guess it's all about balance, and noticing that self-worth isn't necessarily buying yourself a mask and candles but listening really to yourself and letting yourself live in peace."
Cécile revealed that she also feels the pressure to be perfect. "I guess we all feel it from time to time, and on very different topics (physically, professionally, with your relationships, etc), it's human! And it's also the world we live in. But what helps me is to know that these bad thoughts are just temporary if I focus on what is really important. For example, if I start to feel bad because my waxing is not perfect to go to the beach, I realize that enjoying taking a swim matters much more to me than caring if people are checking my leg hair."
I hate these quotes that are like Nothing is Impossible it makes me feel worse
"When I torture myself because I think my illustrations are not good enough and I'm not posting enough on Instagram, I remind myself that the most important is that I draw, and it doesn't matter if it looks like crap sometimes and that it's totally ok to take breaks.
Perfect people are boring, and we are most of the time more moved by authentic people, so I guess we should apply this to ourselves too. Simply accept what we are at this moment in our imperfections, and remember that it's totally ok to make mistakes and to move at our own rhythm."
We asked what makes Cécile passionate about creating illustrations. She replied that she is just happy to put all the crazy ideas she has in mind in her doodles, and try to put some fun in her insecurities! "The main message I have for people is 'you're not alone'. I just hope my work can make them smile about themselves."
Just be yourself and don't give a rat's a**e about what other people say. It's just so wrong the wy we women are acculturated to internalise so much self criticism.
At the moment, Cécile is working on a children's book and an illustration series about couples. She shared that she might start illustration series about men as well so if you're curious, follow Cécile on her Instagram!
Cécile's works have been previously featured on Bored Panda and you can find them by clicking here, here and here.
My arms look hairless in a lot of different light sources, you have look really close and have me hold my arm at an angle to see them. They're extremely light blonde, almost borderline white. I was born blonde, but only the hair on top of my head changed.
I didn't shave my legs when I went to the pool the other day. Guess what...no one cared nor noticed! Sometimes it can be all in your head- you are your own worst enemy.
And if they notice AND comment, it says more about them than anything else
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Everyone has a right to be comfortable, whatever that means. I used to put SO much pressure on myself to "Not care what people think" but I do, and trying to force myself not to was stressful and exhausting. If you feel great with your legs au natural, go for it! If you're like me and find you just can't enjoy yourself because you're worrying about it, there's nothing wrong or anti-feminist about shaving. It's about being comfortable, free, and fully yourself, whatever shaven or unshaven form that takes.
My problem is why do people get a a*s hurt when I guy shaves his legs, I get so many odd looks when I shave my legs, and some idiot told me "gay pride" as if they assume I'm gay because I shave my legs. Just to let you know I'm straighter than lil pump's hair. I agree nobody should judge you tho.
Its because people stereotype gay people. If you act different, you must be gay. If you are gay and dont act that way, straight people dont believe you.
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i dont shave my thighs and no one has ever cared so im fine with it
I shave my legs because the leg hair is itchy, and I hate itchy legs.
I have an autoimmune disorder. When it flares up it causes my hair to fall out, including patches of eyebrows and lashes, even in pit and pubic zones, and no hair grows on my legs... so when I see that I DO have hair on my legs or elsewhere, I get happy; it means my body is working the way it should...
I shaved my legs the other day, first time in 8 months. The only reason I did? I couldn't take the insect feeler-y sensation tickling my ankles every time I walked and the wind whipped through the hairs. 🤣 Otherwise, I couldn't give a frog's fart as to what my legs look like.
I usually shave when I want to wear shorts over the fear of being judged by people.
Then leave this post and let the rest of us live 🙃
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Welcome to No Bitches, the show where we tell you why you get no bitches.
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It happens!! Shaving the bottom of your foot though??
I'm both a book worm and someone who likes writing stories, ask me to visualize clouds and I will be lost in whatever story the inspire for a long long time.
Looks like the cry juice (I hate the other word, sorry) is cutting through the boot
why do you care? your a guy this doesnt have to do with you LMAO
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why do you care? your a guy this doesnt have to do with you LMAO
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