Amber is a fun, talented crafter who enjoys making clever lil’ knick knacks on her Etsy shop, Ambhu. She has discovered and become active in feminism over the past three years. Any crafty enthusiast or feminist will appreciate her canny, smart work.
Amber, I know you have stated that you’ve been getting into feminism for the past three years. Would you define yourself as a feminist? And what inspired you to learn more and contribute to feminism?
I would say I am a feminist. My friends who live in Riverside got involved in a club about feminism. The things they would discuss with me, made a lot of sense. I went out to an event that was run by their club called “Take Back the Night”, for those who had been victimized by rape, for those to take back their voice. The more I learned about rape culture, feminism, and equality – not just for women, the more I became passionate about it. I may not be able to give out information as well on feminism as someone who has been around it more, but my work, like my patches, can help spread the word of equality in subtle ways.
You have two amazing patches on your Etsy store. One that states “My Pussy My Choice” and another that says “Feminine is not anti-feminist.” Can you elaborate on why you chose these two sayings for patches? What do they mean to you?
With my patches that say “My Pussy, My Choice” was inspired by other patches on the subject of women’s bodies. Especially the choice of doing whatever you may with your body. Whether that be giving consent to a lot or little of people, deciding to take birth control of any choice, taking family planning in your own hands, and having the choice of abortion. These are people’s bodies and no organization or government should have a say on what to do with someone’s body. The cat on there is actually Luna from Sailor Moon, a show I really have loved since I was a kid. Now that I am older, I can see a lot of female positivity in most of the show. I thought she would be a cute addition to the idea of the patch.
The other patch, “Feminine is not anti-feminist”, is also inspired by Sailor Moon and her brooch since it looks very cute and feminine. The idea about this patch is that there is a lot of misconception about feminism. That those who are feminists are masculine looking, don’t shave and are rough – which is not the case. Wanting to look more masculine is okay, but being feminine is okay too. People have the choice to dress and act as they want and still can support feminism. I saw a post on this on Tumblr and I absolutely loved it. It said something along the lines of “Considering something feminine to be anti-feminism would say that being male or masculine is better than these feminine or “girly” people. It would be everything feminism is about, and that’s seeing both as equal – may it be a ton of makeup with skirts, or pants and large button up shirts.”
Do you feel that promoting creativity in feminism is a positive force in getting more people interested in feminism?Promoting feminism in any way, like patches, blogs, or just to friends and family, will hit home to someone and will get the ball moving to many others that need feminism.
What motivates and inspires you to create what you do?What motivated me were my friends because they are so involved and I want to be a part of it. Even if it is as small as making patches and other future work. Also, my love of art and crafting is fun to do and I enjoy it a lot!
What are your future goals/plans with Ambhu?
My goals for the future are to get a career in art and get my bachelors in art as soon as possible!
To check out and support Amber’s work and feminist perspective go here:
http://www.etsy.com/shop/Ambhu?ref=pr_shop_more
I want to give thanks to Amber for allowing me to interview her about her great and witty work. And just a side note to Amber, you stated to me that you may not know much about feminism as others who have been involved in it for longer than you, but you know quite a bit! You are smart, kind and willing to educate others on the importance of feminism through creativity. I wish you the best of luck in your future goals and your continuance in feminism. You go girl!
- Thea
Ah thank you so much Thea :] this is sweet!
