India Evans sees the scraps of fabric, flowers, feathers, beads, and other materials that comprise her collages “as a vocabulary of feelings.” Incorporating forgotten, seemingly worthless remnants of a woman’s universe, she creates romantic and playful portraits of female identity. Evans intends viewers to “explore their childhood innocence and fantasies through their adult nostalgia and sensuality,” and draws inspiration from antique photos and postcards of female nudes. Adding another layer to her whimsical collages, she often stitches and glues bits of original, surrealistic poetry in a stylized script that echoes the curvy letters of Joan Miró—the result is a visual narrative of memories and dreams. It’s not surprising then, that when Evans became a Mama – still breastfeeding her nearly 4 year old son Léoné – that she would see nursing as a new platform in which to express magic.
Evans – a twin, born and raised NYC girl from the Lower East Side – is the daughter of the late noted artist John Evans, an East Village artist who created a collage every day for nearly 40 years. His work was for the people, by the people – so it’s not surprising then that his daughter would also make work for the people – in her case, her people; women and mothers. Evans says; “As an artist and a breastfeeding mama myself I find that making these portraits not only help encourage the normalcy of breastfeeding but also remind the viewer of the sacredness and preciousness of the relationship.”
As Evans wants to promote normalcy – she’s offering these portraits to the public either digitally (digital layers of elements from nature juxtaposed onto a nursing photo) offering the image as an archival print for mamas memories if digital, or as an original piece of art if collage. Shy? Have your partner or a friend take the nursing photo and submit or Evans will recommend a local photographer to you who is part of the mission to take back our breasts.
Order digital portraits here. To request a custom collage, contact India directly. You can also follow India on Instagram.
From the collection;
Artist India Evans Created Ethereal Breastfeeding Portrait Series And We Are Her Model (see above!)