Our bodies are the silent keepers of our stories, bearing stitches and scars and stretch marks, but also holding prejudice, discrimination, judgment, hurt, and shame. There are many who don’t feel safe in their bodies, who face danger because of their bodies, or whose bodies have been exploited or broken by others. I dream of a world where we can see someone for who they are instead of what their body looks like.

As a photographer, I do my best to evoke emotion and tell stories through my art. The 12 models who volunteered their time and bodies for this project have so willingly told me some of their stories, and what body image means to them. Nudity is not something inherently sexual.

My goal is for us to normalize self expression for all body types, ethnicities, ages, sexual orientations, and gender identities without it being sexualized. With this project, I hope for you to see the heartache and poetry that each image holds. And for you to leave knowing the innate value of your own body and how it’s carried you through life so far.

More info

Annie Axtell is a printmaker and artist based in Vancouver, British Columbia. In addition to her beautiful moon calendars and handmade silk screen prints, she is now making these super cute link cushions!