Amy Woodward is a portrait and fine art nude photographer in Ferndale and has created an extensive body of work that is raw and real. In fact, that's her website's name: Raw & Real by Amy K. So, it's no surprise that she would be drawn to a project that turns our scars and wounds into something beautiful.
She launched The Kinstugi Project by the end of 2017.
Kintsugi is the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery with lacquer mixed or dusted with powdered gold. Ultimately it creates a unique and stunning piece of artwork, and Woodward thought she could transcend that idea to people.
Woodward asked her followers on Facebook if they'd be willing to show their scars, and to her surprise she got responses from 55 people--all with powerful stories of healing. From people who've earned scars from chronic disease, illness, body image, motherhood, accidents, mental illness, suicide attempts and more, they each allowed their scars to be painted in gold and photographed.
"I think it's really important that people understand that everybody has a story," said Woodward. "And that you're not alone."
The photographic project took several months to complete and mostly featured people from Washington state. Woodward decided to create a book featuring the stories behind the scars but needed $8500 to print and ship the books.
"To hear the people talking in the staging area, to be painting one another, to have people say, 'Oh gosh, I can you paint your scars. Why don't you tell me about that?' People who were complete strangers," said Woodward."It was just the most beautiful experience I've ever had."
Though the Kickstarter project is fully funded, people can still take part until March 22. Woodward says if she gets enough response, she will consider printing more copies.
Editors note: We found out about the story through the 5 Hive, a social community run by KING 5 that brings people together to do good. Please join us and share your stories!
