I have two nieces, one is a size 2
& everyone always tells her how beautiful she is
& how she must be a model.
while
Her sister, my other niece,
has taken a back seat &
you guessed it... is not a size 2.

I don't know when this
idea of beauty and being thin
began this hand in hand relationship
but I do know as I thumb through fashion magazines
like Vogue & Bazaar I choke down the harsh reality
of what my nieces go through with
a taste of the reality of this 'skinny beauty'
society we've created.

We are doing a disservice to young
girls everywhere and we don't even
apologize for it. Through fashion magazines,
music videos and pop icons being shaped and
manicured before our own eyes &
society has forced a pencil thin stereotype
on all of our young.

We even promote that being thin
equals being healthy. I ask, at what point
does it become too thin? Too unhealthy?
The same can be said about weight gain, I know.
But somehow looking from the sidelines I
just don't see my 'not a size 2' niece getting
as many benefits, perks, compliments or opportunities.

In fact, this 'double standard' has created a
wedge of discontent and competition
between the two sisters. While one enjoys the spotlight of
attention & the other sits in silence
wondering why the world can
be so unfair.

In this photo book, I choose to prove something
visually to the world at large and my
wonderful nieces...
both originals in their own right.

You DO NOT have to be a size 2 to be beautiful, healthy and wonderful!

OLAN/Artist 2009

BELOW, a personal note that made my day about the book:

"Hi Olan:

Came across your new book on Blurb –

Although I’ve made peace with the “(it’s such a shame) You have such pretty face” comments I’ve received in my 45 years on this earth… the description you wrote for your book still brought tears to my eyes.

Your nieces – both – are so lucky to have you as their Uncle.

Lorrian"