In celebration of International Women’s Day on March 8, Hershey’s Canada has launched a sweet campaign called #HerForShe, with the goal of making more women visible and spotlighting the communities they serve. The campaign includes limited-edition, not-for-sale chocolate-bar designs by Toronto artist Gosia Komorski that celebrate five women impacting their communities: Marion Willis, Founder and Executive Director, St. Boniface Street Links and Morberg House; sustainable fashion designer Natalya Amres; Fitriya Mohamed, Founder and Executive Director, Muslim Women’s Summer Basketball League; Trans /Activist Yasmeen Persad; and Erica Jacobs, Founder of 100% Skate Club. We spoke with Gosia to find out more. —Noa Nichol
We’re loving your work on Hershey’s #HerForShe campaign, featuring limited-edition, not-for-sale chocolate bar designs that celebrate five women impacting their communities. How did this collaboration come about, and what made it a perfect fit for you?
That’s great to hear, thanks so much! About a month ago, I was contacted by the Mint Agency to see if I’d be interested in participating in a Women’s Day campaign for Hershey Canada. After hearing the concept, I was immediately drawn because it mirrored the type of work I already do; a portrait series that explores visual biographies of women through patterns and colour. Being a freelance artist, I’m used to getting art requests that don’t necessarily represent the work that I do, so it was refreshing (and also very rare) to create freely and feel trusted in the process.
Tell us more about the chocolate bar designs, and the real-life inspirations (women) behind each one.
I had an interview with each featured woman, getting to know them and the work that they do. I learned about their passions, drive and successes as well as their backgrounds, favourite colours, foods and connections to nature. I then built patterns and designs that I felt represented them from our chat. Each design consists of a portrait surrounded by two to three patterns that relate to each woman. I hope my rendition of their stories captures their beautiful spirit!
What is the goal of this #HerForShe campaign? And what does International Women’s Day mean to you?
The campaign highlights these five Canadian Women who use their passion and talent to educate, unite, support, shelter and empower others. The goal is to encourage future generations to follow their hearts and pursue goals that are unique to them. I’m so grateful to be surrounded by amazing women in my life! International Women’s Day to me is about appreciating and celebrating the strength, energy, power, resilience and selflessness of my family, friends, colleges and neighbours!
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