Fat Solace

"Fat Solace" is a piece dedicated to finding twin flames, soft and squishy soul bonds, and cushioning comfort through spaces held for queer fat femmes.

Finding connections and friendships through fat alliance is a feeling of siblinghood, sharing experiences underneath the watchful parental gaze of body positivity. The unspoken allegiance when faced with a fellow comrade in a changing room, the beach or public transport — even an online presence — breathes an air of a relieved “Thank god, another fat person.” The choruses of “You’re so brave” or “I wish I had your confidence” are showered upon our naked bodies, real-life cherubs trying to exist without unwanted praise or synthetic congratulations. 

Azby Whitecalf (BDes ’20, VCD) is a Two-Spirit Plains Cree artist from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. Azby’s practices revolve around Indigenous queer experiences and the connection between Indigenous femininity and queer gender identity. Working in multiple mediums, from acrylic painting and soft pastels to yarn tufting, Whitecalf creates dreamy pieces painted with tantalizing blues, perfect purples, and perky pinks. Whitecalf’s work explores themes of Indigenous queerhood, sexual liberation, and the celebration of fat-femmes bodies. Whitecalf’s collection spans from paintings and drawings to the recently published children’s book "Buffalo Wild." Their work has been exhibited in galleries and exhibitions in Alberta and Saskatchewan. With their love to be invested in the community, Whitecalf has also led numerous acrylic painting workshops and has participated in cultural events to teach art and creativity to Indigenous and non-Indigenous youth.

Fat Solace