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"