ABSTRACT
Grizelda is the hugely popular cartoonist (The Guardian, Private Eye), who uses her creative practice to poke fun at current affairs and provoke discussion on world events amongst her devoted readers. She discusses developing a thick skin to repel critique and develop confidence in her work and her self whilst also acknowledging the challenges that grief and Covid-19 brought, stifling her process and bringing moments of doubt. Griz speaks of her experiences with the patriarchy and how this potentially could have derailed her, and this discussion prompts reflection from the author, recounting their own experiences and how their creativity has offered a resistance to dominant narratives that threaten to undermine or squash. They offer examples of creativity that has restored their sense of self and helped them to feel empowered including reclaiming myths – stories that often centre men as heroes and women as silent plot devices – poetry and a short story where she depicts herself as the mother in Red Riding Hood. In the new version, the mother is experiencing menopausal symptoms and wondering how to resist male colleagues who seem set on dismissing her relevance, despite her years of experience and excellent CV (better than most of theirs!). The reader is encouraged to story themselves as a character from a fairy story and to celebrate themselves in their new guise.
