rosiethorns88

paper & digital artist

I wanted to provide an explanation for my upcoming and final Harry Potter collaborations.

Firstly, I want it to be clear that I whole heartedly disavow J.K. Rowling’s sentiments on women’s rights and the transgender community. I think there is a very clear divide with where people stand with her views and I’m most decidedly on the side that sees her opinions and statements as harmful.

However, I think within the divide that has now condemned JKR the person, there is a more scattered resolution on how this group has resolved to move forward in the Harry Potter fandom. Some have separated the art from the artist and continue to enjoy the world that the fans have built; some have refused supporting official merchandise and enjoy purchasing unlicensed products from small businesses; some are keeping their consumption of Harry Potter private and off of social media; and some have outright avoided any mention or following of the fandom at all.

There are so many arguments to be had about any of these resolutions that I can’t say any of them are absolutely right or wrong. I can for certain say that Harry Potter is now triggering for some. And just like other content triggers and warnings, the polite action would be to apply these trigger warnings when possible if our intention is to create those safe spaces. I personally choose not to show nudity or gore in my artwork and can be a safe space for those avoiding those triggers, but that does not mean I am personally triggered by it, nor do I disavow or unfollow other artists who create those contents. This is how I’ve crafted my resolution for Harry Potter.

I know how deeply ingrained the Harry Potter fandom is, and even with a critical eye on the controversial topics highlighted in the books (elves, werewolves, goblins, Seamus, etc), I can see those who are fans are still celebrating the books for the goodness and morals and inspirational quotes that the text is known for — not the harmful subtexts and especially not the recent sentiments of JKR.

With regards to my upcoming collaborations with LitJoy Crate in 2021, I will be providing artwork for four Harry Potter related items. Before JKR’s statement blew up in June 2020, I had already agreed and signed a contract for these pieces, a project that LitJoy had already been planning for in advance of my involvement. With my sentiments above, I do intend to finish my commitment with LitJoy, but will not be posting any Harry Potter artwork from the collaboration on my personal social feeds, nor will I be collaborating or producing any future Harry Potter artworks thereafter.

This is my personal resolution based on my own reactions to JKR’s statements, but I do NOT condemn LitJoy or their followers for purchasing and celebrating the Harry Potter fandom; in fact, I continue to be impressed and amazed and delighted with the ideas and creativity they bring to their community and the Harry Potter fandom. That can be a valid resolution. I would of course love to continue collaborating with LitJoy Crate on non-Harry Potter artworks in the future. But going forward, my resolution is to focus on other fandoms on my public accounts and consume the Harry Potter fandom privately in my own space.

I realize my resolution will not be the solution for everyone who follows me and who I follow, but there is a space for everyone and I only hope everyone can find the spaces they can enjoy.

– Rosie

Categories: Artwork, Bookish
Tags: Harry Potter, JK Rowling