We recently connected with Alycia Brewer and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Alycia thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you tell us the backstory behind how you came up with the idea?

5 years after my abuse I felt that it was time for closure. I had always wanted to revisit the locations I remember being raped. Teddy bears represent innocence and childhood – two things that were taken from me in those very locations. It felt eerie revisiting these places of trauma – like a somber pilgrimage. Yet there was so much power in placing a bear down and walking away.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I placed 11 disfigured teddy bears around and nearby my highschool campus – 11 locations I remember being raped, assaulted, and abused. They display the message, “Something unspeakable happened here. Please help me heal and find me a new home.” My RB experience taught me the absolute difference between terror and horror. These bears hold the innocence that has been taken from me. To those who found a bear, please keep her safe. Protect her and love her. Give her a home and let her take up space. Please believe her.
In response to my project, a neighbor asked if she could have a bear. I was inspired to make my second line of disfigured bears that read, “I hear you. I see you. I believe you.” I offer these bears free of charge to anyone who has experienced sexual abuse.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

I have been sent a handful of photos of my bears residing in their new homes. It’s surreal to see my passionate pieces carrying out their mission. Each bear that arrives at its new home heals me a little more.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

Art is how I survive. I hope one day to feel healed or at least human. Each piece I create takes me one step further to recovery.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @alycia.art & @RBteddyproject

Image Credits
Alycia Brewer