Inspiration
Statement from the artist and founder:
What is Your March? is the first in the Katalyst series that began as an exploration of the theme of Resistance and Resilience and was inspired by the millions of concerned citizens who participated in the historic Women's March across the country — and around the world — that took place on January 21, 2017.
However, at a personal level, it is inspired by and dedicated to my friends who have been proactive in our society in their own way. I am fortunate to count amongst my friends those who were on the front lines linking arms during the Civil Rights era of the 1960s, those who continue to knock on doors to encourage voter registration, as well as those who serve as first responders in times of crisis. Whether humble or grand in stature, they share a common link – they always have had an eye on something greater than themselves. They saw the potential of what we could become as human beings and as a nation.
Given how opinionated my friends have been, we have not always agreed with each other. Sometimes, we have held polar opposite ideas of what we thought was the right thing to do. However, we have always respected each others’ voices. And I am so thankful that we stayed calm, listened to each other, and explored the cadence of nuance, because I have even changed my mind on a number of occasions!
Project Katalyst is meant to unite us by highlighting our diversity in order to move us forward. But ultimately it rests upon the shoulders of those who came before.
- Helen Ng
About the Artist & Founder
Helen Ng is the founder of DeMuse Designs, based in New York City. Her aim is to create socially-impactful art through the mediums of fashion and interiors.
Helen’s overriding approach to fashion is that of creating sculpture from fabric. Straddling the worlds of bespoke couture and social art, her products are “Made in the USA” and maximize the use of local labor. She also uses eco-friendly resources to promote sustainable practices.
Helen has trained in both fashion and architecture. She is a Critic’s Award Winner (2017) at the Fashion Institute of Technology for her work on Melting Point, which used fashion as a commentary on climate change.
She was an Artist-in-Residence at Clandestino Auctions with studio space in Union Square in Manhattan. She also has been a Studio Artist at ChaShaMa, an arts non-profit organization based in New York.
Previously, Helen worked in the field of international development and impact investing.
About the Director
Beth Davidz is the director of digital and social strategy for What Is Your March?
She has years of expertise in cutting-edge media and tech working for organizations including – not only nonprofits and startups – but also Hearst, Time Inc., HuffPost, AOL and the Associated Press.
Beth is an award-winning journalist, designer, product manager and developer. She is a media-tech mentor and speaker.
What attracted her to What Is Your March? is the idea of bridging the gaps in a country divided by partisan lines and finding the universal truths that connect us.