The Delight Project: The First Interview
- Anne Pollard James
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
Today was incredible.
This morning we filmed an interview that feels like the first fully realized expression of what The Delight Project is meant to be. Not only a series of paintings or photographs, but a documented experience of a woman being witnessed. and then reflecting on what it meant to be seen.
Kathleen M. was interviewed by Dr. Autumn Brown, Ph. D., and the conversation was filmed and recorded as part of an audio-video archival series. This (and future) interviews will live in the archives of OSU. KM, seated in front of my finished painting, spoke about her experience participating in The Delight Project . What it felt like to be asked to consider delight in her own body, and what it was like to see herself reflected back through an artist’s eyes. It was vulnerable, grounded, intelligent, and emotional in the most beautiful way. I was so moved listening to her speak about what my vision felt like.
I was just so proud watching it become.
I keep thinking about how many versions of this project have lived inside my head. I’ve been prototyping this for a couple of years now, trying to understand what it actually wants to be. There have been lots of hours of daydreaming, writing, revising, scrapping ideas, rebuilding them, and simply knowing hat there was something important here even when I couldn’t fully explain it.
This interview felt like a turning point because it wasn’t just meaningful, it was also a proof of concept. It was when the project stopped being theoretical and became something that can be shared, witnessed, and archived.
Working with Autumn is a major part of why this feels so significant. I’m proud to be collaborating with someone who understands the importance of what we’re doing and is helping shape it with seriousness and care. Her presence adds a layer of depth and legitimacy that matters to me.
I am also so grateful to Kathleen for saying yes. The openness and trust she brought into the process was remarkable. Watching her sit in front of her portrait and speak honestly about her experience reminded me why I started painting women in the first place, and why I continue.
Today felt like a real milestone. It felt like the first time I could step back and see The Delight Project in its full form, with story, voice, vulnerablity and the joyous power that comes from being witnessed as we are.
