‘Reap and Sow’ by Fox Cry Illustration: Reflecting on Women’s Resilience in Reproductive Rights

Concerns around women’s reproductive health and abortion rights have significantly increased in the United States since Donald Trump’s election win. Despite President-elect Trump stating that individual states should determine their abortion policies, he has signalled his support for a nationwide ban in different interviews. Social media harassment towards women has also spiked, with the rise of the “Your body, my choice” slogan, peddled by far-right public figure Nick Fuentes.

In this climate, artist Everett Lovrien, known by their artist’s name Fox Cry Illustration, has reflected on these circumstances in their painting Reap and Sow. The piece is centred around a single rabbit, symbolizing how these circumstances render women vulnerable and fragile. Yet, the rabbit is pictured as being fully alert and lost in thought while facing an assortment of plants and herbs. 

These plants are hollyhock, mugwort and rue, all of which have historically been known to naturally induce abortions. Hence, the painting becomes a celebration of women’s resilience throughout the ages to preserve their bodily autonomy despite challenges from their surroundings. Reap and Sow by Fox Cry Illustration is relevant to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals of Gender Equality and Good Health And Well-Being.

In choosing the plants they have depicted, Fox Cry Illustration referred to a book titled Reclaiming Ancient Wisdom by Catherine Marie Jeunet. The 2007 book is originally meant to be a guide for midwives and other women’s healthcare practitioners who want to serve their communities better by providing herbal abortion options. Now, Fox Cry Illustration’s piece is helping everyone interested in learning more about the subject to find the book.

Fox Cry Illustration’s Reap and Sow reflects the historical struggle for women’s reproductive rights in a time of renewed political and social threats. The artwork honours women’s resilience and ingenuity in safeguarding their bodily autonomy across generations. By highlighting these ancient remedies, the painting becomes both a visual protest and a tool for raising awareness.

Find out more about Reap and Sow and other paintings by Fox Cry Illustrations on their website www.foxcryillustration.com or Instagram @foxcryillustration.