That's What She Said - by Kimothy Joy (Hardcover)

About the Book

Book Synopsis

An artist and activist committed to the empowerment of women and girls has created a gorgeous illustrated volume, blending watercolor and short biography to showcase the contributions of more than fifty influential female leaders whose words and actions are a passionate call to arms.

Distraught by the results of the 2016 election and the realization that the nation was not ready for its first female president, Kimothy Joy found herself poring over the biographies of brave women throughout history--those who persisted in the face of daunting circumstances--to learn from their experiences.

Turning to art, Joy channeled her feelings to the canvas, bringing these strong women to life in bold watercolor portraits surrounded by inspirational hand-lettered quotes. With each creation, Joy found catharsis and hope. She shared her watercolors with her online community and encouraged everyone to raise their own voices and recharge for the battles ahead.

Now, in this beautiful gift book, Joy has gathered her stunning illustrations and quotes and paired them with surprising, illuminating biographies of her subjects to inspire women of all ages, races, and backgrounds. That's What She Said honors a powerful and diverse group of over fifty women--from Maya Angelou, Gloria Steinem, and Virginia Woolf to Sojourner Truth, Malala Yousafzai, and Ruth Bader Ginsburg--role models whose words and insights remind us that we must never give up the fight for a more just and equitable society.

Reclaiming the derogatory cultural barb "that's what she said," this stunning book celebrates strong female leadership throughout history and empowers current and future generations to find their voices and inspire change in their communities.

From the Back Cover

A gorgeous collection of watercolor portraits and inspirational quotes that celebrate a diverse group of influential women and serve as a passionate call to find and raise our voices

In the wake of the 2016 election, artist and activist Kimothy Joy found herself poring over the biographies of brave women throughout history. Day after day she researched women who persisted in the face of daunting circumstances, gaining wisdom and perspective from their experiences.

Channeling her feelings through paintbrush and canvas, Joy began painting portraits of these strong women, bringing them to life in bold watercolors framed by inspirational hand-lettered quotes. As she mused over the power of each woman's words, she found solace and hope--and felt compelled to share their stories.

Now, in this beautiful gift book, Joy has paired these illustrations and quotes with surprising, illuminating biographies to inspire women of all ages and backgrounds. That's What She Said honors a powerful and diverse group of more than fifty women, from Maya Angelou, Gloria Steinem, and Virginia Woolf to Sojourner Truth, Malala Yousafzai, and Ruth Bader Ginsburg--role models whose words and insights remind us that we must never give up the fight for a more just and equitable society.

Review Quotes

"Kimothy's illustrations are some of The Huffington Post's most successful graphics to date. They consistently engage our audiences in conversations about intersectional feminism, legacy and resistance." -- Savannah O'Leary, Multimedia Producer, The Huffington Post

"Kimothy's illustrations are a beautiful addition to The Huffington Post's Women's History Month campaign because she presents these historic women in such an artistic and unique way. The beautiful portraits paired with these groundbreaking women's words have been shared widely by the Huffington Post audience." -- Alanna Vagianos, Editor, Huffpost Women

"A stunning book that celebrates a diverse group of inspirational women, from Maya Angelou to Malala Yousafzai. The book features illustrations and quotes with illuminating biographies to inspire women of all ages and backgrounds." -- Hello Sunshine

"[Joy's] work combines art and insight in the same tradition as Kalman's. I reach for That's What She Said whenever I'm looking to feel re-energized in the fight for women's issues." -- Alexandra Sacks, for TED's Winter Reading List