Meet a 2021 Peer Mentor:

Hi, I am Anischita Saha (she/her). I’m going into second-year, majoring in Graphic Design, and this is my first year as a Peer Mentor. I am originally from Bangladesh but I have spent most of my years in India. I’m currently living with my family in Bangladesh where I spend my days painting in my backyard along with my seven little munchkin ducks.

My work focuses on social taboos that still exist in Asia in the 21st Century. Through my artwork, I try to raise my voice against unjust treatment. I mostly use waste material as my main medium, a few being plastic waste, toys, jute and leftover threads.

I am looking to develop emotion management strategies as I have always struggled to manage my emotions and often find myself overwhelmed. I have also been trying to develop the skills needed in the digital art world. Besides these I’m trying to be a better mom to my ducks.

COVID has left most of us feeling burnt out and void; it has certainly taught me the importance of good mental health. I will be trying to use my artwork post-pandemic to spread mental health awareness with hopes to make someone’s day a little better.

I’m looking forward to moving to Toronto, explore the city and experience in-person university life.

Ashudh (Impure): Menstruation is taboo in Southeast Asia. Menstruating women are considered impure and are restricted from entering the kitchen or offer prayer. I have raised voice against this treatment through tapestry, tying countless knots to represent the strongly knotted unchangeable mindset of society, and have used black thread to show the flow of menstrual blood which is considered to be dirty—which is wrong.

Instagram: @theuncertainone
OCAD U Student Mentor Program