I’ve just returned from a meeting of artists, predominantly women. The exchange centered around professional issues and the lone male in the group asked how to address a group of women in a politically correct way. We went from there to the ways women have potentially powerful (and largely neglected) influence for non-violence in the world. Someone commented the conversation was “heavy” and that’s when the meeting disbanded.
As women, we have to get used to the “heavy” conversations. We won’t be able to make a difference until we can sit at ease with ourselves and our power in the middle of difficult topics heretofore reserved for the men over port while the ladies withdrew to the drawing room. To me, it’s one more evidence of genetic memory - at least the latent effects of social conditioning. We signed the papers for emancipation in 1920 and our knee-jerk response is centuries old. We can’t leave the tuff stuff to the menfolk and co-opt out of uncomfortable conversations because frankly, the males haven’t done such a great job with the planet so far. I’m thinking that’s probably because our female contribution has been, in large part, missing.
There are women making a real effort toward a peace filled world. Women in the news, on the talk shows, and some who never raise a blip in any media. For most of us, the opportunity to influence for effective peaceful relations come in our circles of everyday association.
Hossein Bidgoli, who authored The Internet Encyclopedia, stated visual images, especially photographs, have credibility and people believe what they see particularly when words and images are combined to create “social commentary in more powerful forms than had previously existed.” I’m not saying as artists and writers every piece has to be a political or social statement. That we have the ability to bring beauty to the world in images or words or both is a great contribution to the energy of peace in itself. However, I’m starting to think in terms of how I, as an artist and writer who is also a woman, can participate more fully in the quest for non-violence and peace in the world.
Primroses
Oil on primed archival paper, 24 x 18”, 2010
Primroses
With a limited palette of one cool and warm color from each of the primaries, the awareness today is remembering the different characteristics of opaque and transparent color and the realization of how the same quality is exhibited in zinc and titanium whites.
I had a better experience with the paper on this one and begin to see some advantages to the support.
While the painting is not what I’d call finished, I say it’s good enough. My favorite sister’s husband of almost sixty years died very unexpectedly today and my heart is heavy for her and not in the work.
Heart of the Rose
Oil on primed archival paper, 24 x 18”, 2010
I haven’t touched oil paints and a brush for ten years and I didn’t remember how sensual oils were. This piece turned out a bit more O’Keefeish than intended. The work is a start - or more a reacquainting. I’m not sure I like painting on paper - the response is definitely not the same as a brush on canvas - however, the votes aren’t in yet and there’s certainly time to explore the possibilities.
Blue Girl
Pastel on BFK, 30 x 22”, 2010
This is my favorite drawing of the past few months. I’m happy to have captured the model’s intensity. The piece is so powerful up close and personal, people are either repelled or fascinated by it.
'Tude
Pastel on BFK, 30 x 22”, 2010I enjoyed the way this model’s presence came through. I also found a new freedom to cut loose with the materials.
Nude
I like being able to put down a line with confidence the mark describes what I’m seeing and feeling.