Can the Power of Art Change your Life?
It's a New Year, a new time;
The past few months have been a time that the relationships of power between men and women have been revealed. Movies, live theatre, literary and the music industry have all revealed that women are stating their case and choosing to be heard. Whether it's in the media, or on the Golden Globes red carpet, it has been female artists that have taken the lead to state their cases. The art they have made, the stories they tell, all come together to collectively state that 2018 is not a year of tolerance of sexist power structures. I believe I heard it state that this was a "tectonic" shift. Perhaps it is. Time will tell if there are changes.
Paintings that tell the story of the New Year;
There are times that I create art that sets a clear truth, a story of women together, walking, striding to the same goal of recognition. The Empowered Series is an integral part of my artistic vision. The painting highlighted is titled "Greatest Show". This painting uses the glamorous Pan Am stewardesses as the point of departure. Women who were elegant and at the forefront of the professional definition of women's work life. Yet there is a sarcastic twist to this image. A target practice image is set in the back ground with the text 'greatest show'- which is from the circus promotion from Barnum and Bailey. These women walk with strength. But will they achieve their goal? I have been a feminist my entire adult life. I have yet to see equality, safety and respect for women. There is an expectation of a lesser accomplishments and stepping up is good. But will it be enough?
