Where are all the Women Artists?

Recently I began to think about my life as an artist and how I know I was born a painter, writer, and healer, as I believe we are all born with our talents we only have to grow into them and find them for what they are. For many years I neglected to see my talents and as much as I had longings to paint, I stuck to writing because this was acceptable and my teachers told me I was good at it. I would draw and color often as a child and was always thinking how can I create that tree or cloud in the way that I see it? Even then I did not realize I was seeing the world a bit more abstract then the people that surrounded me. Yet, I still did not allow myself to paint. And when years later I finally began a self portrait thanks to a class I took on the Goddesses of Greek Mythology, I realized what I loved. I was drawn to the canvas as I was drawn to the woods and I did not understand why. Living with a musician at the time and fostering his music, (not my Husband now, although he is a musican too!)I did not see my art was important too. I was constantly nurturing and caring for the words and music he was producing while my own words were becoming softer and softer. I mean no disrespect to this man, I am simply stating that too often women take the back seat in art. They are wives, mothers, care takers, cooks, house keepers, and teachers; Which all of these are noble and are to be commended. I am not placing less importance on the necessary jobs that women do so well, but I am saying we are expected to do these jobs without complaints or wanting of anything else. I do not think times have changed much....I think the mentality is the same in art. It was and seems at times easier to accept a man being "free" and pursuing his dream...also I think it is easier for many people to accept male artists. Funny, after all this time I still get this strange feeling women are not respected when they decide art is their passion and main focus. And at times when they do, it seems a male's art form takes center stage and rises above the females. There is definitely a competitiveness that seems to steal the beauty from the art itself. If only people could see art for what it really is ~ self expression listening to God, and sharing your gift with the world so that others can enjoy and find ways to cope with their emotions.

REMEMBER~
Michelangelo had somebody to cook his food! Rubens' wives darned his stockings so he looked good getting all those commissions, Gauguin had females taking care of him in two hemispheres, Mary Cassatt: no children, no husband, and an independent source of income with which to hire servants. Georgia O'Keeffe didn't have children, and her husband actively promoted her career. Lee Krasner's career took off after Jackson Pollock self-destructed! And there are so many similar stories likes these.

I think it's sad the world is so competitive and cut throat. I also think women should take a good look at themselves and what they want. Women have "breached the power structure" by acquiring rights equal to men in areas such as, education, professional careers, and voting. So why shortly after acquiring more rights were the bodies of women suddenly shrinking? Eating Disorders began to rise. We should remember these important facts. These struggles are indications of the prevailing mind set we still fall victim too. Although not all women will want to be musicians, writers, painters, photographers, (or any kind of artists) the women that do feel the calling and have not yet answered will always feel the emptiness that will never be filled if they do not find the courage to create.

"To create one's own world in any of the arts takes courage" ~ Georgia O' Keefe

Wise & Free

"I know now that most people are so closely concerned with themselves that they are not aware of their own individuality, I can see myself, and it has helped me to say what I want to say in paint. ”
~ Georgia O'Keeffe

I found the Secret to Life ~ I'm ok When Everything is not ok

Tori Amos ~ Upside Down

One of my favorites

Thank You Brigid

Thank You Brigid for all your love and friendship. You are a true gift from God! I am so blessed.

Painting

All I know is I must paint. I do not think anymore when I paint. I paint. Spirit tells me it's time and I feel I am a zombie walking through the house finding my colors and tools. Then I sit down on the floor with my life in front of me: the canvas. and I begin. I sing to myself in my head and out loud often making songs to go with each color and stroke. When I am done, I am done. I put the painting aside and walk away. I no longer linger and stare and criticize. Painting was always God to me, a way in which to hear my own voice having a conversation with God's voice. I am no longer a slave to my own thoughts. I know a person will find solace and peace or joy within each piece if I stop when I am told it is done. I have the courage to put aside my ego and rest in the loving arms of nature.

Nature Morning

 ~ We spent the night at our friends camp...in a cute little cabin overlooking the water ~

 I love this porch!

 Ron and Brigid getting the canoe ready :~)

 The cabin

Beautiful Morning, We are thankful

Blue Moon Inspiration!

Having two full moons in one month was inspiring and exciting! I did a lot of creating this past month :) I cannot believe we are now in September! So goodbye August! I will be posting some new paintings I completed in August on my website. And some new jewelry too! Today I wanted to share the sauce I made last night! My friend gave me some wonderful tomatoes from his garden and I created a creamy "vodka" sauce with fresh basil, garlic, and coconut milk! Then I added ground lamb, (from New Zealand!) organic zucchini, and squash and served it over browned chicken breast! SO good! I was unable to have a garden this year because of lack of sun in my yard (too many trees!) But I did grow basil, parsley, and thyme. And I am always throwing herbs into my cooking. I love them. They make the house smell wonderful and are so healthy for you!