Last Saturday's Art Market was great. There was the usual chaos that comes with outdoor markets. (and the unexpected chaos- a broken tent and flooding from a broken fountain. 😬) You have to be adaptable! But it all worked out and it was a beautiful day. I has such a great time! I love doing markets specifically for the person-to-person connection. Many people commented that they recognized my work from around town. Someone commented that they loved the work and the artist statement was going to make them cry. A woman had a beautiful moment with her grown daughter as she reacted to a piece from my Arcana Ma series. The series is about the emotional and psychological landscape of motherhood and she "got it" without me explaining the series to her, it was so cool. I had some great conversations and got to pet some adorable dogs! Thanks to everyone who had such kind words to share, connected with the work, and took pieces home! It warms my heart everytime someone takes my art home with them. Every show, market, and pop-up I get the same feeling of excitement thinking about my work adorning walls all over town and beyond!
I always say that displaying my figurative work is a bit like a social experiment. Some people snicker, some are visibly uncomfortable, and some avoid looking altogether. Unfortunately, some women comment negatively about the bodies I depict. It honestly saddens me that so many women are more comfortable with being made muse or object, the female body seen only through a male gaze. It amazes me that Eurocentric beauty standards are what many are accepting of and something as natural as body hair or as powerful as birth is unsettling. That a drawing of a normal body can challenge so many, STILL in 2023. I don't judge these women, cultural conditioning is hard to shake! This time I posted my artist statement to hopefully get people thinking about why I draw what I draw. But again, the positive comments from people are so heartening. Keep fighting the patriarchy for the good of all!!! If you wish to read my statement, check out my blog posts "Sapphic Art" and "Feminism and the Body in My Work" below.
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