Women Artist Predjudices

I was reminded the other day of the interesting biases there are against women artists. One of the ones I had forgotten is that some galleries won't look at older women artists' work ...especially if they are "emerging" artists. However, they are interested in emerging "young" women artists. This is a very limited as well as uneducated view to take in my opinion. Many women artists, myself included, marry and have children, husbands, or other responsibilities that require a major commitment of their time. Their art may have to be on hold as they do other creative and important things. Their emergence back into the arts may have to come later in their lives when they can devote more time to their art. What they may lack in youth they have gained in maturity and life experiences.

Breakfast Club, oil

I find it sad that some galleries have this flawed perception. They may be missing the next Georgia O'Keefe.

Why belong to an Art Organization?

I am home from the Women Artists of the West ( WAOW) annual juried show in California and the thought crossed my mind: why do artists need to belong to an art organization? If you are a woman artist, should you belong to a womans' art group? There are many reasons to belong to such groups: credentials, show opportunities, scholarships, education, workshops, discounts on ads and supplies. Women artists do face challenges that many male artists do not experience. There is still a bias towards men artists. It is not about talent or skill. It is the perception that a woman artist is not a professional because of the belief that she isn't feeding a family, or she is a hobbyist. If a male artist is supported by his wife so that he can pursue an art career, that still doesn't label him as a hobbyist. If a woman artist is supported by her husband, then often she isn't perceived as being serious. Women artists juggle so much in addition to dealing with false perceptions. They often are still expected to take care of their children, clean, do laundry, and provide meals.

WAOW members had the opportunity to hear encouraging words from Peggi Kroll-Roberts,  a fellow woman artist who has been able to juggle life as well as achieve national recognition for her work. We also had many other opportunities to brain-storm as well as discuss art issues that are related to women artists. For all those reasons I am proud to be a member of an organization that celebrates professional women artists.

Left: Amy Evans and Dena Kirk, WAOW

Women Artists and Christmas

I am doing what I always do this time of the year...cards, baking, decorating...in addition to painting and getting some work ready for a show. No wonder male artists get more done this time of the year. I think us women have to really learn to balance their art and family in order to keep going forward with their work. Add keeping up with your website, blog, e-mail newsletter, etc...it all takes time. I am scaling back on a lot of things this year...less baking, fewer cards, and am actually enjoying the season. Merry Christmas to all...