Learning from the Masters
The latest on my painting class is Master Portraits.
Yup, it basically means we are coping making a reproduction of a portrait done by a famous painter in art history.
I picked Portrait of Alice Perry Grew by Lilla Cabot Perry.
See, when I was trying to decide, I was first attracted to the work of really famous artists, like Caravaggio, Da Vinci, Michelangelo, Rembrandt, Raphael, Rubens, Vermeer, Van Dyke… but then I looked at the prompt and read this:
MAKE SURE YOU CHECK THE LIBRARY FOR AVAILABILITY, SOME FEMALE ARTISTS MAY BE DIFFICULT TO FIND OR BOOKS MAY BE CHECKED OUT
And I was sort of hit with the realization that I hadn’t even CONSIDERED paintings by women! I mean, there ARE plenty of female artists through history –successful ones. Why is it so hard to find their work? Sure, there are fewer women painters because during some periods and places they weren’t allowed to paint. But it is NOT for lack of talent. Seriously, why didn’t I think of women before?
I bet there are lots of reasons why, some more direct than others. But I came up with a theory [I’m big on theories]. Could it be because before art history classes, most of the reproductions I’d seen were from the work of male artists –like the really famous artists I initially thought of?
Mmmaybe.
Whatever the reason is, I don’t like that thought process. And that’s why I reconsidered my pick. I didn’t end up working with Cabot Perry’s painting because she was a woman. I chose her because I liked her painting and because I thought I could learn something from it. I found her because I considered her.
I’m not deluded enough to think this means things are going to be better for women. Hell! We have a looong way to go. But I like to think this helps change something, even if the only thing changing is me.
I think that’s not enough.
November 9, 2009 at 5:32 pm
Have you taken a sociology class? You will look at sexism and racism in a WHOLE new way. I swear, people around me get annoyed with all that I’ve noticed in the past few months because of that class.
But I have this theory. A lot of feminists are talking about a need for MORE revolution, for MORE this, for MORE that. But really, we’re TECHNICALLY equal with men. We, by law, have the same rights and responsibilities as men. The time for fighting and marches and dramatics is over. We’ve won that battle. The point that we are at now is NOT dramatic or wide-scale. It’s personal. It’s each individual needs to open their eyes and recognize and change the way they operate towards the genders. For a long time from now, we’re going to make progress but it will be in small increments but full of sacrifice–for certain women.
The first woman Supreme court justice makes it easier for the next. The first woman CEO makes it easier for the next. The first woman doctor, astronaut, and etc make it easier for the next. But that first woman has to fight her way through it. She has to make that sacrifice. And the next person will sacrifice as well! But she’ll sacrifice a little less. She’ll have to fight just a little less harder. And so it goes with every profession and aspect of live that we are not de facto equal. This is the era of personal revolution. How perfect for our eco-centric culture!
There’s a lot to be done…but it’ll happen one mind at a time. I went through it this semester, and it seems you’re here now too. And I’ll tell you what! You’ll end up spreading it to other people too. And you’ll affect a few people with your thoughts and you’ll encourage people when they start changing the way they think…
It’s a good time!
Every day the differences between men and women shrink. Of this I am absolutely sure. It might not seem like a lot to the casual observer but to me, and now you, it’s quite a bit. 
Anyways, very good blog! I loved it.
Also, if you’d be so obliged, I would love to have you help me edit. 
I’ll explain more when I send the document to you. Could I have an e-mail address for me to send it to?