Women in the Arts - Page 2

Rochelle Brown · 08-06-2002, 03:00 PM

I'm a little late here but I wanted to thank Peggy for the inspirational words, especially those pertaining to the glass ceiling. Also, breath a wish of good luck for me as I have just opened up my lil' studio and am now set up as a full-time pro-artist. Word of mouth is getting out and I've got a few important commissions lined up.

ReNae Stueve · 08-06-2002, 06:55 PM

Mari,

You are correct. I did not mean to imply or label any work. I started out just wanting to support what I view as a good cause. In my household and in my extended families, we have been having many issues with children who are developing a very cynical view of life and humanity, issues of violence and shock media are on my mind right now. I admire and respect all aspect of creativity, but am trying to help those around me to be able to think critically. In doing so I need to "Walk the Walk" I really did have a point here, but it was lost in the debate. Thank you for your comments

Tom Edgerton · 08-09-2002, 05:03 PM

I hesitate to contribute to this, as I feel that while sometimes a co-ed discussion is good, at other times men talking to men and women talking to women exclusively is good also.

But anyway, the best material I ever read in regard to being a woman artist was the biography of Bettina Steinke, "Bettina, Portraying Life in Art" by Don Hedgpeth.

She made her way on her own terms, and had some very definite views in regard to being a female artist, and also the relationship of artists to art groups.

Best to all.

Mari DeRuntz · 08-10-2002, 12:03 AM

Thanks for the book suggestion. I'm going to look this one up because I love a good human story, not because I love a good gender story. Even though we're assigned one gender, we all grew up with brothers or sisters, mothers and fathers, friends and teachers and a whole tapestry of different people who we love because of their specifics.

Overall, categories seem a little weird.

The great thing about art is that the piece stands alone, without the creator. It is what it is.

Jim Riley · 08-10-2002, 08:10 AM

Unfortunately the book on Bettina Steinke, "Bettina, Portraying Life in Art" by Don Hedgpeth, is out of print and a used copy according to Amazon.com, will cost about $750.00.

I have a taped interview with Bettina by Ed Jonas in June of 1996 in which she discusses her schooling, mentors, and thoughts about being a portrait painter. It is not very instructive in nature but is a nice item to have just to have a connection to this wonderful artist.

On my first visit to Santa Fe, I called Bettina only to find that she was momentarily leaving on a business trip and otherwise would have had me over for a visit. We talked portraiture for a few minutes and she was very pleasant and encouraging.

The tape is "An Interview with Bettina Steinke, June, 1996" and was made available through the American Society of Portrait Artists, Montgomery, Alabama.

Rochelle Brown · 08-10-2002, 01:42 PM

I guess we do what we can...

Tom Edgerton · 08-17-2002, 08:36 AM

Jim's right, there is a copy of the Steinke biography available for $750.00, but don't be discouraged if you're really interested. On closer examination, that particular copy is accompanied by a watercolor in a special edition.

I got mine through a search with another rare book service, for around, if memory serves, $80-$100.00. Still pricey, but more reasonable. I'm not rich, but there WAS that Greek guy who said if he had money for either food or books...

Of course, there's the good old library, in those fortunate locations.

Best to all.

Rochelle Brown · 08-17-2002, 01:13 PM

So far, I think it does make some people uncomfortable dealing with a loose woman, as I am, but the professionalism and enthusiasm for art and the project help to appease the tension. I suppose they'd like to marry me off at my church but with my age and situation the pickins are slim.

Timothy C. Tyler · 09-09-2002, 07:32 PM

First thing, I distinctly remember Bettina Steinke refused to join any women artists' groups (and boy did they want her). What she did was compete directly with the men and managed to win her share of awards including the above mentioned Prix de West Award for which the show is named. She secured her share of major portraits, too while competing with people like Mr. R. E. Kinsler.

Secondly, what would the world say to a competition for male artists only? I can think of many a woman artist that has pounded her male "commards" regularly. But to think of forming a group to nuture and promote men artists against such strong female talents would be poorly received indeed.

Mari DeRuntz · 09-09-2002, 11:38 PM

Quote:

Secondly, what would the world say to a competition for male artists only?

Don't think there isn't a "men's movement." Are you familiar with the contemporary American poet Robert Bly? After writing "Iron John," he was thrust into the role of leader of this group. The premise is that men have lost touch with the archtypical male role model and are lost without it, to grossly oversimplify. In the context of Jungian thought, he is remarkable. However, his poetry is larger than his politics - he is a great contemporary poet without the gender issues.

ANYHOW, I completely agree with you. Only when we stop categorizing groups and setting them apart will their socioeconomic, gender, racial labels lose significance. I "compete" with men at work, and work in a HUGELY male-dominated field. But I like it. I also race (triathlon and running) in a mixed gender field. I LOVE THIS. Some men beat me and some women beat me. WHO CARES? The race is with yourself, your own potential, your own growth curve. Right?

And I would love to know how to pronounce "Steinke," a question that was overlooked on another Forum topic. Anyone?