Chloe at Australia’s Blue Beetle Co creates this new line of earrings and imagines Malala staring out her window, with the twinkly sky behind her. She thinks of all the ways Pakastani activist Malala is changing the world.
In her search for women icons, Chloe has also created a line of Dolly Parton earrings too. She’s searching for a third icon. Your suggestions?
Art at its best is a conversation between the artist and the viewer. For instance, take a look at the polymer figure in this glass and polymer mosaic called, She Persists – Women in Power by Debbie Maier Jacknin of Pittsburgh.
What is she saying? What is her story? What more can we learn by looking at all of the elements?
On her blog, Debbie tells of her interest in the history of Pittsburgh and of Native Americans, including that of the 18th-century leader, Queen Aliquippa.
T. Chalke wrote in 1706 that Aliquippa “…was an empress; and they gave much heed to what she said among them.”
Debbie says, “Let this sink in. While European women were not able to vote or own property, the Native woman was often the leader in her community and held in high esteem!”
Art can be much more than a pretty picture. Thank you, Debbie, for the timely conversation.
Utah’s Maryanne Loveless suits up her polymer power women in armor and gives them superpowers (magnets).
She calls them the Hang On girls with their articulated arms and legs.
“Sometimes the best we can do is armor up and hang on,” says Maryanne. These make great reminders to stick on your fridge. They shout, “You can do it!”
In my neck of the woods, it’s mighty cold. This woman-covered flask/bracelet from Alice Stroppel looks like a handy accessory for those who dare to brave the weather.
But wait a minute, Alice lives in Florida! A beach accessory for staying hydrated perhaps.
Florida’s Alice Stroppel is cooking up some workshops that focus on women. “I wasn’t able to make the wedding, OK I wasn’t invited. But I do feel like the Queen of it All in my own mind. A new cane, more queenly women to come,” says Alice
Look for black and white with echoes of Picasso. “Here comes a workshop or a series,” she predicts.
Women are standing out this year. How could you feature them in your work?
This grouping of Village Women from Virginia’s Elissa Farrow Savos was destined for Gallery C in Raleigh, N.C. Elissa captured them on her new Instagram page before they left for the art gallery.
Their pensive expressions pull us in for a deeper look as we approach Mothers Day in the midst of #metoo. She hints at their stories here.
Ellisa says, “As I sculpt, I push the polymer clay past its intended size and boundaries, then incorporate found objects, and finally paint the baked clay with layers of oils.”
The overview of her women and all their stories on Artsy.com is fascinating. Learn more from this PolymerArtArchive post and see her in the Polymer Art: Recent Acquisitions show at the Racine Art Museum until June 24.
With strong women so necessary these days, Debbie Jackson’s striking portrait of a Nubian woman in polymer expresses the sentiment we’re looking for. Clearly defined, unabashed woman.
The brooch is part of Debbie’s new mudcloth collection that she’ll unveil at the upcoming NOBO show in Ohio.
Women figure prominently in Debbie’s new series. You can sample it on Facebook.