Angry Feminist
Drew J.
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The revolution of feminist art began a long time ago and still inspires me. Growing up I was taught that women should look and act a certain way and want certain things.
I lacked powerful female representation in my life and it wasn’t until recently that I found my voice as a woman. I was inspired by feminist artists like Lynda Benglis who used her naked body to spread controversial and shocking messages. When I picture the little girl I used to be, who was taught to look and act like the girls she saw online or in movies, I want to tell her it is okay to be exactly as she is. I created a cast of my body from plaster, my real body in all its imperfection. I grew uncomfortable seeing what I perceived as the imperfections of my body so I found ways to highlight them, and the beauty of being as you are. On the back of my piece I chose to collage different photographs and art from women who came before me. Adding this part allowed me to honor the female artists who came before me and fought for the opportunity to spread their voices as well as other women in the art community. I know that the powerful minds who came before me will always guide me in finding my own personal greatness, and that is why I wanted to make art that spoke to the power in femininity and that represents honoring your true form.
In my creative process I noticed how critical i was of myself and after creating the bust, I hit a roadblock. I didn't know where to begin with the blank canvas because no media, no message, felt adequate to capture what I was trying to say. This topic being one I connect with so deeply, I had an overwhelming amount to say and not many words to express it. I worked to create something that ties me into a beautifully complex and powerful history of patriarchy in the art world. Sitting back and looking at my final product I feel such anticipation for every artistic opportunity that awaits me; Women who didn't even know my name fought for the world that allows me to go to art school, and pursue artistic career opportunities. My hands may be those that created this piece, but it is not mine; it belongs to those women who gave me the opportunity to share my art with the world.
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Being able to express emotion through visual is something I really value. I have found a way to harness the rapid energy of my two minute mind, and apply it to creating things that express beyond words. Creating allows me to put my rapid mind at ease, and channel that energy.
