Women’s Work

Sharon LoMonaco, Holding up the world, Oil and acrylic on canvas

Women are the foundation of the earth and all life on it. During this time of uncertainty and change women are Holding up the World. Using their power and creativity women will snatch victory from the jaws of oppression to rescue humanity.

 

William Wareham and the Kitchen Minions, I Don’t Cook, Pots and pans

 

Linda Vivas, Transforming Triptych, Mixed media

Women seem to be more apt to do personal work for psychological growth.

This piece uses “The 3 Graces” classical marble statues, which seem to idealize and objectify women.

The “before transformation” piece depicts a woman dealing with her shadow, which is being mirrored by others behind her, and she is receiving desired attention, most of it good.  We see her hug light to her heart, in the beginning phase of “seeing the light”.

The “during transformation” depicts a woman psychological athlete, outside her art deco style cocoon, wherein she is gestating, while working out psychologically.

The “after transformation” shows a woman in blue as her essential self, wearing her life’s blueprint with details about her potential on the outside of her body, as clothing.

 

Rajiv Hotek, Food, Love and Shelter, MIxed media

Shelter – A mother shelters her child fiercely. Egyptian Funerary Figure
Food – A mother gives herself to nourish her child. Peruvian Burial Doll
Love – A mother and child live in the oneness of love. Tutsi Mother and Child Doll.

 

Sarah Rose, Goddess of the Heart, Clay mounted on granite

Goddess of the Heart is a feminine perspective which embodies feelings and intuition.
She holds, carries, expresses and cherishes the feelings and intuition of humanity.
She must possess the courage to carry and express those aspects of herself.

 

Carol Jenkins, The Boss, The Teacher, The Visionary, Oil on Panel

All the women in these paintings are dressed in a red skirt, a playful response to the question—who defines Women’s Work?

They are also meant to be a more serious reminder that it is still difficult for a woman to be seen as legitimate in every role.

We are familiar with women working as teachers, especially of the young. Yet this work is undervalued, as evidenced by a teacher’s pay.

Seeing women in the role of visionary—inventor, philosopher, iconoclast, thinker, is much less comfortable. And perhaps The Boss elicits the most discomfort of all.

Claiming our place as authorities, leaders, supervisors, is a risky business. In those roles we can be seen as strident, unappealing or hard.

But there they are, the red skirt brigade, they just can’t be stopped.

 

Jane Hall
Miss E’s Shroud
Fabric, hand pieced patch work

Women give birth welcoming new life into the world, washing and wrapping the newborn tightly in a comforting blanket. In many cultures preparing a body for burial was and still is traditionally done by women. For centuries bodies were wrapped in a winding sheet or shroud before being placed in the ground. A cycle of intimacy with life and death. Welcoming a new spirit at birth and at sending the spirit along to the next journey.

I have become interested in the shroud idea, hoping to make one for myself, but instead, I started with one for my 17 yr. old cat. I felt a deep connection to her while creating the small shroud, considering her petite size and using bright colors for her bright personality. I will wrap the shroud around her with her favorite blue ball on a string, maybe sew on some of her favorite toys. It is a comfort to me that when Miss E’s time comes I can honor our long acquaintance with a special shroud for her. In this, I feel a connection to women’s work in the past that included the respectful preparation of a loved one’s body for burial.

 

 

Shery Larson, Woman Welder, Photograph

This photo illustrates a non-traditional role for a woman. Depicted here is a member of Union Pacific’s steel gangs, highly skilled teams that travel all over the country replacing tracks, known as ribbon rail. She is performing a Boutte weld, joining two sections of railroad track.

 

 

 

 

 

Sherry Ackerman, The Mystery, Mixed Media on 300# cold pressed paper

Women’s Work as the primary energetic in the Ultimate Mystery … the creation of life; an act of Love. Sharing their bodies, minds and spirits in service to the entire living world.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rebecca Carter, Finery Refined, Sculpture of found materials

Women’s work traditionally and historically has been domestic tasks, including serving others, requiring a great amount of planning and preparation that often goes unnoticed. It’s considered menial labor, therefore underpaid if paid at all.

This sculpture has the basic elements of the elegant finery used in tea service. It reminds us of the women behind the tradition whether under obligation or bestowed with honor to serve others. The rough materials used to duplicate the finery represent the resolve and strength of women.

 

Cathy Valentine, Women’s Work Today is to Resist, Encaustic, Photo Transfers, Lace

In these days of strife and political turmoil, it is not just women who need to get involved, but all of us.  These images depict an urgency to this stance.

 

Belinda Hanson, Mop Bucket and Wings, Collected objects

Busily we work through our days,
while night dreams set us free to fly.
Still tethered, we soar.

 

Alice Porembski, Weapon of Mass Pie Making, Ebony Rolling Pin on Maple & Ebony Stand

My mother, Helen was a baker par excellence. Her pies were my favorite. They were gifts to relatives for all occasions, birthdays, holidays, Polish weddings, and even post funeral breakfasts. She taught me that there are never too many good pies   Here I commemorate the pie making tool with an ebony rendition, and its’ own altar.

Saturn Plate, California Walnut

The figure grown into this piece of walnut reminds me of the particle rich vapors in the atmospheric zones surrounding the planet Saturn. The number of rings around Saturn is debatable, however I chose 7 or 8.

Antiquity Revisited, Honduran Mahogany Turned Bowl

This shape is reminiscent of a ceramic bowl from Roman times, which I saw in a museum in Lisbon.   I tried to recapture that shape in this bowl.  A bowl both empty and full.

 

Lezlie Graebel, Equestrian Portrait of Kalea, Oil on Canvas

A woman’s work in life is to make her childhood dreams a reality.

 

Kathleen Francis,
Undaunted,
Graphite on Paper

Women of the Great depression raised families in the most difficult of circumstances.  Work was scarce as well as money and even food at times.  Yet, during one of the most trying times of the 20th Century, women stepped forward for their families, their nation and themselves.

With the right to vote just a decade old, women raised children and worked inside and outside of the home.  They raised the generation that would fight the Second World War.  They stepped forward and worked in factories to help the war effort and endured the hardships of war.

They stabilized the nation during the 1950s and burned their bras in the 1960s and are the Grandmothers of today’s CEOs both male and female.  They demanded equality and respect.

These women did it all while setting a great example and they did it with class.

They were truly “Undaunted.”

 

 

 

Sherry Zand Weaver,
Mother Gaya
(Eve, Fatima, Mary),
Mixed media with gold leaf

 

Mother of Existence.
Mother of humans and galaxies,
plants and planets, animals and elements.

SHE loves her Children.
SHE IS Eve, Fatima, Mary and All Holy Women in ALL of time.
SHE is Pure Love and
Pure Light.

 

 

 

 

Don Hall, Irony,
Digital Photograph

This image presents a mix of old traditions and new practices.

This young woman is obviously dressed in what is traditionally viewed as men’s attire for her job as a waiter.  Keep in mind that up-scale waiter positions were traditionally reserved for men.

At the same time, she is ironing the evening’s table cloths; ironing being a task traditionally assigned to women.  In performing her role, she has garnered the attention of at least two men – the photographer who saw an interesting composition and the fellow reflected in the window who may have been looking at the young woman for more traditional reasons.

 

Anna Bat, I Want to be Alone, Canvas, Acrylic, Cotton, Silk, Wool, Muline
Women’s Work-be a muse or be in the shade?

Sarah, Canvas, Acrylic, Silk, Mosquito net, Tulle, Wool, Iris, Muline, Beads, Sequins.
Sarah is a fashion model. How do you try on different Images and not lose your face?

Keon, Canvas, Acrylic, Cotton, Silk, Tulle, Velvet, Wool, Muline, Iris, Metallized thread, Fur, Feather, Beads
Embroidery appeared in the primitive epoch and is considered a traditional female handicraft.                                                                                                       – 2018, Moscow.

 

Bea Duran-Whiteman, Fiery, Watercolor; Miracle, Watercolor

Fiery – 
All through history and even in current times, we hear of women going to extreme measures to protect their families and children, their homes and most especially themselves. Fiery depicts the concept of women fighting for what they believe in and what they sincerely care about.

Miracle – 
Nature and the culture in which we live have throughout history communicated expectations
of individuals with regard to gender. For females, the expectation, once they have
established a mate, is to reproduce, nurture and care for offspring. For some couples this is an obstacle.
The female in this painting attempted numerous times to have a child with no success.
Not until her latter thirties and paying out significant amounts of money for fertilization did she have her long awaited child…A miracle!

 

Barbara (Bee) Soule’, Solo Hen-Party, Mixed Media; Nailed it!, Assorted objects

Solo Hen-Party –
Women’s’ Work is not confined to just the human species, as we well know. From the hunting lioness, to domesticated milk-cow and goat…they have provided for their families, or us.

Hens are exceptional in this field. Their feathers have stuffed our beds and pillows for years. Eggs provide our species with protein, fats and minerals, in a beautiful, concentrated, compact, obelisk!

A patch of dirt to scratch in, its bounty providing their meals; night-shelter; a soft-landing for their prospective young or edible gifts to us … their needs are few.

To cap it all…they are great conversationalists.

Nailed it! –
From the cliché of women filling downtime in their stereotypical (often sedentary) jobs ‘just painting their nails, to the “light-bulb moment” opening the way to “why not nail-it yourself? Starting with your home’s walls and shelves to Habitat for Humanity, to skill and qualifications as a master carpenter, to paid painter, sought-after decorator … go for it!”

 

Olivia LoMonaco, Magkano, Photograph, April 6, 2018

Tagalog for “How Much?”  The question that an independent female fisherman hears most often on the days she rents a market space in Pampanga, Philippines to haggle her own prices for a fresh morning catch. Image captured April 6, 2018

 

 

 

 

Sulena Sivananda, Hold It Together, Wood and metal

 

 

This piece reflects the old paradigm (old barn wood, rusty metal) of a stay-at-home woman, who was “chained” to her station, keeping the household intact, raking the yard etc.

Those same items apply to the work of the present-day woman…being superstars, staying reliable, raking in the income, breaking the chains of the expected roles and concurrently, raising well-adjusted children (angelic?) while still allowing time to play!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Christine O’Brien, She Stewards the Earth, White Buffalo Calf Woman
Mixed Media–with elements of collage, pencil and acrylic paint

This piece represents the work that women do behind the scenes … especially notable in the Native American Tradition, we witness how women steward the earth.

White Buffalo Calf Woman speaks to a time when relationship to the earth was valued … when planetary cycles were directly connected to the human experience, and messages were read in the stars.

 

1.                                              2.                                               3.
1. Mother Barbara, Saint Nino, Gold Leaf

The Sovereign State of Georgia in Eastern Europe has a long Christian history that can be traced back to the 300s. Georgia, or Iberia as it was then known, was one of the very first countries to accept Christianity and make it their state religion. And it was a woman evangelist named Nino who was the primary instrument in bringing Christianity to this country. Saint Nino has been referred to as “Equal to the Apostles” and the “Enlightener of Georgia”.

2. Mother Eupraxia, St. Oswin, Embroidery thread on Velvet

As King of Deria, Oswin was greatly loved and ruled his province most successfully.

When becoming deeply involved in tribal warfare instigated by his cousin, he realized that he was outnumbered and disbanded his army to prevent further bloodshed. He himself took refuge in the house of a friend where he was betrayed and killed. Because of his humility and concern for his troops, he is regarded as a martyr.

3. Mother Justina, St. Seraphim, Acrylic on clay board, Gold, Australian Crystal

Saint Seraphim of Sarov is one of the most renowned Russian saints in the Eastern Orthodox Church and is considered the greatest of the 19th-century elders. St. Seraphim extended the monastic teachings of contemplation, theoria and self-denial to the layperson and taught that the purpose of the Christian life was to acquire the Holy Spirit. Perhaps the most popular quotation amongst Orthodox believers attributed to St. Seraphim is “Acquire a peaceful spirit, and thousands around you will be saved.”

 

Brooke Nuckles Genekos,
Womb Web
Mixed Media Fiber Art

Womb Web depicts the source of women’s work – the divine gift of creation from the mother’s womb. Women give birth to new life from their wombs – the Holy Grail, the most Sacred of Vessels – to the next generation who will continue to evolve and change our world.

Our work on this planet weaves a network of experiences, stories and connections with every touch, every song, every movement around the planet Earth. As we expand out toward the stars our work grows deeper and expands.

The sacred birthing of art, human souls and solutions to problems is an intricate web that grows with beauty and strength through the mother of invention.

 

 

 

Emily Rankin, Harriet, Multiple media

I’ve drawn images of Harriet for many years. She is a master multi-tasker.
When I was in college, she wielded various art tools.
When I was building, she had hammers, drills and saws.
Harriet also has a domestic side. She loves creating a clean and cozy nest.

 

 

Kim Presley
My Shoes
Mixed media

 

Work in it

Just work it

Work within it

Work for it

Work with it

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

l

l

 

l

Sharon LoMonaco, Warrior, Oil & Acrylic on Canvas

“Well-mannered women rarely make history” and so, we will fight with ferocity to protect our children and ensure their safety in their classrooms, in their homes, and in our streets.

 

    

Jill Gardner,
Changing the World – A Work in Progress, Mixed media with Globe

Inspired by the Women’s March on January 21,  2017, and the continuing news of women taking to the streets globally, speaking up, and changing the world ~ and by women throughout history who have worked against incredible odds for equal rights and justice for all.

I began by intentionally painting out the historical, man-made boundaries on the globe to create a changed world.  As I painted I found myself wanting to move beyond all known associations with regions, countries, and continents, as well as any particular colors, and let a sense of the whole inform my work. The single mannequin leg then became the perfect vehicle to convey the news of women taking action globally.

As I painted along coastlines and over ice caps, across mountain ranges and vast oceans the enormous reality of earth in flux was really present with me.

 

 

 

Maureen Williams, Pink Collar, My Ass, Found art with gold leaf

Mother Nature just whipped up a spot-on symbol of motherhood for me. From a distance this branch could be seen as unremarkable, ordinary. Getting more intimate with it, we see, like motherhood, it’s innovative, humorous, vulnerable, and protective, solid and nurturing, using whatever it takes to get the job done while fending off enemies and keeping a smile for the little ones.

I am honored to call myself mother, wife, caretaker. It is fierce, indispensable work that shapes a foundation for who we become as human beings and how we function in society; yet it is sorely undervalued and underestimated work.

“We need to call women’s work what it is — work — whether you do it at home or whether you do it out in the labor force, and then give men and women options to choose what they want to do,” says Melinda Gates (co-founder of Gates Foundation). Amen sister.

 

Gini Holmes, Safe City,Gay Marriage,Deluge, Image transfer on handmade paper, embroidery, flocking, color pen, china plate

Safe City
”Outside of the killings, Washington has one of the lowest crime rates in the country.”
–Marion Barry, former mayor of Washington, D.C. Image: THE ASSASSINATION OF WALLENSTEIN

Gay Marriage
”I think that gay marriage should be between a man and a woman.” — California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger Image: THE CITY SWELL

Deluge
“I don’t think anybody anticipated the breach of the levees.” — George W. Bush on “Good Morning America,” Sept. 1, 2005, six days after repeated warnings from experts about the scope of damage expected from Hurricane Katrina. Image: AFTER THE STORM

“To know the history of embroidery is to know the history of women.” Rozsika Parker, The Subversive Stitch: embroidery and the making of the feminine.

I use Women’s Work or the “genteel arts” to rage against the machine.  Serving it up on a platter.    –Gini Holmes

 

Rajiv Hotek
Mother Nature
Mixed Media
NFS

Some call me Nature. Others call me Mother Nature.
I have been here for over four and a half billion years.
Twenty-two, five hundred times longer than you!
I don’t really need people, but people need me.
Yes, your future depends on me.
When I thrive you thrive.
When I falter you falter … or worse.
But I’ve been here for eons.
I have fed species greater than you and
I have starved species greater than you.
My oceans, my soil, my flowing streams, my forests.
They all can take you or leave you.
How you choose to live each day, whether you regard or
disregard me, really doesn’t matter to me, one way or the other.
Your actions will determine your fate, not mine.
I am Nature, I will go on.
I am prepared to evolve … ARE YOU?
– Conservation International

 

Torri Pratt, Divine Feminine Power Bonnet, Sugar-starched vintage needlework and accessories (Aprons, handkerchiefs, doilies, buttons, etc.)

Please step into the Divine Feminine Power Bonnet, as if wearing it, and take photos if you wish. This action symbolizes stepping into one’s feminine power and heightening their ability to extend compassion and grace without suffering or sacrifice.

 

Women’s Work continues at Liberty Arts through June 22, 2018.

 

Liberty Arts Hours of Operation
Summer Hours ~ Tuesday through Saturday, 10:00 ~ 5:00
Academic School Year ~ Tuesdays CLOSED to the public for Explorations Outreach Program
Sunday & Monday ~ CLOSED
530 842-0222

Liberty Arts, 108 W. Miner Street in Historic Downtown Yreka, CA 96097

 

 

Joy Price, Anything,Acrylic

The surface is reflective so the viewer sees a reflection of herself or himself  superimposed on the words “anything you can do”.

Here you see a rare shot of the photographer in the image.

 

Photography by Sharon LoMonaco