Stories Woven In: The Narratives Behind My Art
As Labor Day weekend is a time to honor the hard work and contributions that have shaped our society, my thoughts turn to the profound stories of those who have inspired much of my art.
Every piece I create is a celebration of human effort, a tribute to the unseen labor of trailblazers and the quiet, persistent acts of defiance that have moved us forward. Every brushstroke, thread loop, tear, and cut tells a story, and every final piece whispers a secret.
My passion lies in capturing the profound narratives, societal contradictions, and inspiring female figures that have worked tirelessly to forge a better world. I invite you to explore three today.
“Grace’s Vote”: A Radical Act of Defiance
Grace's Vote. Mixed Media - Acrylic on canvas, canvas sewn onto canvas, paper collage. Size: 60 W x 72 H x 1.5 D in.
"Grace's Vote" transports us to 1914, a time when women's voices were suppressed and their fight for suffrage reached a fever pitch. This piece is inspired by the audacious act of Grace Marcon, who, along with Mary Richardson and Mary Wood, took a stand—or rather, a knife—to masterpieces in London's National Gallery.
Grace was inspired by Mary Richardson's attack and response on Velázquez's Rokeby Venus was a powerful protest:
"I have tried to destroy the picture of the most beautiful woman in mythological history as a protest against the Government destroying Mrs. Pankhurst, who is the most beautiful character in modern history. Justice is an element of beauty as much as colour and outline on canvas."
These women understood that when fundamental rights are denied, even art becomes a canvas for rebellion. My painting seeks to capture their fierce determination and the radical beauty of their protest, reminding us that the fight for justice is an art form in itself.
Judith's Voyage: Soaring Beyond Societal Chains
Judith's Voyage. Mixed Media - Acrylic on canvas, canvas sewn onto canvas, paper collage. Size: 60 W x 72 H x 1.5 D in.
"Judith's Voyage" celebrates the indomitable spirit of Judith Resnik, PhD—an extraordinary electrical engineer, software engineer, biomedical engineer, pilot, and NASA astronaut whose life was tragically cut short in the Space Shuttle Challenger disaster. Judith was a trailblazer from a young age, even successfully suing for emancipation at 17 to live life on her own terms. She later divorced, choosing not to have children, a decision that defied societal expectations of her era.
Despite being deemed the most qualified woman for space by NASA, Judith was overlooked in favor of Sally Ride, mainly because her unconventional life story as a single, divorced woman was deemed potentially unpopular with the American public. "Judith's Voyage" is a tribute to her fierce independence and her relentless pursuit of excellence, regardless of the narrow confines society tried to impose. It's a testament to the courage of living authentically, even when it comes with a cost, and an inspiration for all to break free from invisible chains.
Katharine's Secret: The Unseen Hands of Change
Katharine's Secret. Mixed Media - Acrylic on canvas, canvas sewn onto canvas, paper collage. Size: 60 W x 72 H x 1.5 D in.
"Katharine's Secret" is part of my Jailbreak Series, an ongoing exploration of self-imposed and societal imprisonment. This piece celebrates the courage of women who waged personal wars that ultimately shaped our larger world. Our rights shouldn't be up for debate, but while they are, we'll be here—standing, speaking, and pushing back.
This painting captures the fierce dedication of Katharine McCormick to women's rights and health autonomy. Her determined stance symbolizes her role as a suffragette and a relentless advocate for reproductive freedom. The coded messages woven into the background are a subtle nod to her legacy of organized resistance and her courageous act of smuggling contraceptives to support the development of the birth control pill, an act that helped pave the way for a new era of women's empowerment.
Thank you for joining me on this journey through the narratives that inspire my art. Each piece is a testament to the power of women who dared to challenge the status quo, reminding us that every life is a story waiting to be told and celebrated.
Warmly,
Lisbet