Kathy: Artistic Nurturer

When I look at the responses that Kathy gave me to the essential Women Artist Educator questions, "I'm a nurturer to the max!!" just jumps out at me. She defines herself as a wife, mother, sister and a daughter, a teacher and a learner, a neighbor and a friend. Kathy believes in people, cares for all things and has a really optimistic view of the world in general. She gave a great list of adjectives that she would use to describe herself: trusting, loyal, faith filled, sympathetic, optimistic, strong-willed, stubborn, impatient, slightly bossy!, naive, silly, enthusiastic, rebellious, and kind.

Kathy feels blessed by all of her titles, but does feel limited in the respect that she is stretched too thin. At times this makes her feel frustrated an unsatisfied, which is natural if you are attempting to put equal amounts of energy and enthusiasm into all of the things we must do as women. It is important to prioritize these roles.

As an educator, Kathy is comfortable in the classroom and values the opportunities that she has to share Art experiences with her students. She is passionate about teaching Art and the creative process. She believes in a safe and nurturing environment for her students, and shows them respect and gives them infinite encouragement.

As an artist, Kathy feels fortunate to be able to create. She has had incredible teachers who have imparted vast technical knowledge, as well as significant life experiences which provide artistic inspiration.

When asked what makes her a great woman, Kathy answers that a great woman is strong, intelligent, kind and generous. "She is someone that has a purpose and believes in herself. She is someone that gives of herself for the betterment of others. She is confident and compassionate. I'm not sure that I'm any of these things, but I am, at the very least, aspiring to be!"

Kathy sent me some beautiful photos of her family, children, and pets, and home. She shared with me that the Serenity Prayer was significant to her and was something that is incorporated into her portrait.

Mickey: Dedicated Artist, Talented Educator

Mickey is so much fun, yet so even tempered. She has a clear sense of who she is and what she needs to do. Not only is she an accomplished art educator, but she is an incredible artist. It's clear that Mickey loves life and loves what she does. She answered the "Women Artist Educator" questions on a hand written sheet, and her answers are so great that I do not want to edit them at all.

How do you define yourself?
"As a creative person, love people (all kinds), animal lover. I have a positive outlook; almost always happy. I am a good friend."
What makes you unique?
"I think everyone is unique. I would say (if I have to) my personality, because I think that is what defines a person."
Do you feel limited by any of your titles?
"Yes. I love teaching but I have NO time for my own art. When the children were young I had no time and now they are gone and work occupies my time."

Mickey brings up the issue of time. So many of these women artist educators wear many hats. It truly is a balancing act for some to be able to work, and mother, and make art.. not to mention be a wife, sister, friend, or just be.

What about you makes you a great educator?
"I guess because I love art and I love children, and I want us all to be the best we can be. I try to learn all the time, whether it be from people, children, books, internet, etc. I have to be a lifetime learner to be a good teacher."

What about you makes you a great artist?
"I think I paint what I feel. I believe I can see things that others can't (some times), like color in white, etc. I love to let my mind take over when I do art. It just happens. Art is my life, always has been. It is who I am, I guess."

What about you makes you a great woman?
"I am always willing to learn and listen. My cup is always half-full."

Mickey sent me some photos of her family (husband, children, pets), to use in her portrait. She also shared a quote that was meaningful to her, which is included in the work. More than anything, her positive energy has been a driving force as I create her "Woman Artist Educator" portrait.

Amanda: Funky Art Mom

Amanda is eccentric, and quirky, and fantastically artsy. She puts off a great positive energy, and believes that the way our characteristics and personality traits combine is what makes each of us unique. Amanda embraces her labels of daughter, mother, teacher, lover, student, friend, and artist, but confesses that being a "teacher" does limit her freedom of expression. In her eyes, subscribing to the stereotypical teacher characteristics, affords her the opportunity to teach a subject that she is passionate about.

Amanda's love of art and teaching...and again, her positivity, are what make her a successful educator. You cannot be a great educator if you do not have a love and passion for the subject matter and for the profession. She shares that being a great artist means something different to each artist and each viewer. In her words: "I believe that every artist has a bit of a God complex. We create. We take from what we are and we form a new thing. For me, I put myself into my art and send it out, hoping it is meaningful enough that the viewers are drawn to it. I want the viewers to form a relationship, to see a meaning. I don't care if it is the meaning I, myself, assigned to it. If it is strong enough to have meaning to a viewer, then it is alive. Alive as an artwork and I, in turn, have created that life. That, to me, is what makes a great artist and I hope I have achieved that, but it is really the viewer that is the judge."

With the right mindset, good energy, and dedication a woman/artist/educator can make tremendous accomplishments. Amanda illustrates this in her life, work, and art.

Kim: Preservice Artist Educator

I haven't known Kim for very long, but I have a strong sense of who she is as a woman. She is at at point in her life where she is figuring out who she wants to be. In a phase of transition and change, she is seriously contemplating who she wants to become. Kim has very broad interests; art, sports, and music. She appreciates material things but also has a great appreciation for nature, which keeps her balanced. In her opinion, these are the things that make her unique.

Kim doesn't feel limited by any of the titles that describe her because she has defied/ broken so many of them. As an illustration of this, she shares that she was an artist at a design firm and then decided that art education was a more desirable field. She is a non-traditional student and I think she embraces that idea. Her titles do not restrict her because she can break right through them.

I love Kim's outlook on what will make her a great art educator. She believes that everyone has potential but they need help reaching that potential. She enjoys the diversity in the learning styles of students, and is comforted by the knowledge that an educator can truly make a difference.

In terms of success as a professional artist, Kim has a unique perspective due to her work experiences. In terms of graphic design, she has the skills to interpret what people want. She makes the effort to understand the client and translate their ideas into the work. This is a huge consideration in the life of an artist who is looking to make a living from their work. I think Kim is the first artist educator who has answered this question in this way. She's turned the tables, and I find it intriguing.

When asked what makes Kim a great woman, she shared that she just does her own thing. "I don't depend on anyone to to anything for me."

Kim donated a beautiful collections of papers with a variety of textures, patterns, and colors. She also shared some photographs of her digital work as well as paintings. Her contribution of black glitter (which is pretty amazing) did drive the tone of her portrait to a large extent.

Sandy: Art Educator

My interview with Sandy was conducted in bustling and busy environment. This was appropriate for her, in that she is one of the most effective multi-taskers I have ever met. Sandy's views herself as art educator primarily, and most importantly.

As a child, Sandy wanted to be a ballerina. She started making acrylic paintings at a young age, and people in her small town took notice. A gentleman that worked for the town newspaper assumed that Sandy wanted to be an art teacher because she was such a great artist. She was always encouraged to be a teacher but didn't commit to the idea until a high school guidance counselor convinced her that it was the appropriate career path. She recalls stating, "I guess I'll be an art teacher."

Sandy believes that the things that make you a great person are the things that make you a great woman. A great woman needs balance. Sandy views herself as constantly changing: "My obsessions change." A great woman has drive, passion, love for family, and is always seeking more.

She struggles with the title of artist. Sandy describes herself as an art lover, an art enthusiast. She likes to make art, but is not actively breaking barriers. In her opinion, a true artist is striving to break barriers. Although she feels like she's fallen off of the "artist" bike, her passion has shifted to teaching art. Sandy is a great educator because she loves to learn. "I have a passion for what I teach." She believes that if you're not excited about it, you shouldn't be teaching it.

When asked if Sandy feels limited of any of her labels, her response was that people take on their own labels. It depends on your own perception of your labels. As a woman, you understand things differently but Sandy went on to say, "I don't have any label I don't wear proudly." She confessed that she doesn't always feel that she's taken seriously by the art community due to her role as an art educator. That is merely an avenue and an opportunity for change.

Culmination of Summer Work

These will be framed, and I won't say that they are finished yet. A frame can change the feel of a piece and I have big ideas for these frames. Lori, Carrie, and Leah (in respective order) have been wonderful inspiration for the beginning of this project and I am learning about myself by working with the pieces of their lives as Women Artist Educators.

Leah: The Process

Leah's piece began with some linear raised elements and patterned paper. Her piece, for me, is about a feeling of nature and strength. I worked on some gels of her personal artwork and a portrait gel that was b & w. I didn't paint behind this one so that the colors and patterns in the background could show through. I have some saved items to incorporate, including: stones, photographs, papers, fabrics, and magazine clippings. I have to decide which to add in their raw state and which I will make gel transfers from. The challenge on this piece is that I enjoy the overall feel of it as it is... so I have to carefully place additional material and framing.