As promised a quick report on the symposium. The presenters were as expected fascinating and inspirational. I have to say that arriving on a beautiful sunny day with their huge magnolia tree next to the front door made it hard for me to enter the building initially. Though once I finished standing under the tree laughing with glee (people passing by thought I was just a nut-job...but hey...I cannot help it beauty either makes me laugh or cry) I went inside this new to me venue. The New Hazlett Theater which I am embarrassed to say I had not yet had the opportunity to visit, is a wonderful space!
This is the lobby as you enter the theater.
On Friday (the only day I attended) there were not as many women there as I had hoped would come, but in all understanding it was held during work hours. So I am sure this was prohibitive for most. The group that was there I appreciated and clearly understood there were some very seriously gifted women in the seats about me.
I enjoyed Faythe Levine's presentation...she turned us onto many new "craftivists" which is a concept I will now begin to delve further into. Activist + Crafts = Craftivist. Craftivism...new term for old concept? What was called was a "Community Artist" ? Those who use their creative abilities to help others....I guess it is not exactly the same. These wonderful Indy crafters are speaking out against things and making statements about their veiws using their crafts and they are doing so in marvelous ways, very, very new and imaginative ways that engage hundreds of people at a time doing so through crafting of one kind or another. Fascinating! I guess the Community Artist is more one on one helping people through arts and crafts rather than making a statement. This is the type of work I have always been involved in. Though Faythe herself said something to me that I loved. Upon hearing that I have been self-employed now for 23 plus years she said that this was a "statement in itself"....and she's right.
The Guerrilla Girl Frida Kahlo gave a wonderful power-point presentation (and skit) on the history, journey and concept of The Guerrilla Girls, who I love. I remember first hearing about them back in '85 and thinking how radically cool they must be to be doing what they were doing. I was right...and their voices have become louder and their message heard by more and more across the world. They have a new book "Bitches, Bimbos and Ballbreakers" out on female stereotypes that you can pick up on their web site. I love the use of Barbie dolls as visuals in particular.
www.guerrillagirls.com
The other presenter of the day Elizabeth Perry who is here in Pittsburgh, but whom I had never had the pleasure of meeting (until Friday) was just a delightful knowledgeable woman. She led a discussion called Web Hacks for Artists and turned us onto all kinds of cool things we didn't know we could do. I for one did not know you could use Google instead of power-point did you? Well I do now! Elizabeth has a great blog and is involved with so many different projects that I will send you there www.elizabethperry.com to find out for yourself. Though might I suggest watching her short video on what she's been up to...
Oh, and I actually went home after Elizabeth so I didn't see Vanessa's performance but I am sure it was very moving.
Well I'm going to get my creative day a going, the rain is falling steadily and the windows are all open and it both sounds wonderful and smells wonderful. A good day to create. Though isn't every one??!
xoxoxo
Jill
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