As we start a New Year, I’ve been thinking about all the strong women who have played an important role in my life. I’ve always been a feminist and appreciated the love, support and kindness shown by them even if at times I haven’t openly said so!
First and foremost there is my wife, the person who has seen me at my worst. A soul mate, confidante and the love of my life -the woman I adore, respect and possibly the only one who fully understands me. Someone who is always prepared to help those in trouble or need. Then there is my daughter who I also love dearly and is a total joy because she too has so many qualities I admire and says exactly what I need to hear at times. There are others too that I have worked with, met socially and, more recently, encountered through my love of art. All of these ladies are amazing individuals with various talents or characteristics which are both inspirational and compelling. Some are young and others are more mature. In different ways they have been a significant influence on me.
This train of thought started with an art related online article “If Women Ruled the World – Is a Matriarchal Society the Solution?” which argued that the most striking thing about the culture of ancient Crete (Minoan) society was how prominent the women were. On artworks, pottery frescoes and figurines it seems clear that they were held in high esteem and the feeling generated was an atmosphere of joy and lightness, a lack of oppression and fear. The Minoans seem to have had little interest in war. Perhaps there is a real need for many more women with honesty and integrity to be world leaders today!
This experience also coincided with three films I watched over the holiday period. Firstly “Reindeer Girls” about the indigenous Sami peoples of northern Norway whose lives depend on their relationship with reindeer. Two teenage cousins, Elle and Inga and the mother of one of them, displayed wonderful stoicism and determination as they followed their herd during the seasonal migration. This was a real lesson to us all, and a life affirming account of the day to day existence of three remarkable females.
“Michael Palin’s Quest for Artemisia” was an investigation into the world of Artemisia Gentileschi who was one of the early great painters of 17th Century Italy. I was already familiar with her story. She lost her mother at 12, was raped as a teenager, went through a pubic trial but eventually became a brilliant artist and astute business woman with friends and patrons in high places. In a world dominated by men she triumphed over adversity and prejudice.
Artemisia Gentileschi – Self Portrait
The final film I saw was “The Sapphires” based on a true story from Australia in 1968 about a musical talent scout who persuaded a group of four Aboriginal girls to sing Motown music and follow their dreams against a background of racism and the horrors of the Vietnam war. It depicts the power and tenacity of women who want to make a difference in society and make a life for themselves and others.
In each of these programmes the women were shown to be the equals of men in every way, succeeding in environments where they needed to establish their rights to have their ability recognised and their work ethic appreciated.
I have just discovered that many notable living men, including the Dalai Lama. President Obama, Daniel Craig, Prince Harry and Alan Alda, have been identified as well known feminists so maybe a few more of us should do more to help the cause and improve the rights and status of women . In art and music today there are many brilliant women painters, sculptors, composers, songwriters, singers and instrumentalists and a number of them have been included in my paintings.