International Womens' Day
Mar 08, 2021
Challenge to Change
I have chosen to share this painting, and the one below, because the women included in it have all challenged change. Some of them are famous from our history, some are not. No matter where they are from, they have worked for change, and helped me to see that no matter who you are, or where you are from, you have the power within you to be a catalyst for change.
I am Marie Stephens. I am 44 years old, and a full time artist living and working from home in Davenport, Iowa. I have been building my art business while raising a family simultaneously, since 2017.
I am a daughter of an immigrant mother, from the island of Malta. My female influences come from all over the world, especially my grandmother and great Aunt from Malta, who saw to it that I experience the culture of my place of heritage.
My mother has always encouraged me to face challenges head on, and to have confidence in my ability to learn as I go, no matter how afraid I am to try. I find inspiration in the mind set, "do it afraid", and often do most things that way!
As an artist, I want to use my talent to challenge change in our world. It's no easy task with so much to learn in terms of marketing and advertising, and just getting found, especially in the midst of a pandemic!
As I juggle family responsibilities while learning the ropes of an art business, I hope that if I become successful, I can be a beacon of light for other female artists who want to pursue a career in this field.
I want to help eliminate the idea that all artists are starving artists. I want to eliminate the idea that only male artists can be successful. I want to challenge my community to provide more opportunities for working artists, not just students.
grateful for them
Over the past few years, my family and I have had to say good bye to some of the most highly regarded women of influence from our lives, with my Nanna being the most recent one. My husband and I each lost our favorite great aunts and grandmothers. Each of them left a legacy of faith, love, generosity, compassion, perseverance, and encouragement that will stay in our hearts forever.
They weren't famous historical figures, but they meant the world to us, and had a powerful influence in the lives of those around them, just by their character, their actions, and the way they treated others, even when they had nothing to gain. On this International Women's Day, I want to remember them and celebrate their lives and memories. I hope one day, my life will be a reflection of all they taught me.
Art for Healing
Last week, while I was still processing the passing of my Nanna, I found myself longing to be with her. I was so fortunate to have a cousin who was thoughtful enough to create a recording of her and my great aunt's voice, telling stories. I don't know what came over me, but I was compelled to start painting. It was so soothing to listen to them speak, and it felt as if they were in the room with me. I listened to the 40 minute long recording 2 times, and ended up with a magical image of the two of them, along with a figure that could be my mom, one of my aunts, one of my cousins, or even me. I believe that I was not alone, while I painted that day. They were with me in spirit.
#CHOOSETOCHALLENGE Share your favorite living female visual artist or someone in the comments below and help them share their work with the world!
Left: In this painting are the 3 most influential women from my life. My great aunt, my Nanna, and my Mom.
Who has been your biggest influence?
