There was an article on the radio yesterday discussing why there aren’t many women artists, and of course I pricked my ears up when it came on. Expecting them to say the obvious (to me) answer. They talked about women artists not being taken seriously by men, and there not being many women artists exhibiting in the right galleries. They talked about how many women students there were compared to men, and then the article finished. With me starting incrediously at the radio. And that’s it? That’s all you’re going to mention about it? To me there was a startling reason staring them in the face that wasn’t even alluded to.
I am an artist, and a woman.
I don’t have any children.
If I did have children I wouldn’t be such a dedicated, professional artist.
I would be a mother fir
st, and an artist second. The artist part of me would be put to one side whilst I brought up my children, spent time with them, and then when they had children of their own, I’d want to spend time with my grandchildren whilst they grew up.
But because I don’t have children, I can paint, and read articles about painting, and go to art workshops to learn more about painting, and can reach a bigger audience with my art.
And that’s why there aren’t so many women artists.
Its not rocket science is it, its biology!
Oh Jackie, please! Women have equal opportunities in art college entry and are as feisty and determined more than ever to make it in the art world so I won’t subscribe to yet another battle of the sexes when the war has been won. What is a greater and more immoral discrimination is against artist who didn’t go to certain (London) colleges in many so-called ‘open’ exhibitions. I would also suggest that, even in this day and age, there is pressure for anyone to make a living other than by art and often this is implied pressure on the male of the species. Pause, for backlash from women saying that I have to earn a living too. Finally, it isn’t exactly based on a scientific sample but many female artists that I meet have partners/husbands in well-paid jobs…I can feel the hackles rising…but do think on what I have said before reacting…
Hi Chris thanks for your full and passionate response! I wasn’t trying to make it a battle of the sexes article, just saying that some women choose motherhood over being an artist. i agree with you totally that there is not equality in the artworld with who and what is accepted as great art or artists. But like you will always continue to strive towards improving my art and getting out in the world!
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