This is a pencil draft of a new print I am working on based on a painting by Giotto's "Madonna and Child".
A little girl's "domestication" in the 60s. She played with a toy iron, bride doll and a miniature kitchen appliance set and her brothers built with erector sets and toy cap pistols. She was taught to cook, do laundry, sew her clothes and keep a clean house. Meanwhile her brothers were out playing team sports, building go carts and going overnight camping.
Did you ever wonder why they didn't have boy's underwear with the day of the week on it?
Not bitter, just reflective. Food for thought (Oh yes, I think baking day was Saturday)
10 comments:
What is even more disturbing, for me anyway, is that I came out of a place at that time-ish when one wasn't even taught the domestic arts but rather how to deal well with people who carried these out for you. And that your value as a person rested largely with your personal appearance (female) and bank balance (male), with your purpose in life as a female being to have a sufficient value to attract a male of exceptional value. And probably visa versa for males. Not bitter either, but it's certainly worth re-visiting, re-eveluating where one came from.
brilliant.
Thank you for that perspective. I've been making a series of narrative prints about my youth and the images are endless and surreal. We actually had help, too. I always think back on how hard our housekeeper's life must have been compared to mine. However, my mother still wanted me to learn the domestic arts, especially cooking. I'm a terrible cook to this day. When I worked full-time in marketing we had help, too. Now I am trying to cook more often with my husband.
Ok I'll be bitter for all of us lol. I was the housekeeper being oldest girl child and my mother worked so I did the cooking, laundry and cleaning. Strange thing though - I pretty much love cooking and cleaning. ...and I adore laundry. Wow life is weird.
PS This image is great NIW - I know I will want one of these prints :-) The little saddle shoes are so sweet and innocent.
Sylvia, It's yours!
Love the idea behind this work !
Beutiful drawing !!
b. Liv
Beautiful drawing. I'm crazy about that bobby-pin curl and the kitchenware halos.
I loved the drawing. It's sad... I feel like parts of my culture still try to teach those things. I have complete freedom to study, practice law etc, but my parents are ashamed that I don't know how to cook a proper Indian meal to feed my prospective Indian (they presume) husband and parent in laws.
I love this series they need to be put into a book about this time period and maybe calendars? I see so much of many of our lives criss crossing here and I want so much to be there with you as twin. The images are so beautiful & the light is excellent. Even though this time was hard for you the beauty in which you render it makes me happy & excited to know such and artist like you even exists! Please keep making and making! Love, Yaz
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