Hey Creative Friend, I recently completed a piece that I’ve been working on for quite a while now. As always, I wanted to share the back story with you and show you tons of detail photos. So grab your fave beverage and come meet Amandla.
When I was born, I was given a middle name which when translated, reflects the sentiment that being born a girl is just as good as being born a boy. Let that sink in for a moment. (You can listen to my podcast interview with Abby Glassenberg to learn more about this)
Although it was an honorable affirmation of my self-worth as a human being, the fact that, this declaration needed to be made in the first place, wasn’t lost on me.
I’ve grown up carrying that name with me everyday of my life. Consequently, I’m acutely aware of the inequalities women face. How we perceive women, how we treat them, and the opportunities we allow them to have impact who they end up becoming. It goes without saying that I believe women and girls deserve to live to their fullest potentials. I believe it’s not just good for women, it’s good for men as well and our societies as a whole.
Empowered women, result in empowered societies.
It’s my mission to empower women to make time, create their best work, share with the world, let their lights shine and enjoy that glory.
The name Amandla is from South Africa. It means “Power” in Xhosa/Zulu. (Listen to actress Amanda Stenberg explain it). The name was used as a rally cry during the fight against apartheid in South Africa. I think it’s an apt name for how I perceive women and who I want them to be in our societies. I want to see women flourish. I’ll like to see them prosper and be well.
Women have so much to offer. We just need to create opportunities for them, support them, advocate on their behalves, and empower them.
That’s what this new piece is about – empowerment of women.
In conclusion, I want to leave you with a quote from a powerful woman, an author of many successful books.
But here is a sad truth: Our world is full of men and women who do not like powerful women. We have been so conditioned to think of power as male that a powerful woman is an aberration. And so she is policed. We ask of powerful women: Is she humble? Does she smile? Is she grateful enough? Does she have a domestic side? Questions we do not ask of powerful men, which shows that our discomfort is not with power itself, but with women. We judge powerful women more harshly than we judge powerful men
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
Oh, while I’m at it, here’s one more quote. This time, from an unknown person (most likely another woman)
Here’s to strong women.
May we know them.
May we be them.
May we raise them.
~ Unknown
Warmest Regards,
PS: Want more? Read other Stories Behind The Art.
Get behind the scenes and learn more about my art practice, events, exhibitions and release of new artworks
Also published on Medium.
Glorious work and words!
Sita, thank you. So glad you like it.
Beautiful
Thanks Fiona
Wonderful, really inspiring! May your God given creative talents flow for a many generation to come.
Rose
Amen and Amen, Rose.
Just got home from seeing a traveling exhibit from the Harlem Studio museum at Frye Museum in Seattle. Fabulous, but biggest thrill, seeing, in person, a Faith Ringgold quilt. Checking my emails, and, perfect, here you are. Stunning as usual.
Wonderful interpretation of an important theme. Thank you.
Therese, I know too well the thrill of seeing a Faith Ringgold work. I still remember the first time I saw one. Thank you. Glad you like this new piece I made.