Women and Wood Carving

Irish · #1 09-13-2005, 07:13 PM

As I have been asked the same question about six or seven times already by PM since I joined the forum I think I will put this one to rest here.

My full title is Lora Susan Irish and there are several stories that go with that title and that DO have a lot to do with wood carving.

When I entered college in 1970 Gloria Steinam (sp?) and her cronies had just burned their bras is a strong and wonderfully impressive display against the discrimination of women. It was a time when we gals were expected to become wives and mothers not career people. As I headed out the door to go to college my Dad, quite lovingly, resassured me that he could get me into a good secretarial school or nursing school ... I went to college because I wanted to be a fine artist! (Grin - I was gonna be painting in Paris one day - Grin)

Because of the era galleries did not accept women artists. It was thought that it would be a financial loss to invest in promoting a woman that was only going to get married, become pregnant, have a bunch of kids, clean house, and therefore give up her art. Although it was illegal to discriminate the galleries would simply reject you because "your style didn't fit into their area of expertise "... meaning they didn't want to bother with a woman.

The way around that was simple ... we women painted under our initials. A painting by L. S. Irish could have easily been done by Lawrence Samuel Irish (my alias). I have a wonderful book that is titled "Anonomous Was A Woman" and documents how we gals have "gotten around" the gender problem for centuries. Using initials was a quiet way around the problem. That has been my professional signature throughout my life time.

I have done about everything in the arts and crafts area through the years. And except for what are called the Women's Arts ... knitting, crochet, embroidery, tatting ... I have encounted the same attitude against women. That is until I started into wood carving!

The wood carving community has always accept me as me ... not as some gal moving into the guys area! It was an open and honest greeting on "Come on in the waters fine" back when I started carving and has continued since. When Fox Chapel asked me to do my first book I, having found a wonderful community, expressed that by authoring under Lora S. Irish. I didn't feel the need to hide that I am a woman or worry whether you would accept that fact.

So L. S. Irish or Lora S. Irish are my professional names. But on this forum I don't feel that this is a business situation ... it's fun, it's friends sharing honestly and openly, it's a huge family of wood carvers all having fun together. So you guys get my call name, the name my friends know me by ... Susan!

Thank you! Thank you all as I have know the difference between being excluded because of my femininity and because of you know what it's like to be included!

This has been my experience, perhaps some of the other gals on the forum have other experiences they might share.

Susan

I also answer to "Hey You There With the Bench Knife!"

GaryMc · #2 09-13-2005, 08:23 PM

That was a great bio Susan, and I for one am glad you wangled your way around because you sure are a talent and a great resourse for those on this board and any one lucky enough to find your wonderful website. I am not what you would call very enlightened, I am very conservative. BUT! I feel that God has given all of us talents and we ought to use them. Being a man or a woman has nothing to do with it. Keep up the great work.
GaryMc

BobD · #3 09-14-2005, 08:22 AM

And here I just thought your moniker was in reference to your nationality <grin>

From my perspective, it's an honor to be able to associate with all of you on a daily basis...

Bob

Thor · #4 09-14-2005, 09:26 AM

Susan,
That was a fresh breath this morning. Same era, similar dreams. My 23 year old daughter has no idea what it is like to have "being a woman" getting in her way. It is a wonder to see her go forth into the world with a strength I only thought I had.
Thor (that's short for Thorkatla by the way)

The question most asked me in my studio..."Did you sharpen your tools yourself or does you husband sharpen them for you?"

BobD · #5 09-14-2005, 09:30 AM

OK,

I'll be the first to admit...Thor, I was influenced by the Marvel Comics (and Viking mythology) and thought you were male...I'm ashamed and embarrased to be that close-minded. I have learned my lesson (hanging my head in shame).

Bob

wade clark · #6 09-14-2005, 09:50 AM

Thor,
Now I want to go back and see all the posts that I was clueless in, and may have been insensitive or thick! I know it may sound old-fashioned, but I believe women should be treated with a little more respect and kindness than men. Maybe it's related to being raised by a single Mom and my Grandparents. But personally I think it's a good thing.
My Grandma Daisy had a plaque on the wall that read,
"Be careful of the words you say,
Keep them soft and sweet,
You never know from day to day
Which ones you'll have to eat!"
Wade

Irish · #7 09-14-2005, 09:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Thor

The question most asked me in my studio..."Did you sharpen your tools yourself or does you husband sharpen them for you?"

I love it! That's like the Art in the Park show comments about my paintings ... "Pretty Good for a girl!"

I am so glad that your daughter never ever will experience what we did ... I can only imagine what she will accomplish because she will never need to waste time "getting around" old ways of thinking.

Susan

Thor · #8 09-14-2005, 10:04 AM

Honestly, I didn't think of Thor as a gender based name. Of course I know Thor was the Thunder God in Norse mythology, but Thorkatla is just so many letters to type, that I shortened the name I go by in Medieval reenactment when I demonstrate period wood carving.

You all have been nothing but encouraging and respectful, as I never even suspected that you thought I was a guy. My web page link is to Christina White's page, which is me too. I just like to "step out of myself" to think more like a 9th century wood carver sometimes to get away from being a 21st century gallery owner who "organizes a room full of cats" for a living.
Please don't think I was being deceptive or that you were not responding in a way that was honorably without showing gender bias.
Wood carvers are a great bunch of folks.

Thor (Thorkatla/ aka Christina...Mia, Caleb, and Krystal's mom...James Sargous' wife,....The Funky Chicken Lady,....that woman with the big hair,....I could go on as I know all of you can too....many hats)

mdallensr · #9 09-14-2005, 10:49 AM

We have some terrific male carvers on this board, and I'm often in awe of their work. However, all of us on this board are walking among giants when it comes to our talented women carvers. I'm not going to start naming you "giants", since I know I'll leave some out, but you know who you are and we are all honored to have you on this board. You've been very willing to share your skill, experiences, and your background. If I ever get organized, energized and courageous, I'm going to present a couple of project problems I need help on. I know I'll get some good advice. Thanks you all, for all you do. Mike

Thor · #10 09-14-2005, 10:50 AM

By the way, Susan, I think you're awesome.
When you give me the slightest encouragement, it goes a long way, but not because you are female, but as an accomplished artist whose work and advice I really admire.
Another mentor of mine is Barbara Rheingrover. She a really close friend, and displays her work in my gallery.
She has a web site at: www.barbararheingrover.com
She is a stone sculptor and painter....powerfully sensuous, and elegant work.
You might enjoy looking over another woman's work.

My daughter is a biological scientist working in the cloud forest of Coasta Rica!
I'm so proud.
Thor