Women and Wood Carving

[squbrigg]

Susan.....my daughter Samantha and I have had those discussions several times over the course of the past 9 years. She began attending NSCAD (Nova Scotia College of Art and Design) in 1996 and graduated in 2001 with her BFA, major in photography. She uses "Sam" as her professional name....non gender reflective and I understand her necessity completely, at least while she is living in this area, to do so. Northern New Brunswick is not the most progressive part of the planet, the cultural focus being on baseball, hockey and drinking (usually while driving). The economy is based primarily on natural resources, fishing, lumber, pulp and paper, and mining, and the attitudes are very conservative.

Work drew us here, and we have always been somewhat at odds with the local society. Sam ....... (how shall I say this)......walks to the beat of a different drummer! She always has, always will, and I am very proud of her for being herself. I have always encouraged her to find her own path in life and to seek and try as much of life's "experiences" as she could, get the skills she would need to make her way, without relying on a "significant other" to carry her or making her dependant.

While the local folks may not appreciate her work, she does some stunning photography! She has a real gift for it, her use of light and colour is extraordinary, even though she prefers to work in Black and White. Yes, I'm a proud Dad and even prouder Grandpa, to Sam's little daughter....Octavia. (Perhaps she'll become the next carver in the family)

It is too bad that in this day and age, as much as the world has progressed, that the necessity for women to have to do this, is still present in some areas.
Bob

[Ashbys]

THERE IS WOMEN HERE !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Oh my word ! What has the world come too!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hehe ,

Jester

[Irish]

(Thinking to myself ... Drumming my fingers on the desktop ... Gritting my teeth ... OK! ... I simply must address this situation before I go any further today.)

Well, Duh! Ash

(Good! Got that one off my chest.)

Your faithful Radical Rabble Rousing Femininist, Susan

[Irish]

Bob, You have every right to be proud of Sam! It sounds as though she has chosen what she wants and found her way to get there. Working under an alias never stunned my growth either as an individual, life partner, nor as an artist. It simply was the easiest way to get where I wanted to go.

I don't really consider it any different than a man having to shave his beard or cut his long hair and park his blue jeans for a suit and tie if he wants to work in the corporate world.

Things do change and changes that happen quietly, slowly, and a small bit at a time are the ones that last the longest. I have always worked under the idea that one small gentle push does so much more than a huge hard shove! Working under an alias is a gentle push because if I am 'accepted" it is based on the quality of my work not on my or Thor's or Sam's gender.
Does Sam have her work posted to the net?

Susan

[Ashbys]

Wade,

Since your going to be nicer to the females ... ah I am female .

Wait to see Susan fall to the floor Laughing ! Happy

Susan, I knew who you were the first post you did to me... I've heard Johnny Cash's song ..... " A Boy Named Sue"...

hehe snicker snicker

Jester

[wade clark]

Ash,
I believe you!
Wade

[BobD]

Sam will get some international coverage soon...She's taken the lead photos of Bob's ship that will be in the Spring issue of WCI...with full credit as photographer!


Bob

[Ashbys]

Nice , Well Bob well find out just how your daughter feels about you!

Wade , for all those insentive moments ... no flowers needed just send cash! Sad

Jester

[Ashbys]

Susan, Thor , Ladies,

I will tell you now, my best teachers have always been women. They were my first teachers in life, they are the teachers of knowledge , love , devotion. No finer compliment can be given than to be that of a teacher. I understand the hardships, and the battles, but ladies , you have always held the war in your hands.
Where a man would be content to settle for a bit of peace and solitude, A woman might say it , but never mean it. Your minds are non stop, you concern yourselfs with every aspect of life and wish to be constantly challenged. Your minds never stop and you always have something to do.

I tip my hat to your sex, your abilities and your desires, for I could never keep pace with them. And I am OK with that.

Ash

[Irish]

Originally Posted by BobD

Sam will get some international coverage soon...She's taken the lead photos of Bob's ship that will be in the Spring issue of WCI...with full credit as photographer!


Bob

Bob, give Sam my congradulations! You might talk with her about a good black and white photo book of reference photos ... landscapes, animals, and people ... We carvers never have enough good photos from which to work.

Ash, I'm sending you the ambulance bill from the rush to the hospital because I fell off my chair onto the floor laughing and broke my funny bone ... pout!

Susan