Wednesday, December 3, 2008

Holiday Open Studio & Current Exhibits

HOLIDAY OPEN STUDIO HOURS
Thurs Dec 4, 5p - 9p
Sat Dec 6, noon - 5p
Sat Dec 20, noon - 5p
Northrup King Building, studio 404
1500 Jackson St. NE
Mpls MN 55413
www.northrupkingbuilding.com

***

2008 Annual IFP MN Members Photo Show and Silent Auction
Nov 22, 2008 - Jan 10, 2009
IFP Minnesota Center for Media Arts
2446 University Ave. West, Suite 100
St. Paul, MN 55114
651-644-1912
www.ifpmn.org

***

First Thursday Artist Open Studio
2008 Dec 4
2009
Feb 5, Mar 5, Apr 2
5p - 9p
Northrup King Building
1500 Jackson St. NE
Studio 404
Mpls MN 55413
www.northrupkingbuilding.com

Thursday, August 14, 2008

NYMPHOTO, a webspace for Women Photographe

Since it has been quite some time since I made a post I figured I'd better do something! Today I am in my home office editing some wedding photos, and just checked my email to find this great Women's web resource. Thanks to my friend Martin Berg for endlessly sending me great links to things like NYMPHOTO!

From their BLOGSPOT:
NYMPHOTO is a collective of women in photography dedicated to creating a community of and for female artists & art administrators, in order to span the gender divide that pervades throughout the art world today. Our primary concern is to increase the exposure of our & other female photographers and the work they create. The collective is a fusion of industries: the scholastic, the representative and the museum.


Friday, June 20, 2008

Honorary WOMAN WARRIOR of the week: Darryl Roberts!

The documentary I went to see last night AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL is an extremely poignant look at the beauty and fashion industry and how it negatively affects millions of American women (and men). The story mainly follows the career of young model Gerren Taylor, who began doing runway at TWELVE! Interspersed with her story are interviews with industry people, doctors, scientists and regular Joes and Joe-ettes. Roberts explores the relationships between airbrushed and retouched advertising and the relatively low self-worth that many women feel, as well as the industry's unwillingness to change. While to many "educated" adults much of this information may already be known, he also reveals how, even when we know what we are up against, we can still fall victim.

Roberts said, in a Q&A session afterwards, that during his research he interviewed 200 women. Each of these women was asked several different questions, one of them being, "Do you feel beautiful." Only two women answered yes.

I hearby commend Darryl Roberts for this engaging movie, and nominate him honorary WOMAN WARRIOR of the week!

Thursday, June 19, 2008

America the Beautiful....important movie

I'm going to see the Darryl Roberts movie AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL in just over an hour. Minnesota Public Radio interviewed Roberts about this important piece of work, and the audio clip will be available tomorrow. In the meantime, you can read an interview with him by clicking HERE.

You can join Darryl's blog by clicking HERE.

Join Darryl's MySpace by clicking HERE.

Tuesday, June 17, 2008

"Don't Hate Me Because I Am Beautiful!" an important movie

Showing this Thursday at the Lagoon Theater in Uptown (Minneapolis) will be the new documentary AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL. This movie focuses on the damaging fashion industry, and what it has done to the collective self-image of Women. The following article by KRISTIN TILLOTSON is from the Star Tribune.

Documentary peels back beauty obsession

The poster for the documentary film "America the Beautiful" depicts the Statue of Liberty holding up a lipstick instead of a torch, surrounded by notes like "enlarge eyes," "airbrush wrinkles" "install implants" and "tummy tuck."

In his hometown of Chicago, filmmaker Darryl Roberts got standing ovations when he walked onstage after screenings of his doc on our nation's obsession with beauty. Now it's being tested in other markets, including Minneapolis on Thursday.

Many filmmakers before Roberts have dissected plastic surgery and the cosmetics and fashion industries, so what is it about this particular film that's bringing audiences to their feet? "For an hour and 45 minutes, you think, 'Why do we do this to ourselves? Enough is enough,'" said Dr. Jillian Croll, director of the Minnesota-based Emily Program Foundation, who has seen it twice.

The recently formed foundation, which works to educate the public on the causes and prevention of eating disorders and other weight-related issues, will sponsor two screenings (7 & 9:30 p.m. Thu.) at the Lagoon in Uptown Minneapolis. Each is followed by a forum with Roberts and foundation board members. Tickets ($15) are available at the box office or 651-379-6130.

Thursday, June 12, 2008

OPEN CALL FOR MODELS TO PORTRAY NEW WOMEN WARRIORS!

I am ready to select women who are interested in portraying my new WOMEN WARRIORS. Because I am striving to be historically accurate in as many details as possible, these images are NOT glamorized portraits. Many of these women fought in battle, or were great strategists, and these portraits seek to portray strength and character over physical beauty. You do not need to be a model to apply for WOMEN WARRIORS, and all women are welcome! Absolutely no facial piercings unless they can be removed (1-2 earring holes OK). No facial tattoos. If you would like to be considered for one of these roles, please email me at katie@ekatieholm.com, or call 612-270-0267. Please put the text "Women Warriors" in the email subject line. Let me know which woman (or women) you are interested in portraying and why you would like to be considered for that role. Additionally, please email me 1-3 photos. If you are unable to email photos, I will have an open studio casting in late June or early July. Specific details on each Warrior are below, and to see other artistic portrayals click on the word "images" after each name. I am using these artistic portrayals merely to see how other artists have depicted each woman; you do not need to look like these images to apply.

Queen Hatshepsut, Egypt, c. 1500 BC-1458 BC IMAGES The first Queen Regent to rule as Pharaoh, and one of only five women to do so. Regarded by Egyptologists as one of the most successful pharaohs, reigning longer than any other woman of an indigenous Egyptian dynasty. She was one of the most prolific builders in ancient Egypt. Fans of Egyptology will know that her mummy was recently discovered and DNA analyzed, allowing us to know more about her lineage and physical build. Interesting fact: at the time of her death, Hatshepsut was obese and diabetic.
Model notes: Hatshepsut reigned for 20+ years, and I would like to portray her between ages 30-42. Because she portrayed herself as Pharaoh (male), I may choose to dress her in the traditional Pharaonic costume, which was only a collar and kilt (no top). If you are interested in this role but do not want to be photographed topless, consideration will be given to this, so please apply.

Trung Trac and Trung Nhi, Vietnam, c. 12-43 AD IMAGES Two sisters who became leaders and successfully repelled Chinese invasions for three years. Most of their 36 generals were women, including their mother. They are national heroines of Vietnam.
Model notes: The Trung sisters would have been between ages 28-31 (approx.) during their leadership. Ideally I would like two sisters, or cousins, to portray these women. No dyed hair, please.

Nzinga Mbandi, Africa, c. 1583 - 1663 IMAGES Queen of the Ndongo and Matamba Kingdoms of the Mbundu people in southwestern Africa (Angola). She fought against Portuguese slave trade, and put women in positions of power.
Model notes: Nzinga took power around 1622 at approx. age 39, and reigned until she was 80, and will portray her anywhere between these ages.

Nanny of the Maroons, Jamaica, ?- c. 1733 IMAGES National Heroine of Jamaica and a well-known leader of the Jamaican Maroons in the eighteenth century. Fought against Spanish and British slavers, and sought independence for the people she led. Nanny is believed to be a free woman from the Akan or Ashanti tribe who came to Jamaica of her own choice. She was both a spiritual leader and expert strategist, and many myths and superstitions surround her existence.
Model notes: While Nanny's exact age is not known, she is depicted as an older-looking woman. I will portray her anywhere between ages 40-65.

Nanye-hi (Nancy Ward), America, c. 1738-1822 IMAGES Cherokee "Beloved Woman" She struggled for peaceful co-existence with white settlers, and was a revered leader in her tribe. On two occasions she managed to thwart hostile attacks, and was able to save the lives of many settlers and Native Americans alike.
Model notes: I would like to portray Nanye-Hi anywhere between ages 43-70.

Deborah Sampson Gannett, America, 1760 -1827 IMAGES The first known American woman to impersonate a man in order to join the Army, the first to fight in combat, and the first to receive a military pension.
Model notes: I would like to portray Deborah as either the 22-year-old who joined the army, the 42-year-old who gave lectures on her adventures, or in her early 50s when she was petitioning for her pension. The painting of her in the oval frame is an actual historic painting.

Policarpa Salvarrieta "La Pola," Columbia, c. 1791 - 1817 IMAGES "La Pola" was an orphaned seamstress who became an important strategist and spy, and fought in the Colombian revolution for independence from Spain. The Spanish put her to death, but Colombia eventually got its freedom.
Model notes: I would like to portray Policarpa in her early- to mid-twenties, about the age when she was captured and executed.

Lakshmi Bai, The Rani of Jhansi, India, c. 1828 - 1858 IMAGES Lakshmi was the queen of the Maratha-ruled princely state of Jhansi in North India, was one of the leading figures of the Indian rebellion of 1857, and a symbol of resistance to British rule in India. Her fall brought about many significant changes in India. Due to her bravery, she became a national hero and the epitome of female bravery.
Model notes: Lakshmi will be portrayed around age 30.

Tuesday, June 3, 2008

First Thursday Open Studio event

Please join me this coming Thursday, June 5 for First Thursday at my new studio space in the Northrup King Building! The first Thursday of each month is “First Thursdays” in the Northeast Minneapolis Arts District. Many artists in the NKB, as well as other artist co-ops in NE, will have their studios open to the public from 5-9pm. I am located in Studio 404 of NKB, just down the hall from Icebox Gallery & Framing and Studiopolis.

I will be available in the studio from 6:15-9. Additionally, I will not be participating in First Thursday again until September, due to previously scheduled events.

E. Katie Holm, photographer
612-270-0267
www.ekatieholm.com
Northrup King Building, Studio 404
1500 Jackson St. NE
Minneapolis, MN 55413
www.northrupkingbuilding.com

Wednesday, May 21, 2008

Don't be a Damsel in distress! Be Knight for a day!

From the Oakeshott Institute

Knight for a Day Summer Day Camps at The Oakeshott Institute
Happy Spring from the Oakeshott Institute! We are preparing for this summer's Knight for a Day Camps, and look forward to seeing all those interested in this fun activity.

In addition to last year's Viking Camp, we're offering a NEW camp called "The Age of Chivalry", which looks at the valorous and gritty world of knights in shining armor. "The Age of Chivalry" will have all new activities, and is a chance for your camper to have a different experience at the Knight for a Day Camp. Like last year, the camps are week long, half or full day, for ages 7-14.

Please call or email with any questions. You may download the flyer from this years camp page on the website. At the bottom of the flyer is the registration form, which you can print and mail in to the Oakeshott Institute. www.oakeshott.org/camp08.html

You can also see camp photos from last year on our website www.oakeshott.org/camp07.html


We are all excited for Knight for a Day Camp 2008, and hope to see you there!

Sincerely,

Galen Poor
Educational Programs
Oakeshott Institute
1035 14th Ave. SE
Minneapolis, MN 55414
work: (612)719-1954
cell: (612)670-4643

Wednesday, May 14, 2008

Annie Griffiths Belt, modern warrior with a camera

Last week I had the pleasure of attending a lecture by National Geographic photographer Annie Griffiths Belt. Annie is originally from Minneapolis, and has been working for Nat Geo since 1978. Through her slide presentation and lecture I discovered the wonderful voice of this award-winning photojournalist, whose work speaks to peace and understanding between all cultures. Her latest book is called A Camera, Two Kids and a Camel: My Journey in Photographs, and I strongly urge you all to enjoy her work.

Monday, April 21, 2008

Great Women Leader dolls

So I was googling images of the Women Warriors whom I will be portraying, and came across an intersting link. Aziza Bey is a Professor and Costume Historian, and hand-makes dolls of Great Women Leaders. The costume worn by each doll has been researched for historical accuracy. A woman after my own heart!

www.azizabey.com

So I want to know when the Boudicca doll will be ready!

Wednesday, April 16, 2008

who thought French Conservatives could be Women Warriors?!

In today's New York Times I read an article entitled French Bill Takes Chic Out of Being Too Thin by Doreen Carvajal. To read this article click on the title--I linked it. You may have to sign-in or create a free account to read articles in the NYT.

Sunday, April 13, 2008

Women Warriors after 1850: Captain Yekaterina Budanova

The following is from the Pratt Institue website.

Captain Katya Budanova flew with Lilya Litvyak in the 296 IAP, later renamed 73 Gv. IAP (Guards IAP). In the skies over Stalingrad, she once fought with a wingman against 12 enemy aircraft, ALONE against 13, and once with 3 other fighters against 19!

She was killed in combat in July 18, 1943, when 2 Messerschmitt Me-109s attacked her. Budanova dispensed with one, but the second managed to shoot her down and escape the battle with a damaged plane. She had a final score of 11 confirmed kills. The archivist of 586 IAP, Yekaterina Polunina, accounts that "she downed over 20 aircraft".

There are some lovely photographs included on the site, so be sure to follow the above link to view them.

Sunday, March 30, 2008

WOMEN WARRIORS announced!

I have made the final decision on whom to portray in WOMEN WARRIORS for my grant cycle. My original proposal was to portray six women, but I have decided to portray eight. This allows me better opportunity to depict a wide array of women from different cultures and races from around the world. So, without further adieu I present the 2008 WOMEN WARRIORS!

Pharaoh Hatshepsut, Egypt, c. 1500 BC-1458 BC. The first Queen Regent to rule as Pharaoh, and one of only five women to do so. Regarded by Egyptologists as one of the most successful pharaohs, reigning longer than any other woman of an indigenous Egyptian dynasty.

Trung Trac and Trung Nhi, Vietnam, c. 12-43 AD. Two sisters who became leaders and successfully repelled Chinese invasions for three years. Most of their 36 generals were women, including their mother.

Zinga (Jinga) Mbandi, Africa, c. 1583 - 1663. Queen of the Ndongo and Matamba Kingdoms of the Mbundu people in southwestern Africa. Fought against Portugese slave trade, put women in positions of power.

Nanny of the Maroons, Jamaica, 18th Cent. National Heroine of Jamaica and a well-known leader of the Jamaican Maroons in the eighteenth century. Fought against Spanish slavers.

Nanye-hi (Nancy Ward), America, c. 1738–1822. Cherokee "Beloved Woman" who believed in peaceful coexistence with white people.

Deborah Sampson Gannet, America, 1760 -1827. The first known American woman to impersonate a man in order to join the Army, the first to fight in combat, and the first to receive a military pension.

Policarpa Salvarrieta "La Pola," Columbia, c. 1791 – 1817. "La Pola" was an orphaned seamstress who became an important strategist and spy, and fought in the Colombian revolution for independence from Spain. The Spanish put her to death in 1827, but Colombia did get its freedom.

Lakshmi Bai, The Rani of Jhansi, India, c. 1828 – 1858. One of the leading figures of the Indian Rebellion of 1857, and a symbol of resistance to British rule in India.

You have probably noticed I changed one of my earlier selections, Madeleine de Vercheres (Canada). I opted to do this for two reasons: Deborah Sampson Gannett was a top selection in my poll, and Deborah's involvement in the American Military is important to the role of women in the US Military in general. Never fear, the young and heroic Madeleine will make a future appearance.

Additionally you have probably noted that there are no figures from prominent Western or Eastern Europe countries, like Spain, Italy or Russia. It was very difficult to choose the eight women I selected from the group of over 80 names I collected. While there are many wonderful candidates from the various countries throughout Europe, since I already portrayed four caucasian women from the British Isles, I felt that cultural diversity should be a deciding factor in whom I selected. I hope this does not prove to be short-sighted on my part, but I feel the eight new women with the four existing women will make a really solid portfolio to present for further grants, exhibits, and possible gallery representation. Going forward with the WOMEN WARRIORS after I complete the Artist Initiative Grant I will feel freer to select an even broader base of women. Feel free to share your thought on this!

So now I can start looking for models! I don’t have all the pertinent information gathered on what each of these women may have looked like, but if you or anyone you know might be a good candidate, please contact me!

Friday, March 28, 2008

modern Woman Warrior: Harlem Teacher goes to Antarctica for Science, and Pupils

Harlem science teacher Shakira Brown will be teaching her students at Promise Academy from Antarctica this fall. Please visit the New York Times to read the full article, written by Ozier Muhammad. (*note* you may have to sign up for a free NYT membership to read the article)

When asked about the upcoming adventure, Ms. Brown stated:

“I’m a young African-American teacher who came from a public school education, from an urban environment,” she went on. “My mom made less than $30,000 a year, and she raised me and four brothers. Now I’m in a position to empower all these people to have the same path that I was on.”

Shakira Brown gets my nomination for Woman Warrior of the week!

Thursday, March 20, 2008

"Wise Women Talk" lecture with Diane Mullin

The following info is from the MCAD website, and this event is part of their Women's Art Institute. The Women's Art Institute "offers educational opportunities to assist individuals in attaining philosophical, aesthetic and historical knowledge to help them define their goals as women artists."

Monday, March 31, 7pm
Minneapolis College of Art & Design
Auditorium 150

This event is free and open to the public. Diane Mullin, art historian and curator at the Frederick R. Weisman Art Museum at the University of Minnesota, will speak about the year's current recognition of women artists in the exhibition "WHACK! Art and the Feminist Revolution" at MOCA in Los Angeles; "The International Feminist Art Exhibition" at the Brooklyn Museum in New York; and "WARM: 12 Artists of the Women's Art Registry of Minnesota," a recent exhibition at the Weisman Museum curated by Dr. Johanna Inglott. Dr. Mullin will also spotlight several artists whose work is contributing to the recognition of the questions being asked by women artists. Dr. Mullin earned her PhD in art history from Washington University in St. Louis. Her curatorial and scholarly work focuses on postwar and contemporary art. A faculty member at MCAD from 1998 to 2004, she also served as director of MCAD Gallery from 2002-04.

Tuesday, March 18, 2008

One Woman's War

The following is reposted from the BBC News website. I was informed of this woman's work through Photo Betty, and went to view her article. I feel it is very poignant to repost here because Rita is a woman who is obviously making a difference, and because this is the five-year anniversary of the US-Iraq war.

Canadian photojournalist Rita Leistner traveled to Baghdad in 2003 as a freelance reporter determined to get behind the front lines of the war in Iraq. Over the next 18 months she returned to the country several times capturing images of life with the troops - as well as behind the scenes in a psychiatric hospital.

www.news.bbc.co.uk

Watching Rita's video diary reminds me of seeing the Pulitzer Prize Photography Exhibit a few years ago. This traveling exhibit, which I saw at the Minnesota Historical Society, was comprised of many iconic photos that we all know, such as the flag raising at Iwo Jima and the photo of a young Vietnamese girl who has just been napalmed. After spending hours at this exhibit I came to a very sad conclusion. While these photos are all very iconic and I enjoy them, and each time I look at them I learn something new, a vast majority of them were only made because of tragedy (war, disasters, etc). It is sad that so many powerful images are made because of what humans can do to one another, and it is sad that Rita's amazing images are made on the same principle. As Wordsworth once remarked in his poem Lines Written in Early Spring, "And much it grieved my heart to think/What man has made of man.." Perhaps the work of people like Rita Leistner will allow us to one day live in a world without war, ignorance and oppression. That, I think, is the goal of all Women Warriors.

To learn more about the traveling Pulitzer Exhibit follow these links:
www.newseum.org
www.mnhs.org

Sunday, March 9, 2008

Reader's Poll: help me pick some Women Warriors!

I've managed to narrow down my list of Women Warriors from eighty names to a mere twenty-three. I have definitely decided on four women, but need to select at least two more, possibly four. I've created a poll on the side, so help me vote!

Here are the four selected candidates:

Madeleine de Vercheres
, Canada, 1678 - 1747, Her ingenuity is credited with single-handedly thwarting a raid on Fort Vercheres.
Queen Hatshepsut, Egypt, 15th Cent BC, One of the most successful pharaohs, reigning longer than any other woman of an indigenous Egyptian dynasty.
Lakshmibai, India, 1828-1858 AD, Queen of the Maratha-ruled princely state of Jhansi in North India, was one of the leading figures of the Indian rebellion of 1857, and a symbol of resistance to British rule in India.
Trung Sisters, Vietnam, 12-43 AD, Two 1st century women leaders who successfully repelled Chinese invasions for three years.

My second-tier selects are:

Zinga Mbandi, Africa, 15th Cent, fought Portugese, put women in positions of power
Charlotte Corday, France, 18th Cent, killed Marat during the French Revolution
Caterina Sforza, Italy, 1463-1509, cruel, fought many battles, spiritual mother of the queen chess pawn
Nanny of the Maroons, Jamaica, 18th Cent, well-known leader of the Jamaican Maroons in the eighteenth century
Deborah Sampson Gannet, North America, 1760 -1827, first known American woman to impersonate a man in order to join the Army, the first to fight in combat, and the first to receive a military pension.
Catalina de Erauso, Spain, 1592-1650,
semilegendary personality of Spain and Spanish America, dressed as a man, loved dueling
Brita Olsdotter, Sweden, 18th Cent, an old Swedish woman meets Russian army and makes them turn around and leave after telling them that reinforcements was arriving to assist Linköping
Queen Bat Zabbai (Zenobia), Syria, 240-274 AD, Queen of the Palmyrene Empire who conquered Egypt

Here are the third-tier selects. Some of these women may only be folk heroines based on real women who are unknown, and thus will not work for this project. Their historical statuses are as yet undetermined.

Vlasta & Sarka, Checholslovakia, 600 's, myth? created woman's army & castle
Empress Wu Chao, China 684-705 AD, originally a concubine, first and only woman ever to occupy office of Emperor in Chinese history
Princess Pingyang China, 600's, helped father establish Tang Dynasty by forming and leading a woman army
Matilda of Tuscany, Italy, 1046 – 1115 AD, saw battle? one of the few medieval women to be remembered for her military accomplishments.
Tomoe Gozen, Japan, 1157-1247 AD, real person? female Samurai
Kenau Hasselaar & Amaron, Netherlands, 16th Cent, allegedly led 300 women in defence of the city.
Glory of the Morning, North America, 18th Cent, first woman ever described in the written history of Wisconsin.
Hellcat Maggie, North America, 1800s, questionable to being real person,
female bouncer at a New York City Water St. bar called The Hole in the Wall in the early 19th century, who figures prominently in New York City folklore.
Nanye-hi (Nancy Ward), North America, 18th Cent, Cherokee "beloved woman" She believed in peaceful coexistence with white people.
Manuela BeltrĂĄn, South America, 18th Cent, Colombian woman who organized a peasant revolt against excess taxation in 1780
Manuela SĂĄenz, South America, 1783-1830, "perhaps the most important woman in Latin American history" and says that she "had more political influence than even Eva PerĂłn."

Tuesday, March 4, 2008

March 4 is Pro-Choice Lobby Day!

From my NARAL Pro-Choice Minnesota e-newsletter......

Raise Your Voice for Choice! Celebrate the 35th anniversary of Roe v. Wade by joining with supporters of reproductive rights from across Minnesota at the 2008 Pro-Choice Lobby Day.

Lobby your legislators, get the latest updates on the issues, and rally for choice in the Minnesota State Capitol. Help ensure the voice of Minnesota's pro-choice majority is heard loud and clear!

To mark this historic anniversary, the 2008 Pro-Choice Lobby Day is the first to be offered as a joint coalition event. The breadth of the participating organizations reflects the diversity of supporters of reproductive rights.

Whether as a matter of faith, justice, freedom or health, the members of the Pro-Choice Lobby Day Coalition all join together to support a woman’s fundamental right to choose.

Join us on Tuesday, March 4 for Pro-Choice Lobby Day at the Minnesota State Capitol!
Register today at
http://www.prochoicelobbyday.org/.

Saturday, March 1, 2008

March is National Women's History Month!

Hooray for March, Women's History Month! In like a Lion, out like a Lamb? I rather like to think we remain Linoesses no matter the month.

Visit the National Women's History Project for fun facts and information. NWHP has a celebration in NYC, and this year's theme is Women's Art/Women's Vision. From the NWHP website:

To honor the originality, beauty, imagination, and multiple dimensions of women’s lives, we have chosen Women’s Art: Women’s Vision as the 2008 theme for National Women’s History Month.

The history of women and art is quintessential women’s history. It is the story of amazing women’s accomplishments acclaimed at the time but written out of history. Join us in ensuring that their accomplishments are never forgotten.

This year’s theme provides a special opportunity to discover and celebrate women’s visual arts in a variety of forms and mediums that help expand our perceptions of ourselves and each other.

To see their list of honorees, please visit the website linked above. Perhaps you can have your own Women Warriors celebrations!

Here are a few famous dates and birthdays in Women's (recent) History:

March 1, 1864
Rebecca Lee of Boston became the first African American woman to earn a medical degree.
March 4
Mothering Day (England), the original Mother's Day.
Jeanette Rankin became the first woman elected to the US House of Representatives
March 7, 1870
Women were allowed on juries in Wyoming for the first time although the right did not last and was taken away until the mid 1950's.
March 8, 1911
The first International Women's Day was celebrated in Europe
March 12, 1993
Janet Reno became the first woman US Attorney General.
March 31, 1776
Abigail Adams wrote her famous "Remember the ladies" letter to her husband, John, urging him to include women as he helped construct the US Constitution.
Famous Women born in March

1
DINAH SHORE (1931-1994) SINGER, WOMEN'S SPORTS SPONSOR
MYRLIE EVERS-1933-POLITICIAN, AUTHOR, EDUCATOR. COMMISSIONER OF LOS ANGELES BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS.
2
JENNIFER JONES-1919-ACTRESS, CIVIC WORKER
KAREN ANNE CARPENTER (1950-?) SINGER
3
BEATRICE WOOD-1893-POTTER, ARTIST, AUTHOR, ACTIVIST. LIVING LEGACY AWARD, 1989
JEAN HARLOW (1911-37)-SCREEN ACTRESS OF 30'S AND 40'S
5
LEONTINE T.G. KELLY-1920-1ST BLACK WOMAN BISHOP (METHODIST)
MARY ROSE OAKAR-1940-CONGRESSWOMAN
6
VALENTINA TERESHROVA-1937-FIRST WOMAN IN SPACE (RUSSIAN)
7
JUNE WAYNE-1918-ARTIST, LITHOGRAPHER, TEACHER. LIVING LEGACY AWARD, 1989.
JANET GUTHRIE-1938-RACE CAR DRIVER. FIRST WOMAN TO RACE IN INDIANAPOLIS 500
8
ELSIE AGNES GIORGI-1911-PHYSICIAN, HUMANITARIAN
10
HARRIET TUBMAN (c. 1820-DIED THIS DATE, 1913) EMANCIPATOR, LED HUNDREDS TO SAFETY THROUGH UNDERGROUND RAILWAY, WHICH SHE ESTABLISHED
11
ELENI GATZOYIANNIS (1907-1948) HEROINE WHO GAVE HER LIFE TO SEE THAT HER CHILDREN ESCAPED FROM FACISTS TO FREEDOM IN US. TRIBUTE TO MOTHERTHOOD, LIVING LEGACY AWARD, 1989. NAMESAKE, "ELENI" AWARD.
12
LIZA MINNELLI-1946-SINGER, ACTRESS, DANCER
LUPE ANGUIANO-1929-MEXICAN-AMERICAN CIVIL RIGHTS ACTIVIST
13
JANET FLANNER (1892-1978) JOURNALIST. CORRESPONDENT FOR NEW YORKER FOR ALMOST 50 YEARS. ONE OF FEW WOMEN TO BE AWARDED FRENCH LEGION OF HONOR.
CORINNE BOGGS-1916-POLITICIAN, POLITICAL ADMINISTRATOR
FAYE GLENN ABDELLAN-1918-US GOVERNMENT OFFICIAL, HEALTH SERVICES
PATRICIA W. AMICONE-1938-EDUCATOR-MIDWIFFERY/FAMILY PLANNING
14
DIANE ARBUS (1923-71) PHOTOGRAPHER AND INNOVATOR
15
LADY ISABELLA GREGORY (1852-1932)-PLAYWRIGHT. MAJOR LITERARY FIGURE IN IRISH LITERATURE.
CAROLINE HERSCHEL (1750-1848) ASTRONOMER, DISCOVERER
16
RUTH BADER GINSBERG-1933-FORMER JUDGE, ASSOC. JUSTICE, U.S. SUPREME COURT
BERTHA KNOX GILKEY-1949-WELFARE AND TENAMENT RIGHTS FOR URBAN WOMEN
18
UNITA BLACKWELL-1933-POLITICIAN. FIRST BLACK MAYOR IN MISSISSIPPI.
21
CHARLOTTE BRONTE (1816-1840) NOVELIST, POET
23
JOAN CRAWFORD-(1908-1977)-ACTRESS
FANNIE FARMER (1857-1915)-COOKERY EXPERT
LAURA THORNE-1956-CHEF,NAMED ONE OF 10 BEST AMERICAN CHEFS
24
DOROTHY IRENE HEIGHT-1922-SOCIOLOGIST. PRESIDENT, NATIONAL COUNCIL OF NEGRO WOMEN, AN ORGANIZATION OF 4 MILLION WOMEN
25 GLORIA STEINEM-1934-WRITER, EDITOR. CO-FOUNDER,MS MAGAZINE. LEADER AND INTERNATIONALSPOKESPERSON FOR MODERN WOMEN'S EQUALITY MOVEMENT. LIVING LEGACY AWARD, 1985.
EDNA JO HUNTER-1923-EXPERT ON MILITARY FAMILIES AND PRISONERS OF WAR; FIRST WOMAN NAMED AS DISTINGUISHED MILITARY PSYCHOLOGIST OF AMERICAN PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSN. SERVED ON FACULTY OF US MILITARY ACADEMY AT WEST POINT. LIVING LEGACY AWARD, 1992.
ARETHA FRANKLIN-1942-SINGER
FLANNERY O'CONNOR-1925-1964) SHORT STORY WRITER
26
SANDRA DAY O'CONNOR-1930-FIRST WOMAN JUSTICE OF U.S. SUPREME COURT
DIANA ROSS-1944-SINGER
27
ANNEMARIE PROBELL-1953-CHAMPION SKIER
28
REBA MC ENTIRE-1955-COUNTRY WESTERN SINGER
29
PEARL BAILEY (1918-1992) SINGER, ENTERTAINER, U.N.DELEGATE, HUMANITARIAN. LLA 1989.
JULIA MONTGOMERY WALSH-1923-POLITICAL CONSULTANT, WRITER
30
LESLIE JOAN CORN-1949-THEATRE PRODUCER, DIRECTOR, WRITER
31
LIZ CLAIBORNE-1929-FASHION EXECUTIVE

Friday, February 29, 2008

choosing my new WOMEN WARRIORS

Over the last week I have been reading several books on Women Warriors, as well as looking up suggestions that have been sent to me, and utilizing the ever-wonderful Wikipedia. I am coming to the conclusion that it is going to be difficult to select just six or eight new women, especially since I want to include a good cross-section of women across the globe.

Many of the women I have discovered don't have much written on them upon first inspection. The entries will say things like, "So-n-so fought in the Battle of Luxembourg" or "Lady X was known to use swords and duel." While that proves women were active in more than the household and church, it doesn't necessarily lend enough information to write a good story, nor help me create a compelling photo. So I have been concentrating on women about whom more information is known. In some cases I am still able to find women who have battled and led interesting lives, but aren't necessarily the most famous for their country. For instance, Jane of Montfort versus Joan of Arc. While Joan may seem a shoe-in for my project, I really would like to shed light on important women who might be as famous, but just aren't as well known.

However, in some cases, I am having trouble finding any information on women at all. This is mostly true in countries where oral history has been the main recorder of events, and is most true for places like South America and for the Native Americans. While folklore and tales of mythical heroines may abound, little is recorded about actual women leaders. In the case of Native Americans it becomes difficult to google names like "Grey Wolf" or "Brown Weasel."

Another obstacle becomes the delineation between countries whose borders have shifted, or no longer exist, or encompass nearly completely different civilizations. For instance, I plan to portray Hatshepsut of Egypt. Do I then ignore the rest of Africa, as I already have a person from that continent? And if I choose to portray Catalina de Erauso of Spain, do I then disregard other Western European women of importance, like Catherina Sforza or Queen Christina of Sweden?

There are some women or groups of women who would be fascinating to portray, such as the Amazons, who truly did exist. But while archaeology and anthropology have proven their existence, there is not one single, named woman on whom to concentrate. Perhaps these women, and the women of folklore who may or may not have existed, could become a spin-off project?

While most of the course of human history has been about conquering foreign lands and dominating other cultures to the advancement of one's own culture, I do take issue with portraying early American settlers. Perhaps this is because I am American, and the subject of Native American genocide is "too close for comfort." While I have no problem portraying Boudicca, who slaughtered Romans as well as her own kins people when they defied, I can't yet bring myself to select a pioneer woman who is known for fighting native tribes.

These are of course all issues I will have to sort through and work out for myself. I do have a good, long list (68 names!) of women from whom to choose, although I have one or two more avenues to investigate before I decide for sure. Some of the names mentioned above are candidates, and here are a few more just to tantalize you!

Candace of Meroe (Africa)
Zinga Mbandi (Africa)
Madeleine de Vercheres (Canada)
Empress Wu Chao (China)
Charlotte Corday (France)
Queen Carcas of Carcassone (France)
Hydna (Greece)
Deborah Sampson Gannet (N. America)
Glory of the Morning (N. America)
Queen Olga of Kiev (Russia)
Manuela SĂĄenz (S. America)

Thursday, February 28, 2008

why have Women fallen out of history?

I have this week off from work to spend time researching WOMEN WARRIORS for my project. One thing that I have discovered that really should not have surprised me is one of the reasons why and when women began to be dominated and left out of history. Here are some quotes from author David E. Jones' book Women Warriors: A History:

"The shift in the perception of women as legitimate sources of power in Europe in the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries bears comment. A key is found in the struggle between powerful male and female leaders of religious communities. The power that abbesses had accrued over time, based on their positions as managers and tax collectors over vast tracts of land and dozens of villages, had put them in a position to thwart male church leaders from priests to bishops to, in some cases, the pope."

Jones goes on to explain the powers of the women had been based on the ancient Christian ideas of religious organization, and the veneration of Mary. "Typically more noblewomen than noblemen were literate," which allowed for women like Abbess Audisia to appeal to the pope and win an excommunication case brought against her by a bishop.

"The official unraveling of the abbess's powers can be found in the Council of Trent....the call for the reformation of religious orders and the empowering of bishops as representatives of the pope, thus rendering them superior to women...."

So, yes, thanks to the Holy Catholic Church, we have one of the reasons why power was taken away from women. I knew I disliked Sunday School for some reason....

This is, by no means, the only reason women are more difficult to find and trace in history. I just got uppity about it and wanted to write something. Maybe a Warrior Nun will make it into my project....!

Here are more religious examples (for warfare) I found on a Wiki of Women in Medieval Warfare:

590 AD: The Christian Synod of Druim Ceat issues a decree that English women can no longer go into battle alongside men.

697: Roman Catholic priests forbid Irish women and children from being present on contested battlefields.

Some other reasons most likely include the fact that much history was kept orally, and that over time names and deeds have been lost, not only of women but men. I think that this would hold especially true in cultures that have disappeared, or that had no written language. But I am not a cultural anthropologist....

Women Warriors: A History by David E. Jones, 1997, Brassey's Washington & London, pp. 155-156

Sunday, February 24, 2008

Afghan Women march for Peace

This was originally posted to Photo Betty by photographer Paula Lerner:

Women in Afghanistan are organizing, aiming to mobilize one million women to march for peace on International Women's Day on March 8th.

Please join me in signing the following petition so they know the rest of the world supports them.
http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/afghanpeace/

Women in Kandahar, one of the most violent Afghan provinces, were the first to declare they will gather on March 8th, and they were soon followed by women in Kabul. They have asked women across Afghanistan to start their own March 8th events. They believe only Afghans can stop the violence against other Afghans. They want to stop the killing of their sons, husbands, brothers, fathers and families.

The Afghan women have taken their cue from two ordinary women in Ireland who, in the 1970s, grew angry because Irish were killing Irish. These women went door to door and convinced women to march for peace. They later won the Nobel Peace Prize.

Please support these brave Afghan women with your signature as they march peacefully to proclaim PEACE NOW on March 8th at 10 am. Peace begins with each one of us, and signing the petition will only take a few moments of your time:
http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/afghanpeace/

And please pass this on to your network. If one million Afghan women can muster the courage to march, we should be able to gather at least as many signatures on this petition.

Saturday, February 16, 2008

THE FULL BODY PROJECT by Leonard Nimoy

I was watching The Colbert Report Thursday evening (Valentine's Day!), and Leonard Nimoy was the show's guest. I am sure all of you know him as Star Trek's Spock, but what many of you don't know is that Leonard Nimoy is a fairly accomplished fine art photographer. Steven Colbert was interviewing Nimoy about his latest series The Full Body Project. The project has developed into a book, and here is a description from Amazon.com:

In his provocative new book, photographer and actor Leonard Nimoy captures images of full-bodied women, some of whom are involved in what is known as the "fat acceptance" movement. "The average American woman," Nimoy writes, "weighs 25 percent more than the models selling the clothes. There is a huge industry built up around selling women ways to get their bodies closer to the fantasy ideal. Pills, diets, surgery, workout programs. . . . The message is You don't look right. If you buy our product, you can get there.'"

I applaude Mr. Nimoy on this important and beautiful piece of work, and dub him Honorary Woman Warrior. To learn more visit these links:

Leonard Nimoy Photography

buy the book on Amazon.com
watch The Colbert Report interview
visit the MySpace

Sunday, February 10, 2008

photography workshop BODY IMAGE with Jila Nikpay

The Minnesota Center for Photography is offering a three part workshop entitled BODY IMAGE with photographer Jila Nikpay. From the MNCP website:

Description
Photographer/filmmaker Jila Nikpay offers women the opportunity to explore their body identity in this workshop. Her cross-cultural approach combines Eastern and Western sensibilities and makes use of a creative process through which women use their imaginations and intellects to examine personal relationships with their bodies. The workshop begins with a slide lecture that surveys the depiction of women in Eastern and Western paintings. The following session includes group discussion and creative exercises that prepare participants for an individual, explorative process using fabric as an artistic medium. The instructor will then photograph each woman, guiding her to move and express inner images of her body. In the third session, these photographs will be projected larger than life, offering the chance to view their draped bodies in a dramatic way and to engage in group discussion. Each participant will keep a 5x7 photograph as a record of her self-discovery.

Requirements
This workshop is open to all women who are interested in discussing and exploring their identities through dialogue and photographic exercises in a safe and nurturing environment. Participants do not need to have experience in photography.

To learn more and sign up for this workshop click HERE.

Thursday, February 7, 2008

Mai Na Lee, a modern Hmong Woman Warrior in Minnesota

The Minnesota Women's Press had a recent article about Mai Na Lee, a history professor at the University of Minnesota. According to the artcile by Erin Wisness "[Mai Na Lee] is the first female Hmong professor at the University of Minnesota, and the first Hmong person in the United States to earn a Ph.D. in history." To read the full article click HERE.

Our swords are raised to you,
Mai Na Lee!

Tuesday, February 5, 2008

support modern Women Warriors, donate to Medisaga

Lisa Stock is the owner of Mythic Films and the creator/writer of Medisaga, a wonderful film in pre-production that features a strong female lead role. Here is a synopsis from the webstie :
"Inspired by the tale of The Armless Maiden, THE MEDISAGA is a sweeping romance of classical love and mystical dreams, comprised of three films: Titania, Purgatory, and Neptune. Unlike most trilogies these films will not be consecutive sequels to one another, but will find the characters continuing their journeys though different landscapes and time periods." To learn more visit:
http://www.inbytheeye.com/MedisagaSynopsis.html

MEDISAGA is in pre-production, and is seeking funds to move forward with the dream and the film. Consider making a small donation to this wonderful Women Warriors-esque project!
http://www.inbytheeye.com/JoinTheSaga.html

~Katie

Friday, February 1, 2008

WOMEN WARRIORS receives a grant!

With great excitement, fanfare and clanging of swords, I am proud to announce the WOMEN WARRIORS has received a grant! The grant is the Minnesota State Arts Board 2008 Artist Initiative Grant, and I am one of twenty-one recipients who were selected from 117 applicants.

The Artist Initiative Grant alternates discipline eligibility from year to year, and photography is one of the mediums for 2008. While most grant programs are designed specifically for the completion of a project, with an exhibit at the end of the grant period, the Artist Initiative Grant is deigned to help artists explore, create and grow in whatever way will best help them. Part of the application process is to specify how you will use your funding to further your career and growth as an artist. My goal for the WOMEN WARRIORS in 2008 is to create a minimum of six new portraits, which would bring my current total to ten images. With these images I will then produce three high-end portfolios to have available to send to galleries and museums, both nationally and internationally. Without a strong portfolio for this work, I will not be able to effectively promote my project, nor seek further funding or exhibitions, so the portfolios will be the culmination of my work from this grant.

You're probably wondering who my new warriors will be! The WOMEN WARRIORS will be expanding to include women of other cultures from around the world. As always I will seek to portray women who are not well known, and who lived prior to 1850 so that no photograph of them could possibly exist. I have seleceted four new warriors, two who are sisters, but as always I am open to your suggestions! Here are the new warriors:

Queen Hatshepsut, Egypt's female Pharaoh who was one of the most prolific builders in ancient Egypt. Fans of Egyptology will know that her mummy was recently discovered and DNA analyzed, allowing us to know more about her lineage and physical build. Interesting fact: at the time of her death, Hatshepsut was obese and diabetic.

Vietnam's Trung Sisters. Trung Trac and Trung Nhi were two 1st century women leaders who successfully repelled Chinese invasions for three years, and are regarded as national heroines of Vietnam. Many of their generals were women.

Lakshmi Bai, the Rani of Jhansi. Lakshmi was the queen of the Maratha-ruled princely state of Jhansi in North India, was one of the leading figures of the Indian rebellion of 1857, and a symbol of resistance to British rule in India. Her fall brought about many significant changes in India. Due to her bravery, she became a national hero and the epitome of female bravery.

Needless to say I am very excited to get started! Thank you to everyone for your support, and especially to my Women Warriors without whom this project would not have happened.

(previously posted on MySpace 12-15-2007)

Who are the WOMEN WARRIORS?

The WOMEN WARRIORS began in the spring of 2006, and was inspired by the story of England’s Queen Boudicca, a heroic and daring leader who has been all but forgotten by history. I was driven to discover other historic women leaders, and longed to know not only their tales, but also what they may have looked like. I decided to interpret their significance by creating a series of formal studio portraits, as if photography had existed during their lifetimes. Each portrait is based on historic evidence and existing artistic depictions, and every attempt has been made to be as historically accurate as possible with resources available to me. Utilizing controlled studio lighting, digital photography and Photoshop, I have exercised complete artistic control through every step of the process, assuring I was accurately creating what I envisioned, leaving nothing to chance. These images are created to challenge the viewers’ thoughts and ideas about women’s roles in history. The WOMEN WARRIORS has allowed me to create an approach to portraiture that exposes and makes real the grandeur of the unmarked and unknown significant life.

So who could be a candidate for WOMEN WARRIORS? Any woman who provided leadership for their country, whether in a military, strategic, or political capacity. The contributions can be of any size. You don't have to be Joan of Arc to make a difference! For the purposes of my project candidates must be real women (sorry Medea), have lived prior to 1850, and preferably be obscure. Women of all nations, religious backgrounds and time periods are welcome.

If you would like to suggest a candidate, or volunteer to portray a warrior, please email me.
katie@ekatieholm.com

Welcome to my BLOG!

Hello and welcome to my Blog! My name is E. Katie Holm, and I am a photographer from Minneapolis, Minnesota. I am primarily a fine artist, but shoot commercially as well. To see a selection of my work please visit my website at www.ekatieholm.com.

This Blog is being created to follow the progression of my current project WOMEN WARRIORS, for which I have received a grant. This project explores little-known women leaders in history, and seeks to depict what they may have looked like had photography existed during their lifetimes. All images are based on historic evidence and existing artistic depictions. Over the course of 2008 I will post updates on the project, as well as other topics that relate to the project or photography in general.

Enjoy and visit often!

~Katie