Exhibition: "I am a Woman and this is my Legacy" 4/10/18

Having closed the show at Thaxted on the Sunday, I had to get one of the samplers to Barking for an exhibition the following day.

I had been sent the call-out by Sarah Jackson, from the East End Women's Museum, who thought my work might be on topic for it.  I submitted 3, and one - Argumentative Woman -  was selected.  They were seeking 40 artworks - and ended up with 50.  Sponsored by Weston Homes, with prizes of £1000, £500 and £200.  These were drawn by lottery, not by preference of the sponsor - which meant less conservative artworks stood a chance.

The Laura I gallery is in Barking.  A small gallery, which was stuffed with artworks by the time the show was staged, and absolutely crammed with people for the private view.  I was delighted that my friend Denise (a 20 year since work colleague) was my guest, and she has a daughter who is studying art & design foundation, who she will take to see the show during its run.

Me and Argumentative Woman at Laura I gallery

Laura I - feminist gallery owner

There was some interesting work on display.

Deanna Beverley, God is a Woman, mixed media, A2

My personal best in show.  I've never seen anything like this before.  I'm not normally into anything like childbirth/pregnancy imagery, but Deanna painted this while she was expecting.  She attended the Talk Show event on the Saturday, and had travelled down from Solihull especially, and brought her toddler as well!  How's that for commitment!

Kate Kelly, Emily Thomas, the last Governor of Holloway, oil on canvas, 80 x 100cm

I like portraits of women - particularly ordinary looking women who do tough, unpalatable jobs.

Donna Riddington, Dignity, 2018

Donna is an New Zealander performance artist who publicises the discriminatory practices of healthcare providers towards women.  A thoroughly good woman!

Deanna and her work.
This shows how closely the artworks were positioned.

The artist who won by being picked first from the lottery
- and I can't remember her name!

Her work - acrylic, print, drawing.  All significant symbols to her.

Reflections on the event are around how my work was staged, and how crowded it was.  I have chosen not to frame my work.  But I was bothered about my work being right at the entrance, on the end of a 2 foot wide partition.  Very accessible for viewing - but also for being brushed against and leant on!  People had red and white wine - would any get spilled on it?  So do I continue to say 'it's textile and it takes its chances, because samplers were handled, and meant to be soft' or do I work out how to get them framed so they are treated more preciously?  My decision.  Not sure what my answer is yet.