Wonderful essay! Iām amazed what your book has taught me from an amazing woman who I knew nothing about to an artist who struggled to get his beliefs across to looking at myself and ways to not give up my dreams. Thank you, Joan! š
I did research about a small North Country, New York village and was astounded by the activism of women in that area. Thanks, for reminding us, especially these days, that we owe a lot to these ladies. (LOL Weed wackers)
Another great essay, Joan. You beautifully weave examples of people who went against the grain, from Van Gogh himself, to Jo, to Mary and Elizabeth. Vincent was a deep thinker; itās obvious from his writing. He fought convention and was determined to depict the world as he saw it, not as others demanded it to be portrayed. As writers and artists today, we must do the same. So much is being produced by a formula, a template based on market research, simply to sell, sell, sell. And it will all be forgotten, or slip into the AI system of mass reproduction, I predict. Itās more important than ever to rely on our individuality and express what is deep in our soul. Thank you for these portraits of people brave enough to be different.
So beautifully said, Lise. I'm hopeful that AI can become a tool that gives us a new creative launch point. Similar to how calculators are useful to get to more analytical thought. However, as you share, it's more important than ever to safeguard inspiration and not settle for the status quo or easy way.
"Behind every great man is a great woman," or something like that. Another of your great posts. Living one's true self also means we must be responsible for ourselves and how we treat othersāsometimes a balancing act.
So true! Especially when on the surface differences are the first thing we see. I'm trying to remember that empathy can be the first step to bridging a gap.
I remember a story--told by the guide at the house, I think, about Elizabeth's mother calling her to get down from a tree and she calls back "Why don't you call my brother down, he's two years younger and two branches higher!"
Wonderful essay! Iām amazed what your book has taught me from an amazing woman who I knew nothing about to an artist who struggled to get his beliefs across to looking at myself and ways to not give up my dreams. Thank you, Joan! š
Letters as weed whackers!! I love it! Nicely done, as always!
I did research about a small North Country, New York village and was astounded by the activism of women in that area. Thanks, for reminding us, especially these days, that we owe a lot to these ladies. (LOL Weed wackers)
Another great essay, Joan. You beautifully weave examples of people who went against the grain, from Van Gogh himself, to Jo, to Mary and Elizabeth. Vincent was a deep thinker; itās obvious from his writing. He fought convention and was determined to depict the world as he saw it, not as others demanded it to be portrayed. As writers and artists today, we must do the same. So much is being produced by a formula, a template based on market research, simply to sell, sell, sell. And it will all be forgotten, or slip into the AI system of mass reproduction, I predict. Itās more important than ever to rely on our individuality and express what is deep in our soul. Thank you for these portraits of people brave enough to be different.
So beautifully said, Lise. I'm hopeful that AI can become a tool that gives us a new creative launch point. Similar to how calculators are useful to get to more analytical thought. However, as you share, it's more important than ever to safeguard inspiration and not settle for the status quo or easy way.
Thanks for reminding us of these truths!
"Behind every great man is a great woman," or something like that. Another of your great posts. Living one's true self also means we must be responsible for ourselves and how we treat othersāsometimes a balancing act.
So true! Especially when on the surface differences are the first thing we see. I'm trying to remember that empathy can be the first step to bridging a gap.
I read a lot of--and about--Elizabeth Cady Stanton at one time, and visited her house in Seneca Falls. Thanks for the reminder.
Me too! If I could go back in time, I'd like to be in that parlor when Stanton and her sister authors wrote the Declaration of Sentiments.
I remember a story--told by the guide at the house, I think, about Elizabeth's mother calling her to get down from a tree and she calls back "Why don't you call my brother down, he's two years younger and two branches higher!"