Louise Bourgeois- Studio/Home

Louise Bourgeois

Barely getting my first cup of coffee down, and having half my hair braided, I found this fantastic post about Louise Bourgeois. I think I must have intuitively knew it was waiting for me.
I increasingly love to read more and more what new posts have been blogged, on the list that I subscribe to. Sometimes I don't bother to have an close look, but for whatever reason I was compelled to do this immediately this morning, and I am so happy I did!

I remember very clearly learning about Louise Bourgeois, in one of my all time favourite Art History classes, that focused on 'women artists.' I wasn't a great fan of her Louise Bourgeois' sculpture work, but I was definitely impressed, and amazed. I was struck and fascinated by her personality, and was left wanting to know more about her. She seemed mysterious and troubled, but not a lot of information was really known about her in the context of art history. I see now, that she was a mature age before she got a lot of professional recognition within the art world. I knew Louise Bourgeois had a trouble childhood, and her work was some what rather dark and disturbing to me. I am not saying that this is a negative thing, my subjective opinion is not that relevant. I appreciate her now, in a fuller and more expanded way, having learned more about her.

This blog post I read this morning, is an article written by Lucy Davies, who visited her town house in NYC where Louise Bourgeois lived and had her studio. It is very insightful, and intimately reveals a lot about her personality, and what a remarkable artist, and woman she was.
Germaine Greer wrote an excellent article as well for the Guardian in 2010.
I believe it is necessary to know about an artist's personality, and what influenced them, as it gives a deeper appreciation and understanding of their art, and helps you to have more objective and balanced opinion regarding the artist's work.

 I am so glad I subscribe to this particular blog because I have had the opportunity to finally learn more about Louise Bourgeois.
Louise died at the age of 98 in 2010.

Artist - Louise Bourgeois - 1989

  "I am lucky to have been brought up by a mother who was a feminist and fortunate enough to have married a husband who was a feminist, and I have raised sons who are feminists."
                                                                           
                                                                                 - Louise Bourgeois

Germaine Greer and Tongue Mould

I thought my internet was down the past day and a half and was going through a bit of withdrawal and was getting frustrated not being able to find the source of the problem. Finally today I finally figured it out after seeing my WiFi was disconnected from the outlet, which was why I could not get online.  When this happens I get into a bit of an uncomfortable state of mind, because, well alright, I admit it, I am addicted to my computer. It is a big part of my routine in a number of ways, enabling me to keep in contact with family and friends, and to network with other artists. Having been a  regular blogger for six years also contributes to my co-dependent relationship with cyberspace.

I always find when I am without my internet the up side is, it becomes a pretty productive time for me, like listening to Germaine Greer on Ideas on CBC Radio, and it generally is a good experience being offline for a while, as I put my energy into making art and into other constructive activities. Not that I waste my time online, but it can gobble up an afternoon before you know it, especially if you are not mindful while using the internet, and are easily distracted.

So yesterday, I got two more paintings completed as I am getting geared up for an exhibit next week. This has been challenging to say the least, as I have been in a creative funk, a carry over from SAD after having the Winter from hell. As well, I drastically changed my subject matter, consciously taking a break from what I normally paint. I thought perhaps this would be a good thing for me, as the old adage goes, a change is good as a rest. It has proved to be enjoyable, when I am actually wrapped up in the process of painting my chosen subject matter as of late, Jellied Moulds , from a recipe book, called, Davis Dainty Dishes published back in the day of the 20s and the 30s. I thought this would be light subject matter and fun. True it is, but not something I am passionate about. As a matter of fact, some of the pictures of moulds I couldn't bare the thought of painting, as some of the moulds were absolutely gross. Tongue mould be one of those, along with other mystery type meats, not to mention " Recipes For Invalids" How about some " Jellied Soup ". Yum!

Nonetheless,  I am making good progress, and am looking very forward to my show. I have learned an important lesson. I need to not place such demand on myself, not allow myself to get so stressed and simply paint what I really love, and feel great passion about. And I do wished people still made jellied moulds, just not tongue mould, they can forget that one!