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New Beginings
"Ruined" is what women are called after they have been raped. They are then thrown out of their families and villages.
Hi Again I can't tell who has visited my site because you have not left any comments. I see you were there but I would love to know what you think of my work so far. I am always on a learning curve and looking for ways to expand and improve my art. I know what and how I paint is not for everyone. I also know that everything I do is not good. It really helps to know what others think. The good, the bad and the ugly comments and opinions are always helpful and help me grow as an artist.
I am always looking for things that touch my heart or that I feel need to be brought to light in my work. My emphasis has been on women's issues in the USA and in Africa. I lived in West Africa for several years so it has a special place in my heart. This is especially true for the African women and children. They are always the ones who suffer the most from war, injustes, and natural disasters. Rape, murder and general mayhem enviably happen when any or all of these things occur. Women and children are always the victims. I feel strongly I must address these issues in my art. I don't expect to make many sales from these paintings but I do hope to elicit awareness of what these people are going through to those who see my paintings.
I mentioned my interest in doing Gelli prints. I have been researching the methods and techniques of Gelli print artists. I think I am about ready to begin attempting to make some prints. It takes time to get the feel of a new medium but I love the excitement of starting a new project. I hope it will be something that will expand my work and carry it to a new level. When I get some prints that I
feel are passable, I will share them with you. I will really love your comments. Until then, Kathleen
In the Beginning I didn't know I was an artist or the art and art history were my passion for the first 50years of my life. I discovered this large thing about myself when I decided to volunteer at the Corcoran Gallery of Art ( still morn Its passing) and sign up for an Art History class at NOVA. A huge window opened up for me. I mean I really loved this stuff. I then began to attend Docent training at the Corcoran and studio art classes along with art history at Northern Va. Community College. I felt like I had died and gone to heaven. Here I was doing something I discovered I absolutely was in love with but I also discovered "Kathleen Norris Stark, person". Pure Joy !
When I was an art student, part time, at the Corcoran , in m yearly 20's I really didn't know what being an artist meant. I was told to fall in love, get married, have babies and then come back and be an artist. It wasn't possible for a woman to do both! ( This was 1962 so take that for what it is worth.) Since a certain handsome young man wanted to marry me and I didn't know I could do both, I chose to get married, have three babies and forget about being an artist.
It wasn't until my youngest baby went off to college, that I started to think about what I wanted to do with the rest of my life. Then I found my passion, ART, and have never looked back Now I don't say that I am a great artist or even a very good artist. I do say that I love making art and I love sharing it with other people. I love being around those people who also love, love, love art the way I do. I think I would die if I didn't or couldn't make art. So now you know! I am an eccentric, bohemian , crazy81 year old woman who lives to make art and share it.
IF you feel the same way about art as I do, I would love to hear from you. Please look at my website and give me your thought as well. That is all for now. Aug 10, 2023
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