f r o m t h e e d i t o r
& inspiration encouragement
I’ d like to say something about inspiration and encouragement and how it affects us in terms of work and enjoyment. The write up submitted by Shelley Tiffee moved me. She said that she felt the desire to be an artist- as if it were a calling- but the calling was muted it because she felt dejected after taking some art classes. I’ m glad that she tapped back into the passion that dimmed for all of those years. Sometimes we have to juggle jobs and our goals in life- but it’ s wonderful that she didn’ t simply give up on it. And, it’ s encouraging to hear that she has opened back up her passion to art and is creating again.
As artists, we can’ t( unfortunately) make anyone appreciate our art or value it according to the price we set. We can’ t force a connection or respect for the art we create and love. Art comes in a variety of forms and from a variety of inspirations but when we aren’ t encouraged and when the world around us doesn’ t value our craft, it’ s a challenge to keep at it.
That brings me to documentary photographer Nicci Peet who explored women and the male-dominated industry of craft beer. I can’ t attest to the overt sexism in beer commercials in other countries, but in the USA, it’ s problematic. Women are symbols of sex and their sexuality sells beer. So why doesn’ t the beer industry accommodate women consumers or producers? Based on the advertisements alone, you’ d imagine that the valued consumer of beer is men. I appreciate her interest in brewing and women who brew. It’ s absolutely worthwhile exploring these gender gaps and learning more about the women who step into the abyss of maledominated industries and succeed. Then again, perhaps I just want Nicci to ship all the women-designed craft beers to my little beach town here in Florida so I can be a happy, hoppy-sipping woman!
Of course, the art industry itself still tends to offer greater value to male artists. There are still more opportunities for male artists and the male artists throughout history often are more valued, better known and more often discussed. So, it’ s imperative that we change the narrative about art. So keep creating and encourage other women and girls to do the same.
LMarelli
Liesl Marelli Editor-in-Chief @ liesl. bee( instagram) p a g e 7
ART women