Inspired

I’ve been working in the visual arts for the last seven years or so, and in that time I have met some amazing artists. Most of the time I’ve been blown away by these women (with rare exceptions), but never as much as I’ve been recently.

Yesterday I was lucky enough to meet Faith Ringgold and her daughter. I was familiar with Faith’s children’s books, so I was very excited to meet her in person. She’s a trailblazer (or as she puts it, “just wait them out, they’ll wear down eventually”), of course. As an African-American woman who has been a working artist for over 35 years, she had no choice. But her absolute grace in the face of constant opposition left me feeling incredibly inspired. Her work is unbelievable in person—particularly her “story quilts.”

I also got to meet Wilhelmina Holladay (and yes, her friends call her Billie). She’s the founder of the National Museum for Women In The Arts in Washington, DC. Here was a wealthy woman, who studied art history, who noticed the appalling lack of inclusion in the art world women artists suffered. She’d march into art galleries and ask for art by women—in the 60’s and 70’s. When they replied that they didn’t have any, she’d give them her card and say to call her when they did. She therefore forced galleries to carry and sell women’s art. Her collection became the centerpiece of the museum once it was opened, and it opened only because of her sheer force of will. Amazing woman.

After meeting them both and hearing about their lives, I felt deeply inspired. While I no longer hope to “change the world” the way I did when I was younger, I would love to leave this planet feeling I’ve left a mark. I don’t have the power of money or images to do it—I just have words.

And then yesterday I got this email from Elena, a woman I have little in common with but have come to be fond of:

I thought you might be interested to know that on the Catholic Liturgical Calendar, tomorrow is the remembrance of Mary, Our Lady of Sorrows.   I think it is just a very special day for all the mothers who have lost babies and children.  I do a special prayer at the shrine of Our Sorrowful Mother every year on this date, and I will remember you and your two boys there tomorrow as well.  I put stuff on my blog every year about it if you're interested.  I know you're not Catholic, but I think most women can relate to Mary as a mom and I just wanted to let you know that tomorrow was a special day for you too!

Elena has offered to pray for me before, but (no offense, Elena) usually as more of, well, an attack (or a defense, depending on your perspective). The fact that our frequent emails and discussions—almost never coming to any mutual ground—has led to her praying for me so sincerely touches me so, so much.

I don’t want to brag (oh, hell, yes I do) but if the only thing I do in my life is have this blog, I will have accomplished a great deal. Where else, I ask you, can you find a space where the pro-life and the pro-choice speak to each other honestly and without rancor? Where the pro-Bush folks allow themselves to be bashed and give it back, again, usually without any personal attacks (although some of us lefties need to work on that)? Most of us have come to truly respect each other, even with our differences. A rare, rare thing in a time of divisiveness and posturing.

My blog has become a place of peace, ironically, even when we argue. The fact that you all come here, daily, and share your hearts allows me to be inspired on a daily basis.

Thank you.

Lastly, if any of you ever wondered how I became the way I am, or learned to use words they way I do, here is an example of why. Suzanne, a long-time friend of my mother’s recently came to my blog and left this comment on a older post:

As for Bush and his Panzer Cabinet and his tame congressmen, and his Mephistopheles Rove, I am sure he is going to wind up in Oz: Bush the straw man has no brain, Rumsfeld the Lion has no courage, Cheney the Tin Man has no heart, and Gonzalez the doggy has no balls. Karl Rove is the Wizard of course - everything done with smoke and mirrors and special effects - government by Industrial Light and Magic. If I could support myself now, I'd go to Iceland...

I grew up, and continue to be, surrounded by brilliant women. Once again, thank you, thank you, thank you.

Comments

[Miss W]

I am thoroughly jealous right now -- as an elementary teacher (currently not teaching, but always in the inner-city)I have such profound and deep respect for Faith Ringold. Her images are so moving.

Reading this post, I can understand the inspiration that you feel, all the women whom you have come in contact with in various ways. And I think you are right; by sharing your life with the world as you do, you have (and continue to) truly leave a mark on the world of your readers, and by extrapolation on those they come into contact with.

[Melessa]

To echo Miss W, I'm so jealous you met Faith Ringgold, and yes you are surrounded by brilliant women. I'm glad to read that you perceive your blog the same way your readers do. And I love the Wizard of Oz comparison. Thanks for posting that because I missed it the first time.

[Rachel]

You know, Cecily, I must read 60 blogs, and yours is my absolute favorite. If I had to pack a backpack and my house was burning down, I'd take: my Bible, some ostomy bags/diapers for Lucy, a photo album, and your blog web address. :)

I know we are polar opposites in most of our beliefs, but I also know that you are astute, poetic, well-read (much better than I), and think things out before you form an opinion. In a world dripping with cowardice you are a shining light.

While many fein interest in the views of the "opposite" side, you actually care.

So, thank you. From the bottom of my heart to yours.

It makes me sad - 11 months ago you were pregnant with your boys, and I was pregnant with my babies. Then I found out that one of them had died, and wrote to you on your blog. Then I read about your boys about 3 weeks later at school. And I sucked in my breath and began to cry my eyes out.

One year later where there should be our 4 babies, Cecily, there is 1. I think of you and the boys all the time and feel such a kinship with you.

Thank you for baring your soul. You are right, this blog is a gift.

Thank you.

Rachel

[Sarah]

Beautiful post, sweetheart. YOU are an inspiration to me every single day.

I was just telling my old friend David yesterday about your blog and how much it affects your readers. I was specifically telling him about how yours is the only space online I've ever seen where people with totally opposite views can discuss them almost always civilly.

That is some gift to leave this world, Cec.

[heatherg]

I just dont know what to say.

Yes, you are an inspiration. I enjoy reading your comments as well, its like 100 people around a big oak table having these intense conversations.......

[Anne]

"My blog has become a place of peace"

and that's a wonderful thing.

[Toni]

I'm grateful to know you. And even art-ignoramus me has heard of Faith Ringgold! I believe I read an essay of hers in a compilation about women artists and writers once upon a time . . . I'm way too much of a pussy to discuss the things you do, but I'm glad to have this place and to see how the discussions form, despite the occasional flame-thrower. I participated in a political BBS (remember those?) for years, and we never achieved the civility that you all have here. And, I might add, many of the ideals conservatives argued for so fervently during the Clinton years never came to fruition under Bush (smaller gov't, no deficit spending, protection of privacy rights). I wonder what some of those codgers think of conservatism now . . .

[sandy]

you do rock Cecily....

[Tricia]

I really do enjoy reading your blog. I find myself nodding in agreement to so much of what you say and other times I really learn a lot. I'm so glad that you share yourself with so many strangers on a regular basis. It's inspiring to see the spirited yet mostly dialogue that you create on a regular basis.

[Tricia]

Oops. supposed to say "yet mostly civil dialogue you create on a regular basis."

[Julie]

I have to ask....Why is Judy Chicago the exception?

[ivy]

Oh I love Faith Ringgold! You are so lucky!

Hey- PBS's Art in the 21st century begins season three tomorrow night. I think you'd like it. http://www.pbs.org/art21/

(If you haven't seen them, you can rent the first two seasons from netflix.)

[Jenny/Long Time Lurker]

Damn straight, lady. You're top of my favourites list.

[MsPrufrock]

Faith Ringgold?? Very cool. I'm curious about the Judy Chicago reference...I've heard things, but I am intrigued as to what makes her an exception. Hmm...

[alison]

Hi Cecily,

I'm an art nerd so I was excited to see your post on Faith Ringgold. I love her and her work on so many levels, and actually use her book every year in my ESL and GED classes when we learn about and write our own memoirs. I'm also glad to hear that she is a lovely person in real life!

Now, I too am curious about your opinions of Ms. Judy Chicago, of whom I have a love/hate relationship with myself. I really enjoyed going to "The Dinner Party" at the Brooklyn Museum, but I can't help but wonder what Emily Dickenson would have thought about her vagina plate. I've also heard that she does not extend credit toward the many female slave bees that create her works for her. Perhaps she is not a lovely person in real life?

I have to add, as a newcomer to your blog via Sarah, I've been delighted with your blog as a place of peace and understanding between all the many many viewpoints and backgrounds out there... I'm feelin' it!

[Debe]

I'm terribly jealous of you meeting those women.

[Erin]

I must say, I found it a little strange that you chose to open your post about what a lovely, peaceful, open place your blog is by insulting an artist's work. Now, I don't know a thing about Judy Chicago or her art, so maybe it's completely justified. I just feel that the comment really undermines the image you're trying to project and portray in the post and comes across as rather mean-spirited. Know what I mean?

[Magnolia]

I love your mother's friend!! I love women like her, unafraid to say what she thinks.

I love your blog too, and I'm glad that I can come here, read and think about whats going on in our world.

Thank you for writing.

[Jill]

Cec, I've never told you this, but I am on staff at a Methodist church. A lady called yesterday who is thinking about maybe looking into the possibility of perchance trying out a church. I was so glad they forwarded her to me. When she said she has some issues with faith, church, and religion, I of course said "Join the club." Our church is filled with people who are questioning, or are unsure of how they feel about things. And in church is where they should be. But I wouldn't have had the perfect answer for her if I hadn't read it here, on your blog. So you have changed the life of a very scared lady in the midwest, because I know this is the beginning of an incredible journey for her.

I don't always agree with you, but I am thankful for your opening up your blog as a place for dialogue to take place in a respectful manner. And yes, I appreciate your taking time to write here as often as you can. But I also see God working through you all the time, and I am most grateful for that.

[Aisha]

You're so lucky to have met Faith Ringold. I read her stories to my students all the time. There's something about her pictures that touch both adults and children.

[MollieBee]

Mary is such a universal symbol of Motherhood and Womanhood. I respect that greatly, even though I am not a practicing catholic. And like Elena, I keep you in my thoughts always.

I say I don't pray, but sometimes I have moments of pure bliss, moments that I am happy to be alive, right here, right now. To me, those are prayers thanking whoever or whatever is responsible for letting me be part of this beautiful crazy world.

[Dana]

I pray for you too - with "faith" - which I think is funny? ironic? curious?

Hugs and love.

[labialady]

No.... Thank YOU!

[Catherine]

Speaking of artists and writers you know - I finished that book. Want me to email you my opinion? I also will try hard to remember to bring it back to you on Saturday.

[Catherine]

Oh yeah, also, your blog is fucking great.