Be The Woman You Needed As A Girl
“Each time a woman stands up for herself, without knowing it possibly, without claiming it, she stands up for all women.” - Maya Angelou
“Where are all the women artist’s artworks?” I asked in bewilderment to the art curator at the Johannesburg Art Gallery, many years ago. It was 1985, and I was nine years old.
She scanned the room and eventually said: There is one work over there! It was a tiny work in the far corner by the wife of the founding patron of the art gallery.
I was confused, thinking to myself, I am an artist but what opportunities are there out there for me? Another realization was made I do not come from a wealthy, well connected family either.
I was subconsciously taking on a belief that there are no opportunities to be an artist as I am a female, and females are second class citizens. There are no opportunities for women in this man’s world.
I started observing the world around me, all the men had interesting jobs, architects, chefs, designers, doctors, engineers.
The women were the supporters in society with important roles, mothers, teachers, nurses, and secretaries but support roles.
What future was there for me with my art aspirations?
In the blink of an eye. A lot of living had happened, all the traditional things, school, I studied fine art and ceramic design at university, travel, work, met the love of my life, marriage, followed by children, emigration and our new life in Australia.
Suddenly I looked around, the world was a different place. The power of the internet and social media. The most unlikely people were suddenly artists and many successful ones were women.
Covid 19 hit and suddenly I had the time to really pursue this dream of mine.
My in-person art workshops are still on pause for now.
I am a full time creative, creating online art course content for my nine-year old self! Those little nine-year old girls can look up to me now.
I paint prolifically and working hard at marketing myself as a professional artist online.
Shine on future art stars, I hope to inspire you! One day I will shine down on you with sheer wonder and delight as you reach limits you or I never dreamed possible. This world needs creative people and especially you.
To all the strong dynamic business women in the world, especially in the art world shining so brightly. I salute you. I have been watching you succeed for years and now it is finally my time to shine brightly too.
Karen Fourie is a full time artist and creative in Sydney, Australia.
She has a range of dynamic, life affirming statement art for sale.
she recently created her first online art course for children aged between 6-12 years old, endorsed by Create NSW Government.
She is happily married and lives with her husband and two children.
www.karenfourie.com
