Dissecting The Western Woman Artist; An Artist's Dialogue by Amy E. Fraser
Conclusion
Some autopsy services have a sign reading "This is a place where death rejoices to teach those who live". I believe this holds true in the case of the subject dissected for this Artist's Dialogue. Autopsy revealed a multitude of explanations for the cause of Amy E. Fraser's art.
Like the 'subject', the dialogue also took the form of a living organism. Similar to a living body, the body part chapters worked together to create one integrated whole. Concepts overlapped and intertwined like the processes of human systems. Each organ's cultural metaphor led to individual areas of study and personal perspectives that define my works. Each chapter is significant within itself, yet more complete as part of the whole dialogue.
The dialogue has taught the reader that art is a multifaceted process that includes many areas of study. My art has improved greatly over the years and the improvements can be attributed, in part, to the time I have devoted to analytic thought and research. The images and concepts in my work go beyond simple explanation. Each piece contains a wealth of information about culture, feminism, history, philosophy, spiritual beliefs and more, interpreted and created from the perspective of a female artist in the 21st century.
At this point, the artist's dialogue is merely in it's infant stages. With more time, painting and proper mental nourishment, this body will grow to enormous depths and proportions. It is a progression that will last the rest of my lifetime. I will continue to inform my works in this way, seeking further meaning and interpretation for each new creation.
I have come to a deeper realization about the importance the body has on perception, way of life and understanding. There is great responsibility for representing such an important concept. I will never allow myself to take the portrayal of this subject for granted. It is my duty as a woman and artist to represent women in a positive light in an attempt to battle preconceived notions that have hundreds of years of culture and tradition behind them.
By defining the female subject in my works through this dialogue, I am redefining woman within Western society. It is my hope that this type of discussion may eventually become as commonplace to Western culture as quotes from the Bible or theories from Freud. Each time a new woman is born to grace my canvas, I will pay tribute to this woman who stepped out of her painted world and sacrificed her body so that others could better understand her kind.
Like the 'subject', the dialogue also took the form of a living organism. Similar to a living body, the body part chapters worked together to create one integrated whole. Concepts overlapped and intertwined like the processes of human systems. Each organ's cultural metaphor led to individual areas of study and personal perspectives that define my works. Each chapter is significant within itself, yet more complete as part of the whole dialogue.
The dialogue has taught the reader that art is a multifaceted process that includes many areas of study. My art has improved greatly over the years and the improvements can be attributed, in part, to the time I have devoted to analytic thought and research. The images and concepts in my work go beyond simple explanation. Each piece contains a wealth of information about culture, feminism, history, philosophy, spiritual beliefs and more, interpreted and created from the perspective of a female artist in the 21st century.
At this point, the artist's dialogue is merely in it's infant stages. With more time, painting and proper mental nourishment, this body will grow to enormous depths and proportions. It is a progression that will last the rest of my lifetime. I will continue to inform my works in this way, seeking further meaning and interpretation for each new creation.
I have come to a deeper realization about the importance the body has on perception, way of life and understanding. There is great responsibility for representing such an important concept. I will never allow myself to take the portrayal of this subject for granted. It is my duty as a woman and artist to represent women in a positive light in an attempt to battle preconceived notions that have hundreds of years of culture and tradition behind them.
By defining the female subject in my works through this dialogue, I am redefining woman within Western society. It is my hope that this type of discussion may eventually become as commonplace to Western culture as quotes from the Bible or theories from Freud. Each time a new woman is born to grace my canvas, I will pay tribute to this woman who stepped out of her painted world and sacrificed her body so that others could better understand her kind.
For more Art and Information on Amy E. Fraser go to Aefraser.com All images and text from "Dissecting The Western Woman Artist: An Artist's Dialogue" copyright Amy E. Fraser. All rights reserved. Amy E. Fraser's Master's Thesis. Original Publication by Dartmouth College 2000.