A look beyond glamour...

The tricky thing with any sort of "ISM" is that by defining (and otherwise labeling to encapsulate notions, concepts, ideas, etc.), we are also confining. Take "feminISM" for example: movements, actions, speeches take place to support, challenge, and ultimately shape it as something that our current President seems to know something about. So then, what about the stuff that happens outside the idea of that "ism"  - would it be considered "anti-ism" when it better fits the (stereotypical) mold of another kind? When we look at "isms" (and anti-isms), how do we find equality (and freedom) if defining for one person is viewed as confining by another? At minimum, it's complicated.
Simply put, here are a few moments, decisions I have made as an independent human: 
* go to college. 
* be with one partner, Ken ...to grow my life.
* work several jobs to pay for my education, twice.
* put my medical career on hold ...to dedicate more time with family.
 ...and yes, Ken supported my decision to work at home.
* stay at home to do the kind of work survived by love.
...and staying at home has been anything but and everywhere in between.
* go back to school.
* pay for my education, again. 
* work for myself and others.
And through it all, I make art as a choice of voice. I still make art and work at home, in my studio, and on paths to different places.  Most fortunately, I live with the loving support of family and friends along the way. I don't see my life, work, and actions as that of a feminist, but then, how else would I define my other-than-presidential look at feminism? 
This blog goes out to girls, women, and people who look beyond glamour to define self. 

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"still, forever" ...in my sketchbook, Japan, summer 2016