Women Making Modern Herstory: Celebrating International Women Artists

Women are often erased, discredited, and treated unfairly when it comes to jobs or opportunities. This is especially true for women who choose to pursue art as a career. According to the National Museum of Women in the Arts, women earn 70% of bachelor’s degrees in fine art arts but they only count for 46% of working artists. In honor of International Women’s Day, we will highlight four women artists who have heavily impacted the modern art world.

1.) Kara Walker’s Shadows


Kara Walker is an American contemporary artist best known for her iconic silhouette figures. She earned a MacArthur fellowship at the age of 28 and is regarded as one of the most prominent Black Artist in America. Her works tackles themes of racist and sexist stereotypes as well as gender identity, violence, and desires.

Darkytown Rebellion (2001)

In her work Darkytown Rebellion, She uses over a dozen figures and projected color lights to create a psychedelic dimension to her work. The shadows of visitors can become a part of her world with these silhouettes connecting past with present. Darkytown Rebellion shows how we as individuals interact with stereotypes and invites the viewer to challenge themselves and see how their lives fit in with history’s ongoing progression.



2.) Marlene’s Many Layers

Marlene Dumas is a South African Dutch painter who’s known for her Neo-Expressionism style. Her use of oil paints and watercolor makes the image alternate between sharpness and blurring adds to her signature style. Dumas will begin her process by using references from photographs and newspaper articles to create her painting, and with those layered meanings she probes the viewers own sense of responsibility in society’s darker themes of war, death, sex, and racism.


The Neighbor (2005)

This image first appears to be an ordinary African man that appears calm and peaceful. This is portrait of Mohammed Bouyeri, a man who murdered Dutch filmmaker Theo Van Gogh but stabbing him in the chest after shooting him multiple times but there’s yet another layer. She uses the fear of danger and the fearing appearing racist to make the viewer uncomfortable. The artwork itself did not have any identifying information as he looks like he could be someone’s neighbor.  Dumas explores the unconscious suspicions portray by the media of Arab bearded men.


3.) Yayoi’s Changing Realities

Yayoi Kusama is a Japanese contemporary artist who works primarily in sculpture and installations. Kusama has been creating beautiful, groundbreaking works for over six decades with her signature dot work, soft scupltures, performance and installations.

Fireflies on the Water (2001)

This room sized installation presents a dark room lined with mirrors everywhere and a pool of water in the center. There are 150 small lights that hang and create a beautiful space-like scene that has no beginning or ending. Fireflies captures a hallucinated view of reality inspired by Kusuma’s therapeutic processes, the varied versions of the Narcissus myth and her native Japanese landscape.

4.) Sarah Captures Time

Sarah Sze is an American artist that uses a variety of mediums like print, sculpture, and video to challenge the threshold between digital and physical forms. She takes minutiae, everyday materials and transforms them into fantastical works. Her installations present ecological themes of sustainability that improvises within cities, labor and everyday life.

This exhibit was site specific to the Guggenheim Museum. It started with a trail of flowing images that echoed the city’s traffic movement. Inside the museum is an immersive environment filled with sculptures, paintings, installations, and sounds. This work serves as a reminder about how timelines are built through collective experiences and memories but it’s more than just a collection. Timelapse shows that we as people mark time with those experiences  and how it affects us in different ways.

Timelapse


SOURCES

The Art Story. (n.d.). Marlene Dumas paintings, Bio, ideas. https://www.theartstory.org/artist/dumas-marlene/ 

Board of Trustees of the Tate Gallery. (1997, January 1). Kara Walker born 1969. Tate Gallery. https://www.tate.org.uk/art/artists/kara-walker-2674 

Kusama, Y. (n.d.). Yayoi Kusama: Fireflies on the water. Yayoi Kusama | Fireflies on the Water | Whitney Museum of American Art. https://whitney.org/collection/works/19436 

NMWA. (2025, March 5). Get the facts about women in the arts: NMWA. National Museum of Women in the Arts. https://nmwa.org/support/advocacy/get-facts/ 

Oh, J. (2022, April 1). Kara Walker Paintings, bio, ideas. The Art Story. https://www.theartstory.org/artist/walker-kara/ 

Sarah Sze. Art21. (n.d.). https://art21.org/artist/sarah-sze/ 

Sarah Sze: Timelapse. The Guggenheim Museums and Foundation. (n.d.). https://www.guggenheim.org/exhibition/sarah-sze-timelapse 

Smithsonian. (n.d.). Yayoi Kusama: Infinity Mirrors: Hirshhorn Museum: Smithsonian. Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden | Smithsonian. https://hirshhorn.si.edu/kusama/yayoi-kusama/ 



 Art: The Essential Worker of Education

It’s no secret that art in schools and education are the first ones to be impacted by budgetary cuts. It is often on the first programs to be cut because the public and those in office see art as “fun” but not essential. The perspective of art being unimportant couldn’t be further from the truth. In reality, art is the foundation for these other subjects to thrive on. It enhances other subjects that are deemed important like math, literature, science and history through observation, problem solving and critical thinking. But just how deep goes art go into the other subjects?

Art+Math=Excellence

Now math and art aren’t two subjects that are often compared to each other. Off the top of mind, the foundation skills of perspective drawing, symmetry and proportions are all rooted in mathematical concepts but that’s only on side to the relationship. Art is used to help people to in visualizing and conceptualizing mathematical concepts, take for example The Golden Ratio. It is a mathematical equation presented as x/1=(1+x)/x where 1 is less than the X value approximating at 1.618. Now that’s a lot of numbers but what does it mean? This formula creates balance through addition and multiplication to create or find pleasing subjects or imagery in geometry, nature, architecture, and art to name a few.

Wherefore Art Thou Literature

Art and literature have always had a deep relationship with each other. They have both influenced the other as they share some commonalities like the expression of human experiences, ideas, and philosophies through different genres and methods of creations. Poems and stories are transformed into plays or illustrations by art that was inspired by an author’s writings. A more recent example of this is EPIC: The Concept Musical.

 It is a musical in soundtrack only but it is one of my favorite plays that isn’t a play. Written by Jorge Rivera-Herran, EPIC has an engaging, diverse, and tragic soundtrack (Seriously check out the Underworld Saga!). It follows the age old story of Odysseus as he attempts to return to Ithaca and reunite with his son and wife. Rivera-Herran’s masterful composition, word choice, musical motifs and ballads  not only enhanced the old story but it gives a new wave of inspiration to YouTube artists like Neal Illustrator, Duvetbox, and Stella Luna to create unique animatics that illustrate a saga or song!

Art is a Science and Science is an Art form

Art and science share an overlap that people may not first consider because of it’s surface level appearance. What does science have to do with how you paint a stroke or how does art affect your understanding of biological life forms? You can first see this relationship from the Greek word techne which is used to create the terms technique and technology, something both art and science use during their creative processes. The biggest commonality they have is that they are both experimental in nature.

They use their skills in investigation, craft theories, and conduct tests to find an answer to their pondering questions. The human anatomy is the best example of the close relationship between the two subjects. Artists and scientists had the shared interest of learning about the structures, movements and functions of the human body. Careful dissections and annotations helped to develop medicines and understandings that would not have been possible without the two working together.

A Picture of the Past

Art and history have the most recognized relationship among the four subjects discussed in this article! Art is not just a picture in this sense but is also a historical document that preserves major events or movements from the past. Cave paintings, artifacts, pottery, paintings, and sculptures are all forms of historical documentation. They shows us diverse perspectives of individuals, communities and overall societies. The two subjects play a major role in how our world is shaped and how it advances or delays from one time period to the next. The Italian Renaissance Movement itself had a long lasting impact on the world through art and history. It’s long reaching influence created both a period of rebirth and an awareness of humanity, nature and social interactions through inspiration.

LOCAL EVENT: Triad Anime Convention

Are you an anime nerd looking for a weekend of anime, manga or panel discussions? Maybe you’re looking for a place to grab anime theme merchandise from small artist? In the month of March, Winston Salem’s Benton convention center will be hosting a three day anime convention featuring different events, guest speakers and voice actors!

When/Where: March 28th-30th. Fri 12pm-10pm. Sat 10am-10pm. Sun 10am-2pm.

301 W 5th St Winston-Salem, NC 27101

Prices: Multi-Day Pass $65. Friday Pass $37. Saturday Pass $48. Sunday Pass $24
Link: https://triadanimecon.com/admission/

Sources

Anatomy: Art and science. Science Museum. (n.d.). https://www.sciencemuseum.org.uk/objects-and-stories/medicine/anatomy-art-and-science 

Art and math: The golden ratio. Association of Old Crows. (2023, October 24). https://crows.org/stem-blog/art-and-math-the-golden-ratio/ 

The Arts Institute of Chicago. (n.d.). The Enduring Relationship of Science and Art. Science, Art and Technology. https://archive.artic.edu/sciarttech/2a1.html 

Bardon, A. (2024, October 16). Renaissance art: History, impact & influential artists : Lu. Lindenwood University Online. https://online.lindenwood.edu/blog/the-renaissance-art-period-history-effects-and-influential-artists/ 

Keating, N. (n.d.). Epic: The musical innovates accessibilty in musical theater. The Oberlin Review. https://oberlinreview.org/34403/arts/epic-the-musical-innovates-accessibilty-in-musical-theater/#:~:text=I%20stress%20the%20importance%20of,end%20up%20on%2042nd%20Street. 

Libretexts. (2024, August 19). 1.2: Interconnections of history and art. Humanities LibreTexts. https://human.libretexts.org/Bookshelves/Art/Herstory%3A_A_History_of_Women_Artists_(Gustlin)/01%3A_Introduction_to_Women_Artists/1.02%3A_Interconnections_of_History_and_Art 

The values of Arts Education. Art for Life’s Sake | American Academy of Arts and Sciences. (n.d.). https://www.amacad.org/publication/case-for-arts-education/section/3#:~:text=Arts%20education%20also%20imparts%20valuable,teach%20collaboration%2C%20and%20increase%20confidence. 




Art Censorship: What the F@#k?! 

Art is known for being one of the most expressive, creative ways to express ideas, convey deep emotions and/or bring awareness to an issue. Art also has a long history of being censored or altered to fit societal norms and morals. Art has had to toe the line between freedom of expression and cultural sensitivities. There are groups, institutions and even governments that have censored and sanitized what is even considered art. Who has the authority to determine what art is and is not allowed? What kinds of art face the most scrutiny? What can you do as an artist to fight censorship? In this article we will gain a better understanding of what and why is behind censorship. 

Who Put These Guys in Charge?  

The Government: In the United States, art is broadly protected by the Constitution’s first amendment, but it is easy for the government to use laws and technicalities to remove artwork. David Pulphus was a high school artist that created a painting that was in response to the police shooting of Micheal Brown. It was displayed for six months in the U.S Capital before it was removed because of its “Anti-police rhetoric.” The vague language of the Congressional Art Exhibition justified its removal quoting that “exhibits depicting subjects of contemporary political controversy or a sensationalistic or gruesome nature.” In other countries with little or no right of free speech can have the artist face jail time and even have their studios potentially destroyed like Chinese Ai Weiwei.  

This painting by David Pulphus, Untitled

Private Institutions: Private museums and private organizations can censor, restrict, and refuse to display controversial art if it does not align with their own moral or business values. Art directors will face all kinds of pressures to remove art because of decisions from donors and board members if it could be potentially seen as offensive or inappropriate for children. A respondent to The Censorship Horizon recounts a story from a director where several donors in the last 4-5 years told them that their exhibits were “too woke” and “focus too much on social justice.” One board member had even complained about the emphasis on inclusion, stating that “we don’t want people bussed into the city to see our museum.”  

Who’s Under the Magnifying Glass?

The David Statue

The Narrative Behind Nudity: Nudity in art has always been a factor in labeling artwork as indecent or inappropriate. Its instructional purpose is often not considered because it is initially sexualized by the public. Floridian principal Hope Carrasquilla was asked to resign from Tallahassee Classical School after sixth grade students were taught about the Italian artist Michelangelo. During the lesson, a picture of the David Statue was shown, outraging parents because of its “inappropriate nature”. Its historical and academic qualities were pushed aside because of this initial sexualization of the human body. Artists today like Edgar Degas and Hildegarde Handseme want to push away the sexual narrative of the human body and instead capture its natural and beautiful forms. 

Chris Ofili The Virgin Mary 1996.

Religious Influence and Misunderstandings: Religion and art have had a back-and-forth relationship for centuries. Artwork has been used to illustrate holy events, symbols, and spiritual concepts. Religion has also played a part in censoring artwork, especially when it is misinterpreted as disrespectful or devaluing traditional religious values. Chris Ofili’s “The Holy Virgin Mary” initiated outrage from the public as its use of elephant dung and bare butts’ source from pornographic magazines. Mayor Giuliani even threatened to cancel a larger exhibition and even cut the funding for the Brooklyn Museum if it was not removed. Giuliani also threatened to cut the museums’ budget. Fortunately, a federal judge ruled in favor of the museum as Ofili described the painting as a hip-hop version of the Virgin Mary. 

Fight the Power!

Strategy #1: Meet the Censoring Party: This is one of their harder strategies to implement but it does not mean you should not try! If possible, when you see the threat of censorship emerging towards your artwork try to meet the opposing party. It is important to remain calm, courteous, and show respect. These kinds of meetings have a delicate nature, and it can turn a situation upside down if your first approach is aggressive. Try to resolve the bubbling issues before it boils over into the public and be open to reasonable compromises.  


Strategy #2: Consider your Legal Options: If you cannot reach an agreement or you are threatened by an organization it is important to document and keep everything from the first incident. For artist who need help organizations like the American Civil Liberties Union, Student Press Law Center, and the Foundation for Individual Rights in Education can put you in touch with volunteer lawyers free of charge. Cases in artistic freedoms can be pushed off because of a lack of evidence and the debate around the first amendment for both the artist and organization.  

Strategy #3: Connect with Others: Fortunately, artists can still find ways to display their work if the worst happens and their artwork is removed. Groups like Don’t Delete Art, Freemuse, and Artists at Risk campaign to defend, display, safeguard, and protect artistic expressions. Find and join discussions around art censorship and take advantage of social media. Make yourself aware of current censorship issues and become an advocate for your work! 

LOCAL EVENT:  Geeksboro Market

If you are a nerd or geek like me then this is the event for you! This is a free local monthly market highlights tabletop gaming, card games, free to play awarded games, video games, tournaments and more!  

Where/When: Mar 15th, 2025, from 12:00pm-6:00pm. 4645 West Market St. Greensboro, NC 27407 

Link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/geeksboro-market-tickets-969328386297

Sources

Aggie, T. C. (2023, April 24). A brief history of nudity and censorship in art. The Aggie. https://theaggie.org/2023/04/24/a-brief-history-of-nudity-and-censorship-in-art/  

Artist at Risk. (2025, January 16). The censorship horizon. PEN America. https://pen.org/report/the-censorship-horizon/#heading-4  

Garnett, J. (2024a, October 30). Judge upholds removal of controversial student painting from U.S. Capitol; appeal planned. National Coalition Against Censorship. https://ncac.org/news/blog/judge-upholds-removal-of-controversial-student-painting-from-u-s-capitol-appeal-planned  

Geeksboro market. Eventbrite. (n.d.). https://www.eventbrite.com/e/geeksboro-market-tickets-969325507687  

Hiestand, M. (n.d.). National Scholastic Press Association. Fighting censorship: A checklist. https://studentpress.org/nspa/fighting-censorship-a-checklist/  

Kim, J. (2023, May 1). A Florida principal who was fired after showing students “david” is welcomed in Italy. NPR. https://www.npr.org/2023/05/01/1173017248/florida-principal-david-michelangelo-visit-italy  

Leadingham, S. A. (2024, June 27). Art censorship: First Amendment violation or private free speech?. Freedom Forum. https://www.freedomforum.org/art-censorship/  

National Coalition Against Censorship. (2024, August 19). Artists, Free Speech Orgs to protest suppression of artistic expression by social media companies. https://ncac.org/news/press-release/artists-free-speech-orgs-to-protest-suppression-of-artistic-expression-by-social-media-companies#:~:text=About%20Artists%20at%20Risk%20Connection,live%20and%20work%20without%20fear.  

Religion. National Coalition Against Censorship. (2022, December 9). https://ncac.org/issue/religion  

Dare to be Bold! Celebrating Black Artist Dare Coulter

Black History month is for the celebration and recognition of past black inventors, artists, and civil rights activists. We recognize how their actions have contributed to the world that we live in today. During this month, I have centered my focus around a more recent artist, Dare Coulter. Dare is an award winning artist, muralist, and sculptor who artistic career has left a lasting impact in North Carolina. This article is dedicated to highlighting some of Dare’s early life with two of her most impactful works.

EARLY LIFE AND HER FIRST WORK

Coulter was born in Augusta, Georgia before she, sisters and her mother moved to Lorton, Virginia where she was raised. It was a big adjustment coming from the city to the cow fields. Discussed in an interview with Casey Pettiford from the People of Duke Arts, Coulter says it was her neighbor April May who encouraged her to pursue her artistic talents at North Carolina State.  

As an adult she moved to Raleigh, North Carolina where she attended Meredith College for a time before she went on to graduate from North Carolina State University, earning her bachelor’s degree in Art and Design. During her academic career at Meredith College, she made her first sculpture “Resolve” under the direction of her teacher Holly Fischer. This piece not only started her artistic career but also inspired themes around positive imagery of black people and families.

IN DEDICATION TO NINA SIMONE

People of color became a reoccurring subject in her work along with themes of happiness and positivity. Coulter wants people to value those moments of struggle and fight to get to that joyous feeling because that in turn makes those happy moments become invaluable.

Back around 2018, Dare was commissioned by the National Trust for Historic Preservation to create a painting of Nina Simone, a famous American pianist, songwriter, and singer.
The singer’s childhood home in Tyson, North Carolina began to fall into severe disrepair back in 2017 and was facing demolition. The image of the painting was used in a campaign to restore her childhood home. The painting was made into shirts and prints for the 2019 Essence Festival in New Orleans. The campaign was able to raise a little over $68,000 and they were able to use those funds to support the home’s restoration.


“I think to a certain extent people feel that it’s somehow tacky for everything to be about happiness” -Dare Coulter

YEEHAW! RIDE THEM COWBOY!

Black people are not unfamiliar with the country’s history in wiping black narratives away and the same goes to the cowboy stories. The open country was dangerous and filled with life and death scenarios that left little room for racism but it was ver prevalent in the rodeo sport. The inability to be viable participates in these white dominated areas as well as a lack of regard for cowboys of color led them to create their own rodeos.

These stories are what inspired Dare to create one her biggest mural painting.
Coulter collaborated with Kotis Street Art and made a 200ft mural the depicts different black cowboys such as The Buffalo Soldiers, Nat Love,Ellis “Mountain Man” and other black cowboys who’s stories went un-noted. It also includes the artist’s grandfather George “Big G” Coulter, a black cowboy that experienced that wild,  difficult and free life along with the unforgiving world of racism and prejudice. It located at 1314 Lees Chapel Rd, Greensboro, NC 27455 at the Kotis Street Art Gallery.

LOCAL EVENT: Artist’s Afternoon!

The Greensboro Public library’s Nussbaum Room is hosting an artists meet up to study a new artistic concept each month! For the month of March, they will be exploring the human form through figure drawing! You can bring your own supplies or use the supplies the library will provide (First come first serve basis). This event is themed around teen and young adult artists but don’t your opportunity to hone your skills!

When/Where: March 8th, 2025, 12:00 P.M- 3:00 P.M. FREE EVENT. 219 North Church Street Greensboro, NC 27401
Link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/artists-afternoons-central-library-live-drawing-at-the-library-tickets-1113101218709

SOURCES

Artist’s afternoons @ central library: Live drawing at the library. Eventbrite. (n.d.). https://www.eventbrite.com/e/artists-afternoons-central-library-live-drawing-at-the-library-tickets-1113101218709 

Charlotte Mecklenburg Library . (n.d.). Dare Coulter. Home Page – Welcome to Charlotte Mecklenburg Library. https://www.cmlibrary.org/person/dare-coulter 

Coulter , D. (n.d.). Black cowboys Greensboro. Dare Coulter Art. https://www.darecoulter.com/black-cowboys-greensboro 

Coulter, D. (n.d.). About- Dare Coulter Art. Dare Coulter Art. https://www.darecoulter.com/about-1 

National Trust for Historic Preservation . (2018). Nina Simone: A crowdfunding campaign. Saving Places Creative Portfolio. https://creative.savingplaces.org/nina-simone-crowdfunding-campaign-2019 

Pettiford , C. (2023, October 25). People of duke arts: Dare Coulter. Duke Arts. https://arts.duke.edu/people-of-duke-arts-dare-coulter/ 




Art and Politics: A Messy Relationship 

When people think about politics, people do not usually think about its artistic aspects. Art is a form of expression. Throughout history, art has been used to document different historical periods, inspire movements and renaissances, and enact social and political changes. It is a form of expression that can be a catalyst for change or a support of oppression. Art is something that has a strong and sometimes toxic relationship with the political world through art revolutions, propaganda, and protest. 


FROM A MOMENT TO A MOVEMENT 

  Jacob Lawerence “Lines of Influence” 

The Harlem renaissance is a notable example of political circumstances influencing art. Harlem was one of the largest areas where Black Americans moved to escape Jim Crow and to hopefully live in a more tolerable environment. The Harlem Renaissance lasted from the end of World War I to the mid 1930’s. It was the center of rich cross-disciplinary art and black cultural activity. They expressed an interest in a rapidly changing modern world and created artwork that asserted pride in black life and identity, but it also expressed the common experiences of inequality and discrimination in America.  
Art has an interchangeable relationship with different art renaissances as it communicates the ideas of a movement or the consequences of a revolution. These radical points in history inspire change, and that change is expressed in art. Renaissance art was created to provoke groups into action, to put more focus on their purpose, or even inspire a sense of duty while showing the realities of a certain time.  

ART AS PROPAGANDA

Art is often taught to show its more positive influence on movements. But what about the artwork used to oppress people? What happens when artwork is made with bad intentions? That is where propaganda art comes in. Propaganda art shows us the more toxic side of the art and politics relationship. This kind of art is used with malicious intent often to further political sentiments. These messages were not only visually persuasive, but they also promoted a sense of rapid nationalism, especially during war times.

 During World War II, Germany rallied its nationalism through malicious depictions of their enemies. The Nazis relied on distorted and stereotypical portrayals of Jewish people, Romani people and gay people to manipulate public perception. The United States have also had their fair share of propaganda imagery during World War II. They produced a hateful sentiment through racist imagery of Japanese people. 

ART AND PROTEST

And then there’s protest art. Protest art is something that challenges authority through symbols, imagery, and expression. This is often when art and politics are opposed to one another.  It is different from renaissance art because it focuses on an ongoing social injustice, but it is also different from propaganda because it is not made with malicious intent to attack a marginalized group. Its main goal is to inspire action, raise awareness, build communities, and give a voice to marginalized groups. From 1920 to 1938, the N.A.A.C.P would mark lynching sites by flying a black and white flag that stated “A Man was Lynched Yesterday. In 2016, artist Dread Scott made his own version of this flag stating “A Man was Lynched by Police Yesterday” in response to the fatal shooting of Walter Scott by a South Carolina police officer.  Even when an incident is filmed or there are witnesses, it is much harder for minorities to seek quick and effective justice. Scott wanted to show that police brutality has not changed since the 1930s but has simply evolved. 


LOCAL EVENT: February Open Mic 

This is a free open mic event that is primarily geared towards poetry, short stories, and spoken word poems. They have a small microphone available for use and plenty of seating. It is located in Industries of the Blind, 33 and Elm and claims to have some of the best coffee in the city!


When/Where: 33& Elm Coffee House. Feb 15th, 2025, 1:00 P.M- 3:00 P.M. 924 West Gate City Blvd Greensboro, NC. 27403 

Link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/february-open-mic-tickets-1132646820129


Sources

Bromovsky, J. (n.d.). Art as activism: How protest art challenges the status quo: MyArtBroker: Article. MyArtBroker. https://www.myartbroker.com/collecting/articles/art-as-activism#  

Force, T. L., Lescaze, Z., & Hass, N. (2020, October 15). The 25 most influential works of American protest art since World War II. The New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/2020/10/15/t-magazine/most-influential-protest-art.html  

Kelly. (n.d.). February open mic!. Eventbrite. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/february-open-mic-tickets-1132646820129?aff=ebdsoporgprofile  

National Gallery of Art. (n.d.). Harlem Renaissance . Harlem Renaissance. https://www.nga.gov/learn/teachers/lessons-activities/uncovering-america/harlem-renaissance.html#:~:text=The%20Harlem%20Renaissance%20was%20a,bold%20colors%20and%20stylized%20forms.  

Plocki, C. (2022, October 8). The history of art as Propaganda. FOREIGN AFFAIRS REVIEW. https://www.foreignaffairsreview.com/home/the-history-of-art-as-propaganda  

Freedom from the Industry: Independent Artist Fight Back!


The future of art and animation has never been so uncertain but full of opportunity. In these past couple years, independent studios and artists have gained a lot of popularity but what was the origin to this shift? What made artists turn away from the industry? How can other artists take advantage of the same opportunities? Let us look deeper into the industry issues, indie animation origins and some survival tips for growing artists! 


INDIE ANIMATIONS ORIGINS 

Indie animation has had a big boom starting in the 2010’s, it is not the first site of indie animation and not the first to be recognized by the “art world.” Way back in 1959, creators Faith and John Hubley released their project “Moonbird” and it was the first Indie animation to win an Oscar! Moonbird had a unique visual style, something that was more organic with an ethereal look. John Hubley leaned on old tricks from their first indie project along with using double exposure. This win made it possible for other filmmakers to release a new wave of indie films. 
In recent years, independent artists have had more access to different art technologies, programs, and platforms in comparison to their prior generations. Applications like YouTube and Instagram have led to an explosion of independent artists to not only create but become successful. Storytime animators like JaidenAnimations has 14.3 million subscribers and with her success she has been able to hire other independent artists to work on her channel and give other artist a place to thrive.  
Even small independent studios like Spindlehorse and Glitch are able to create long spanning series like Helluva Boss and The Amazing Digital Circus. These studios were able to make contracts to platform their shows on Amazon Prime and Netflix. We even see popular web comics like True Beauty and Yumi’s Cells have been adapted for the big screen. 

PROBLEMS IN THE INDUSTRY

With the sudden growth in independent creators, it makes people curious about some of the problems in the animation industry. Long-standing companies like Walt Disney and DreamWorks have had many successes with the many shows they have produced. So, what is the issue? 

Layoffs: Downsizing is a common method that industries use to lessen costs. Animation is costly so companies will cut out expenses from the workers first and will even replace those animators with short term contractors they can pay less money to. These executives may even be rewarded with big bonuses while the animator is left to dry or have to struggle while being underpaid.

Outsourcing: Studios have been increasing their outsourcing drastically in these past five years. The most recent example is Walt Disney’s Moana 2. The company outsourced animators from Canada, but this is not something the Disney company just does. There are a lot of companies that will outsource animators from South Korea,which saves the company money but it makes it more difficult to land a job with them. 

Connections: Networking is a grueling task that every artist must do if they want to advance their career. The art industry is an incredibly competitive and tough business to get into. People without established connections often must work a lot harder and must do a lot of solo marketing to get into an event to start network in! This can be discouraging to artists wanting to work in galleries or even pitch a show they have worked on for years because of the harsh criticism a starting artist can receive. 


TIPS AND TRICKS FOR GROWING ARTISTS 

So with all the resources and tools an artist has, what are their first steps? What are some ways that an artist can grow? A lot of it depends on how you market and discipline yourself! 

Utilize Free Platforms: There are so many free platforms an artist can use to create their works! Autodesk Sketchbook and Krita are drawing programs I use myself and have cheap, upgrade options if you want to get extra brushes and tools. Webtoon and Tapas are webcomic sites aspiring comic artists can post their own series on. You can also use Animaker, Krita, or Blender for animation projects. 


Create and Live by A Schedule: Organization is not always “clean,” but it is required if you want to discipline yourself. Plan out your workday and set hard deadlines for your projects. Utilize your social media and post 1-2 times a week. This does not have to be beautiful, completed work but it helps to keep your social media presence active for new potential followers. The main thing is you must try to be consistent.  One way to build your market is to engage with your audience. You can do different art challenges like “Draw It in Your Style” where you either find an artwork participating and draw it in your style or create an artwork that followers can draw in their style. Another fun challenge is drawing a well-known character in different well-known art styles. 

Build your Market and Price Responsibly: But as it is important to engage with your audience, you should also set your prices and process for commissions. Never undersell yourself. If you are unsure what to charge, you can research other artists who do similar work to your style. Never charge yourself under 10/hr. You are a growing artist, and your artwork is worth it. Do your own outsourcing as well! Reach out to your local art events, art fairs, or street shows to get your name out there! 


LOCAL EVENT: Seeds of Change: Art Exhibit ft. Melvin D. Nix 


The Seeds of Change Art Exhibit offers a free exhibit that explores themes of self-discovery by blending spiritual symbolism with human potential. Melvin’s art encourages the viewer to reflect on the power of change within themselves and their communities.

When/Where: Jan 19th-March 31st, 2025. Tues-Sat. 200 North Davie St, Greensboro NC 27401 

Link: Seeds of Change Art Exhibit Featuring Melvin D Nix 

In Closing

Getting into the art world can feel almost impossible. People without help will often struggle to get their work seen. But thankfully in today’s era of technologies have allowed small artists to have hope and to grow at their own pace. Creating and profiting from your own art can now be done through a multitude of avenues. Take advantage of setting yourself up via Instagram or Facebook. Create your online shops through Esty! The art world can finally be in your hands instead of a window you can only peer into. 

Sources

 Amidi , A. (2024, October 24). An industry worker explains why the U.S. animation industry is collapsing. Career Hub | Duke University. https://careerhub.students.duke.edu/blog/2024/10/24/an-industry-worker-explains-why-the-u-s-animation-industry-is-collapsing/#:~:text=The%20industry%20is%20downsizing%20as,of%20what’s%20happening%20industry%2Dwide.  

Borbet, J. T. (2015, March 25). Ten business tips for the independent artist. Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/sites/jasonborbet/2015/03/25/ten-business-tips-for-the-independent-artist/  

Downtown Greensboro Incorporated. (n.d.). Seeds of change art exhibit featuring Melvin D Nix. Downtown Greensboro, Inc. https://www.downtowngreensboro.org/event/seeds-of-change-art-exhibit-featuring-melvin-d-nix/7135/  

Rocha, M. (n.d.). The rapid rise of independent animation. Aviator News. https://aviatornews.org/11895/student-life/the-rapid-rise-of-independent-animation/  

Staff, A. O. (2021, July 12). When Indie Animation won its first Oscar. When Indie Animation Won Its First Oscar. https://animationobsessive.substack.com/p/when-indie-animation-won-its-first  

Art Block: It’s More than a Blank Canvas


Artist block. The ugly side of the creation process. An artist’s worst nightmare. It is a sign of the creative well being tapped out, but it is much more than looking at a piece of paper and not getting an idea. It is stress, burnout, self-doubt, and many other external and internal factors. Let us look at some of the causes for art block and some ways we can tackle this figurative beast. 


1.) WORKSPACE DISTRACTIONS


So let us get the easy one out of the way. How a space is maintained is very impactful to what an artist creates. A workspace that is cluttered or messy can make it tough to stay focused or be inspired, even something simple like good or bad lighting can factor into the creative mindset. It does not stop at your physical workspace. Frequent distractions, loud noises or misplacing your materials and supplies can both delay the creative process and frustrate the artist.
So what is the solution? Well, you start by organizing your space. An organized space is not always what some call “clean” but if it is orderly then a growing artist can allow themselves to focus on their art. You may also need to move your studio if your current location is too loud or filled with distractions.  


2.) STRESS (INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL FACTORS) 

While some people can adapt during times of stress, others can be stifled by it. External factors like a stressful job, political decisions, and concerns over the cost of living can halt creativity. But those are just the externals. Artists often struggle internally with perfectionism, burnout, and constantly comparing themselves to each other.
One of the best ways to alleviate these feelings is to take a break and take a step back. As great as technology is, it can also be a great hinderance on an artist’s work. Take a break and try reconnecting with the world through nature. Take yourself on a nature trail or have an “art date” with yourself and visit your local galleries and museums for inspiration. 

3.) MENTAL FATIGUE

This is one of the hardest blocks to overcome. Artists can develop a perfectionist way of thinking. It is a natural thought process to have but this style of thinking can be detrimental. Spending long hours on giant projects or debating over an abundance of ideas can physically and mentally exhaust artists. This tiredness can also make the art block last even longer and these long stretches often come with feelings of self-doubt towards their artwork, their skills and even their purpose.
During this time, an artist can find it hard to be creative and challenge themselves which can lead to them burning themselves out. 
One of the best ways to tackle this is to learn to fail towards success. Not every drawing will be a masterpiece, always look at each piece as a learning opportunity. Take other swirling ideas and attack them to identify any shortcomings. Look at your big projects and break them down to meet realistic goals and deadlines. 


UPCOMING LOCAL EVENT: When Art Feels Hard: Thriving as an Artist 

 
The Mixxer Community Space is hosting an artist support event!  This is a free monthly event that creates a member-led support group. This group meet up helps artist navigate the challenges of maintaining a creative practice! Their goal is to foster a safe and supportive community where artists can connect and grow together. Think of it less as a lecture series and more of a collaborative space to tackle mental obstacles.

WHEN/WHERE: Feb 04, 2025 from 6:00-7:00pm. 1317 N. Martin Luther King Jr Dr. Winston Salem NC 27101 

Link to Sign Up: When Art Feels Hard: Thriving as an Artist | WSMixxer 



Words of Encouragement

These are only a few causes and solutions for art block but there can be other factors. It is important to be able to recognize the specific type of block that can help cultivate strategies to overcome them. Creativity is something that cannot be forced. Do your research and find artist support groups. Be sure to take a long break from your projects and take that time to reconnect with yourself and the world away from technology.  The best way to fight art block is with information and inspiration.  


Sources

Dix, A. (2024, November 30). What are creative blocks?.The Interaction Design Foundation. https://www.interaction-design.org/literature/topics/creative-block#:~:text=Sometimes%2C%20a%20designer%20may%20struggle,inspiration%20or%20a%20stagnant%20environment

Evora, M. (2024, April 27). 15 common causes of Art Block & How to overcome them. Marisol Evora. https://marisolevora.art/blogs/blog/15-common-causes-of-art-block-how-to-overcome-them 

Heil, J. (2023, December 19). What causes creative block?. .RMCAD. https://www.rmcad.edu/blog/what-causes-creative-block#:~:text=One%20of%20the%20most%20common,craft%20is%20by%20actually%20creating. 

Mixxer Community Space (n.d). When art feels hard: Thriving as an artist. WSMixxer. https://www.wsmixxer.org/event-details-registration/when-art-feels-hard-thriving-as-an-artist-2025-02-04-18-00 

Art & Sole

by Shaleea

Do you need something to do on October 5th before you make your way up Tate Street to the art and musical festival? Well, aren’t you in luck. Also on October 5th, Westerwood Art & Sole will be offering an art studio tour from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM absolutely free! 

During this event, located just west of downtown Greensboro, meet the creators at their studios and shop for beautiful local art. If you are an art lover or know someone who is an art lover, the Westerwood neighborhood will be buzzing with creativity. This would be a perfect way to spend your morning before the festival kicks off. Parking available at Mimosa & Fairmont corner, and First Baptist Church 1000 Friendly Ave. There are tables set up with maps and helpful information regarding the locations of this event. 

Exhibited works and studio workspaces of 31 artists. Take a moment to meet some really great creators, look through their collection, and maybe take home with you that special piece. It’s a great opportunity to indulge in some local art and support some local talents right here in Greensboro. 

Tate Street Festival!

by Shaleea

Are you a music lover and looking for something fun to do on October 5th? Well, mark your calendars because on Tate St., the Tate Street Music Festival is coming filled with live music, local vendors, and an unforgettable community atmosphere. 

The festival will kick off at 1:00 PM and run until 7:00 PM. That’s going to be 6 hours of nonstop entertainment with 9 talented local artists taking the stage. You will experience a full range of music, but luckily for you, your hearing won’t be the only sense that you’ll be using; you’ll be using all five senses: hearing, tasting, smelling, and touching. Tate St. has multiple things you can eat; there are two pizza places, a vegan place, Chipotle, there’s also a noodle place, and much more. There will be over 60 vendors, including local artists and makers. You will have a variety of unique handmade goods and the ability to support some small businesses and discover hidden gems in your own community. 

And do you know what the best part is? Admission is completely free, so gather your friends, family, and anyone else you know that loves music and local artists and art and head down to Tate St. on October 5th for a fantastic day with good vibes, good music, and good food. Don’t miss out on this wonderful day. 

  

A full thank you to all the places that made this festival happen. 

  • Love Moment 
  • Sisters Jewelry and Gifts 
  • UNCG 
  • Tate Street Coffee House 
  • New York Pizza 
  • Dons 
  • Sushi Republic 
  • Smoothie King 
  • Slices Pizza Co. 
  • Gong Cha 

If it weren’t for all the shops on Tate St., this wouldn’t be possible, so speaking for everyone that will hopefully go to this festival, we thank you.