Medium: 4 color Imagon Print

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Passionateprintmaker : S.D. Miller Artist Statement “Feminist Series” When you divide independence by expectations what will you get for a dividend? In my series “Independence Over Expectations” I am challenging the viewer to do the math and find the out come. In early 2006, I was studying women artists in history. I read stories about women such as the Gorilla Girls, Rosa Bonhuer, and Artemisia Gentileschi. Feminine independence had been on my mind, but I was conflicted as to the modern result of it all. That’s when I decided to produce the series “Independence Over Expectations”. When you can create art, to me, it becomes an obligation. I create my are to inspire thought in a society where it has become impossible to think out loud. We can not avoid what we see, and regardless of how touchy the subject is you won’t find many people today who are afraid to stare. I make art to inspire change in politics, society and, morality. When I start a series of works I may sometimes have a preconceived plan; however, once the first of the subject matter is laid down I work completely on spontaneity. I put my artwork together like I would work a puzzle. The end result of my works is rarely in line with my original idea. When I start a series I won’t quit until I am completely burned out, it could take a few months or a few years. I work in so many media and styles, but for “Independence Over Expectations” I chose to work with print media such as Imagon & Polyester Plate Lithography while I also throw a few drawings in the mix. More times than not my finished products are mixed media. I see this series of works as concept art with influences of pop and expressionism. I chose to work in these styles because of the various 1920’s through 1950’s advertisements which were conjured up by men and meant to influence women. Women have gained a fortitude of independence since the early 1900’s, independence that they fought for. On the outside it may look like there are less demands, but as a woman on the inside I can tell you they have multiplied. There was a time when a woman was simply predisposed to taking care of the home, and even if they wanted another life they maintained themselves with pride and confidence. Women today have so many expectations that it has become impossible to stay confident while trying to meet the endless demands. I contrived this series in order to express the changes that women have experienced in the last one hundred years and the end result of a modern remodel.