A Tapestry of Talent: Blending Artist Contributions

More collaborative pieces are coming in and I’m so stoked! They are all so different in amazing ways! I’m taking a look at my new mini-canvases from Sofia Lulgjuraj, Betsy Cox, Holley Morrison, Amy Chaiklin and Michele Keib. Updates to come!

two holes with parts of a body in colored pencil
Contribution by Sofia Lulgjuraj

Glimpses of Mystery: Sofia Lulgjuraj’s Intriguing Key-Hole Art

Sofia Lulgjuraj’s stellar double key-hole artwork, reveals two parts of a body through two cut holes in an otherwise blank canvas, drawn expressively in colored pencil, what appears to be a face and crossed legs. It reflects the interplay between visibility and privacy, showing only selected glimpses of the body, like a face and crossed legs. The intricate silver stitching around the holes suggests that what’s revealed within this controlled space is both intimate and significant. This piece invites viewers to explore the hidden dimensions of space, hinting at the mystery and fragmentation in how we perceive ourselves and our surroundings. Overall, Lulgjuraj’s work can be seen as a meditation on the spaces we inhabit, both seen and unseen, and how we navigate and interpret the gaps between visibility and concealment, intimacy and distance.

painting of a faceless person in branches with 2 birds
Contribution by Betsy Cox.

Nature’s Embrace: Betsy Cox’s Sacred Space

Betsy Cox’s mixed media  work if greens and blues, depicting a faceless figure with the head framed, and a silhouette of branches with two birds looking towards each other, she titled “SPACE”= Sacred – Place – Among – Centered – Earth.” Cox wrote that “Space to me is my place where I can go to collect myself and indulge in nature! The first is my space to gather y soul, connect with all the creatures, look for treasures, and collect clay for my works. My Sacred Space!” The faceless figure framed by nature highlights the idea of losing oneself in this sacred space, becoming one with the earth and its creatures. The two birds looking towards each other add a touch of harmony and companionship, reinforcing the theme of unity and balance within this natural, sacred space.

painting of a ovarian cyst frowning
Contribution by Holley Morrison

Humor in the Unexpected: Holley Morrison’s Satirical Spin

Holley Morrison’s playful painting with purple background depicts a frowning ovarian cyst saying “I hate it here,” while a mustached-cyst responds “Maybe if you’d smile you’d feel better.” Morrison wrote to me that it’s a comical response to being told to smile, usually by older men, throughout her life, when really she is usually smiling. The humorous portrayal of this dynamic highlights the absurdity and frustration of such unsolicited advice, while also reclaiming the space for self-expression. The artwork can be seen as a satirical commentary on the expectations placed on women to conform to certain emotional displays, challenging the invasion of personal space and the pressure to perform happiness.

watercolor with symbols including a butterfly, flowers, a triangle, a heart and blue wave background
Contribution by Amy Chaiklin

Ink and Identity: Amy Chaiklin’s Tattoo-Inspired Portrait

Amy Chaiklin’s sweet painting includes depictions of some of my personal tattoos: a butterfly, the word “alive,” pink and purple flowers, a tiny heart, a burning triangle from Judy Chicago’s The Dinner Party entryway banners (symbol for goddess), with a lovely moving blue waves background, another of my tattoos. This moving tattoo-portrait from my dear friend Amy can symbolize the space we inhabit within our own skin, with each tattoo representing a piece of your identity, experiences, and beliefs. The combination of my symbols—like the butterfly, the word “alive,” and the goddess triangle—reflects a space of empowerment, transformation, and resilience. The moving waves in the background further suggest the fluidity and motion within this personal space, symbolizing the ongoing journey of life and self-discovery. The painting also evokes a space of connection and shared meaning, where my inner world is lovingly captured and celebrated.

drawing of several figures holding cell phones
Contribution by Michele Keib

Digital Connections: Michele Keib’s Modern Take on Space

Michele Keib’s artwork, with its depiction of five diverse individuals in a circle holding phones, and the central text reading “The Text Chain Diminishing the Space Between Us,” likely reflects the ways in which digital communication reshapes our understanding of space and connection. The circle of figures suggests unity and inclusivity, emphasizing that despite physical distances or differences, technology creates a virtual space where people can stay connected. The phrase “diminishing the space between us” highlights how text chains, and by extension digital communication, collapse geographical and emotional distances, bringing people closer together in an increasingly interconnected world. 

This piece could also suggest a duality—while technology reduces physical space, it raises questions about the nature of this closeness, exploring whether it truly bridges gaps or creates new forms of separation.

Crafting a Collective: Inspirations from Feminist Art

With all of these diverse contributions from amazing artists, I can’t help but think of the making of Judy Chicago’s The Dinner Party with 400+ volunteers, and moreso the making of the International Honor Quilt, with contributions from 100s worldwide. I also think of the 1978/2016 The Sister Chapel, conceived in 1974 by Ilise Greenstein, who envisioned a monumental “hall of fame” in which women’s achievements would be presented from a female perspective. Greenstein’s participation in several feminist consciousness-raising groups and all-women activist organizations prompted her to question the enduring andro-centric view of history. Using a nominal pun on the Sistine Chapel, she proposed a secular, nonhierarchical alternative to the patriarchal system embodied in Michelangelo’s renowned ceiling fresco. Find all of the 13 contributions from the artists here – from abstract to figurative and textural.

Fusing Art and Voices: A Tribute to Collaborative Creativity

Bringing all of these contributions together somehow on my larger canvases will be challenging but also inspiring as I carry on this feminist practice. I don’t know if I’ll similarly use patriarchal religion as inspiration as these two examples!…I’m thinking more along the lines of collage and assemblage…Ideas are percolating and updates will come!…

What are some examples from artists (including yourselves!) that brought together different people’s works?