Artofwoman RSS Feedhttp://artofwoman.com.au/index.htmlHot News!en-aumargaret@artofwoman.com.auCopyright 2007 Margaret Kalms2010-08-23T09:49:21+10:00 hourly 1 2000-01-01T12:00+00:00 Tue, 24 Aug 2010 15:56:24 +1000Sex, Faith and Marriage, Sunday 22 August 2010margaret@artofwoman.com.auNone2010-08-23T09:49:21+10:00http://artofwoman.com.au/files/9c7a4fddcf909bf07452a91522e68410-66.html#unique-entry-id-66http://artofwoman.com.au/files/9c7a4fddcf909bf07452a91522e68410-66.html#unique-entry-id-66ABC TV Compass interviewed three couples from three faiths, Hindu, Muslim and Judaism. They were asked about their beliefs regarding sex.

The Jewish couple spoke about how menstruation impacts on their sex lives. Orthodox Jews do not have sex during a woman’s period, nor for seven days afterwards. The time of menstruation is significant in Jewish ritual and a woman learns that her body is sacred and that sex is sacred. The husband and wife do not sleep in the same bed during this time. Then, after 12 days without any contact with her husband the wife has a ritual bath called Mikvah and is blessed, cleansed and made ritually clean. She is then ready to return to the marriage bed and resume sexual relations. Often there is a sense of excitement as she returns home ready to greet her husband. Her desire has been rejuvenated.

There are many misconceptions surrounding Mikvah. It was wonderful to see how this ancient tradition is practiced in a modern society. Each women’s privacy was respected and hygiene was strictly controlled.
I loved the passionate way that the wife, Timmy described her experience of being in separate beds, “It makes you yearn to be with your partner.” Kalman describes the husband’s view, “That’s the time to rejuvenate. Because you are forced to instil a control, you are forced to draw close to each other emotionally, you talk to each other.” This periodic separation deepens the relationship!

I’m sure the monthly break in sexual demands is rejuvenating for both husband and wife. She is not pressured to be constantly available and he does not suffer as much rejection because the rejuvenation time is understood and he does not make needless advances.
Personally, I would find the 12 days without contact every month extremely difficult and I do not observe this practice. I do however take breaks on my own visiting friends and relatives and have done so throughout my marriage. When I return home from a break, we are excited to see each other, we are attentive to each other and our relationship is rejuvenated.

The Mikvah ritual is a refreshing contrast to today’s modern western culture which is over sexualised. Western culture puts a lot of sexual expectations on relationships. Men feel pressure to prove their manhood and women feel pressure to be constantly sexually attractive and to acquiesce to the lustful demands of their partners even when they feel no desire themselves.

One example of these attitudes is the book “365 nights: A Memoir of Intimacy” by Charla Muller, Berkley Publishing Group, 2008. ISBN: 9781741964240.

Charla Muller wanted to give her husband a memorable and significant gift for his 40th birthday. She decided to give him sex every night for one year, the “gift”.
It was an amazing effort. I agree that the “gift” was motivated by love for her husband, but it is also based on the assumption that a good wife is constantly sexually available.

This assumption makes a woman a sex object at the whim of a man’s lust even within marriage. This has the potential to become exploitative of women, meeting only the man’s needs without any consideration for the woman’s experience. Even Charla defines sex in terms of his ejaculation (P72). Unfortunately, many men loose respect for women once their lusts are satisfied. If the husband expects his wife to be constantly sexual availability then sex becomes the wife’s obligation and her refusal is taken as a rejection of his manhood. He may take any sexual rejection so badly that he becomes coercive or even violent as a result.

Charla admits that her husband felt rejected, writing, “I know you’re avoiding sex and it bums me out … I’m your husband for Pete’s sake, not some cheesy college guy looking to get lucky.” (P215) The assumption is that a wife should not refuse her husband.
Perhaps if Charla was permitted rejuvenation times, she would say yes more often. Instead, she puts in a marathon effort gives her body as a “gift”.

When a woman has no desire, sex becomes a chore, a performance or even a transaction. Charla tries to gloss over this aspect of her “gift” but it is clear that she has had enough during the last few weeks of the “gift”.

“Geez, do you think you could try a little bit more?” He said.
“What do you mean?” I asked.
He sighed. “Could you pretend you’re interested in this? I mean could you woo me a bit?”
Try? Woo? What does he think I’ve been doing the last eleven months of my life? (P234-235)

It is clear that her husband has continuing expectations. A husband with the expectation that a good wife is constantly sexual availability is generally not very appreciative.

What Charla has done may have been good for her marriage, but it is a potentially dangerous precedent to use as an example to emulate. It sets up unrealistic expectations of marriage in men because many women will not be able to achieve this amount of sexual availability due to a whole range of justifiable reasons.

There does seem to be a gulf between men’s lusts and women’s capacity. As Charla writes, “Brad will want sex and will resent having to ask for it. I will not want to have sex after two babies and fifty-four workhour weeks and will resent having to have it.” (P243)
Charla describes women getting Doctor’s certificates as a way of extending postpartum sexual abstinence. (P75) Surely a ritual time out is better than this deception?

Judaism gives sexuality a structure that honours the needs of both men and women. The Mikvah looks like a peaceful place where women can be refreshed and recover their energies and the 12 days of abstinence makes the husbands more appreciative of the physical side of marriage after the 12th day finally arrives!

You can read another review of 365 Nights here and two radio interviews by Amy Freese of Designher Living on WSRadio.com - 03 and 04.]]>"Period Piece" a successmargaret@artofwoman.com.auNone2010-08-12T14:29:17+10:00http://artofwoman.com.au/files/8bdaa468e77796495c6e807caff67244-65.html#unique-entry-id-65http://artofwoman.com.au/files/8bdaa468e77796495c6e807caff67244-65.html#unique-entry-id-65
During my research for this exhibition, I was alarmed and shocked by the extent of suffering that women with Endometriosis experience. Endometriosis can be an extremely debilitating disease and it is not well understood. Many women suffer in silence because this disease is so unseen. One of my aims is to articulate this pain in a way that affirms the dignity of the suffering women and promotes further research into treatments.

I pledged a portion of the sale proceeds to be donated to Endometriosis research. Several images sold permitting me to donate $186 to Endometriosis research.

Period Piece Opening_3163sm
The opening night of “Period Piece”]]>"Period Piece" openningmargaret@artofwoman.com.auNone2010-05-21T12:03:22+10:00http://artofwoman.com.au/files/4c3bdb1e08de630a5a6998ca4f82a938-64.html#unique-entry-id-64http://artofwoman.com.au/files/4c3bdb1e08de630a5a6998ca4f82a938-64.html#unique-entry-id-64
You may see a preview, look at the catalogue;

Period Piece catalogue]]>Anatomy For Beginners - SBSmargaret@artofwoman.com.auNone2010-05-19T11:20:05+10:00http://artofwoman.com.au/files/7936db476bf64e7620f29efa6ebe11c3-63.html#unique-entry-id-63http://artofwoman.com.au/files/7936db476bf64e7620f29efa6ebe11c3-63.html#unique-entry-id-63Anatomy For Beginners”.

This has been a fascinating series of documentaries showing how our bodies work by dissecting plasticised cadavers and by skilled painting on live nude models. Presented by pathologist Professor John Lee, Dr Gunther von Hagens expertly and deftly dissects the human body in a way that shows how the various organs and systems connect.

I watched the episode titled “Reproduction” and was amazed at the intricacies of the inner working of a woman’s body. Dr von Hagens had a series of foetuses in different stages of development. I was looking forward to the different phases of the womb during the menstrual cycle.

Yet not one word was spoken about menstruation! How can a programme about human reproduction ignore menstruation??? Menstruation is fundamental to both woman’s fertility and her sexual availability. We were told the full workings of ejaculation. Why not menstruation??

Dr Gunther von Hagens dissected a womb yet did not explain about the lining and preparation for implantation, nor the menstrual cycle that cleans and replenishes the womb.

This oversight confirms to me that there is still a great deal of silence and denial of menstruation. Despite our scientific culture, there is still an unwillingness to acknowledge this important part of a woman’s body. Menstruation occupies up to one quarter of a woman’s life during her fertile years. This is a lot of time and it impacts on a woman’s life in important ways.

But Professor John Lee and Dr Gunther von Hagens did not think it important enough to even mention during an episode devoted to reproduction!!

You can see the episode on this link;
http://www.sbs.com.au/documentary/program/anatomyforbeginners/index]]>"Period Piece" - 20 May to 6 June 2010margaret@artofwoman.com.auNone2010-05-11T11:04:39+10:00http://artofwoman.com.au/files/9151cd6e4f2b186c5c0eeb1a59a1938c-62.html#unique-entry-id-62http://artofwoman.com.au/files/9151cd6e4f2b186c5c0eeb1a59a1938c-62.html#unique-entry-id-62
My solo exhibition, “Period Piece” will be held in the Huw Davies Gallery, Manuka Circle, Griffith, ACT.

Period Piece is a statement of respect for women’s bodies, not a response to men’s fantasies. The subtle eroticism and sexuality are used to express what being a woman feels like, with a focus on what menstruation means and feels like in emotional and philosophically symbolic terms.

Because all clothing is a product of a particular culture and time in history, many of the women in “Period Piece” are naked. Nude bodies reduce the distracting influences and are therefore timeless. I use black and white to represent any woman regardless of ethnicity. These images express experiences common to all women.

In many cultures and in the past women have been taught to feel shame about menstruation. There are many rituals and exclusions that frame the menstruating woman as dirty, polluting and someone to avoid. My photographs challenge these prejudices and tabus. My images are confronting, dramatic and surprising, but they are also beautiful and designed to enhance women’s perception of themselves.

Secrecy, prejudice and lack of knowledge can have health implications for vulnerable women. It is difficult for some women to candidly discuss their menstrual problems even with doctors. This body of work helps to open that dialogue. To support women’s health I am donating 10% of sales towards endometriosis research.

I am thrilled that Dr Anne Sneddon, specialist from Canberra Endometriosis Centre will open this exhibition.

The exhibition features 14 original digital photographs printed on archival rag (Canson) in a limited edition of 25 signed prints.
“Period Piece” images are not shown on this website. Ten of the images have not been exhibited before.

You are invited to the opening at 6:00pm on Thursday 20th May.

PeriodPieceEmailinvite]]>Labiaplastymargaret@artofwoman.com.auNone2010-03-04T11:13:46+11:00http://artofwoman.com.au/files/28f0f507a4e1a0201060c9267aafeb66-61.html#unique-entry-id-61http://artofwoman.com.au/files/28f0f507a4e1a0201060c9267aafeb66-61.html#unique-entry-id-61Hungry Beast” on ABC TV. This program, presented by plucky young people, picks out interesting and controversial snippets of news and themes. To quote from their website, “ It covers everything from the silly, to the serious, to somewhere in between; always from a different perspective.” Last night was an article about labiaplasty. You may view this online on the following web address. I am writing this link out in longhand, separately because the clip contains images of genitals and talks about genital surgery. These images are rated as M15+ and if such material offends you, do not click on the link;
http://hungrybeast.abc.net.au/stories/labiaplasty

There were two aspects to the report;
1. the censorship laws that allowed full frontal nudity only if labia are not visible
2. the increase in the number of real women having plastic surgery to cut off their perfectly normal, healthy labia.

The censorship laws are accommodated by some magazine editors by manipulating photographs of women and trimming their labia digitally within Photoshop. The women models remained healthy and intact, but of course the image is a construction, not a true representation.

Unfortunately the publishing of these altered images gives the public the impression that labia are not normally visible. Normal women are seeing their genitalia as ugly and in need of modification. The plastic surgeon called it “surgical improvement”! Of course he would, it helps his business to call it improvement. I am horrified by this. Surely labiaplasty is genital mutilation. All surgery carries risk, infection, poor workmanship, healing problems, scarring, loss of sensation, even death from complications. This is a lot of risk for something that is not even a true representation of women and is totally unnecessary.

Censorship laws are supposed to protect the population from damaging sexuality, not promoting genital mutilation!

There is also a possible connection with pedophilia. Sexually immature girls have small labia that are not visible from the outside - “a single crease” to quote the Photoshop artist. When a woman reaches puberty, she grows breasts and labia. These are normal secondary sexual characteristics of womanhood. The censorship laws are requiring adult women to look like little girls! If men become habituated to these images, it is a small step to finding under age girls themselves sexually arousing and desirable.

Censorship laws are supposed to protect under age girls, not turn them into objects of desire!

Our culture already sexualises under age girls to a great extent causing enormous suffering to women. This is one more example. You can read more about the sexualisation of girls in, “Getting Real” edited by Melinda Tankard Reist, published by Spinifex, 2009.]]>Bare feetmargaret@artofwoman.com.auNone2010-02-10T11:18:42+11:00http://artofwoman.com.au/files/76e0d8a0bcae690442c47c834188ff08-60.html#unique-entry-id-60http://artofwoman.com.au/files/76e0d8a0bcae690442c47c834188ff08-60.html#unique-entry-id-60
This is an interesting illustration of different meanings. I have travelled to many places, especially in Asia, where taking shoes off is a sign of respect and cleanliness. Yet this time, bare feet was seen as not good enough.

I think it is the notion of public and private space. The restaurant is in the hotel lobby and considered public space, because people can come off the street to patronise the restaurant. Whereas other parts of the hotel, such as the pool and spa, are considered private space, for hotel guests only and bare feet is acceptable there. In fact, I met a couple in the lift with bare feet, on their way to the pool (as indicated by their carrying of towels).]]>Child nuditymargaret@artofwoman.com.auNone2010-02-08T10:34:44+11:00http://artofwoman.com.au/files/bbbfd22d19b40f3d44589ce6a78e5715-59.html#unique-entry-id-59http://artofwoman.com.au/files/bbbfd22d19b40f3d44589ce6a78e5715-59.html#unique-entry-id-59The Weekend Australian published a Getty Images photograph on page 17 (editorial, 4 Feb 2010, #964628761 by Mario Tama), from earthquake ravaged Haiti. The picture featured four children in a tent city constructed as temporary shelter for the homeless. Two of the children were nude.

I have written about different types of nudity before (10/07/2008). Child nudity has been discussed a lot recently in Australia especially in relation to art. The discussion centres on the idea that if a child naked and is under 16, which is the age of consent, then, by definition, the nudity is pedophilia. As stated in The Independent, 8 July 2008, “But for Ms Johnston, and like-minded people, all nude images of children are sexual and should be banned.” I disagree with this simplistic explanation. I am not excusing pedophilia. Sexual exploitation is a serious crime and can have serious developmental consequences for growing children. However it would be sad to be so afraid of sexual exploitation that artists and journalists are not permitted to explore other meanings. Nudity has many meanings and purposes.

If children are told that their body is shameful and they need to be embarrassed every time they have their clothes removed, then later when they are adults, sexual relationships may become difficult. When shame is imposed upon children without also an obvious respect for the human body, they loose respect for their own bodies and become uncomfortably self-conscious and may develop body image problems. This is a loss of innocence.

In fact, nude photography can enhance a person’s body image and can be a healing tool. Ellen Fisher Turk has been photographing young women with eating disorders for some fifteen years. Fisher Turk’s therapeutic photographs show the young women’s bodies in a new light and they begin to see themselves as beautiful. It is a healing process.

In The Weekend Australian the children’s nakedness expresses vulnerability and loss. Their nakedness emphasises that they have lost everything. There is no hint of eroticising the children. They are photographed in a documentary style. The photographer has a high viewpoint as if he/she is much taller than the children emphasising that the children are small. The children’s lack of clothing is not contrived nor staged, it is simply how they are. They really have lost everything. These children truly are innocent and the photographer has captured their innocence and vulnerability with great skill and respect.]]>Valentine's Daymargaret@artofwoman.com.auNone2010-02-05T21:26:41+11:00http://artofwoman.com.au/files/5497392d74d269170e7091770f3dcd8a-58.html#unique-entry-id-58http://artofwoman.com.au/files/5497392d74d269170e7091770f3dcd8a-58.html#unique-entry-id-58Artistic Nudes’ page.

My next show will be ‘Shed Nudes’, held at the Artists’ Shed in Queanbeyan, NSW. A variety of talented artists participate, showcasing different styles and interesting treatments of the human form.

You are welcome at the opening at 7:00pm, Thursday 18th February 2010
14 Foster St
Queanbeyan, NSW]]>Apreciationmargaret@artofwoman.com.auNone2009-12-16T17:10:39+11:00http://artofwoman.com.au/files/696f2bac541e8e8e587aa1aa6bc5e97a-57.html#unique-entry-id-57http://artofwoman.com.au/files/696f2bac541e8e8e587aa1aa6bc5e97a-57.html#unique-entry-id-57
"Dear Margaret,

I was very impressed with the photos you took at PLAN on Sunday last and would be very grateful for a photo of Tricia and me with the certificate.  Usually I look dreadful in photos, to the point of embarrassment, but yours made me look more normal.

Best wishes,
Salwah."

]]>PlanEx10 Art and Craft Showmargaret@artofwoman.com.auNone2009-12-05T15:12:40+11:00http://artofwoman.com.au/files/0280e1d6bff299a296e467b97c3cf88a-56.html#unique-entry-id-56http://artofwoman.com.au/files/0280e1d6bff299a296e467b97c3cf88a-56.html#unique-entry-id-56
Canberra Friends of Plan wish to thank Bob McMullan MP for opening the PlanEx10 Art and Craft Show in Canberra on Friday 27th November. I took some photos of Bob McMullan, one is posted on his website.

Bob McMullan MP is the Parliamentary Secretary for International Development Assistance and Member for Fraser. He is also a long term supporter of Plan International. He opened the first Plan show ten years ago and has maintained an active interest over the years. His opening address covered many issues including access to clean water and sanitation. These issues affect girls and women more directly than boys and men. In many parts of the world, including Tanzania, girls and women have the responsibility of obtaining the daily water for the household. This may require walking many kilometers or queuing for hours at a village well or pump. Improving access to clean water and sanitation has obvious health benefits. It also frees women from hours of drudgery, giving them time to learn skills, improve farming or develop businesses.

Bob McMullan also promoted the book "Because I am a Girl" which you can download from Plan's website:
http://www.becauseiamagirl.com.au/the_evidence.html
He described how his own daugher's life has been influenced by sponsoring a girl of similar age. His daughter noticed some similar interests and she saw the common humanity of girls the world over. His daughter also noticed the extra work load and pressures that poverty places on girls in developing countries.

This year was the best show ever with the most number of paintings sold, the highest value of craft sold and a great number of visitors.

Over the years, the Plan Art and Craft Show has supported local and emerging artisits some of whom now exhibit regularly. The quality and professionalism of the artists was impressive. I exhibited three images; "Angel of Life and Death", "Sleeping Beauty" and "Red Riding Hood".

Below are photos I took at the opeining.

Bob McMullan and Tricia Frake
IMG_0181sm

PlanEx10 Art and Craft Show 2009
IMG_0123sm

I exhibited three images; "Angel of Life and Death", "Sleeping Beauty" and "Red Riding Hood"
IMG_0065sm]]>Naked Flames - Escape ArtFest 2009margaret@artofwoman.com.auNone2009-10-19T22:39:36+11:00http://artofwoman.com.au/files/2ef6aea620785eb67d9e7c4f8f4ab052-55.html#unique-entry-id-55http://artofwoman.com.au/files/2ef6aea620785eb67d9e7c4f8f4ab052-55.html#unique-entry-id-55
Again there was an interesting variety of arts - textiles, sculpture, paintings and photographs.

The theme of Naked Flames was articulated in various ways. Jodi Stewart had passionate lovers embracing in private to contrast with Barbie Robinson's public kiss in Paris. Pauline Mager's photographs of women were imaginative fantasies that contrasted with Malcolm Smith's more direct, sharply articulated and carefully constructed style. Ian Baird had a candid photograph of a group of revelers enjoying an evening show. Richard Lamond and Paul Haslam created amazing flame sculpture with wood and metal that reminded me of the destruction of forests, yet it had a symetry and grace that reminded me of a Lotus blossom. Alan Baptist's skill with drawing was a delight to behold. His work is amazingly detailed. Marie Lund showed the secret love of bees deep within flowers.

There were many other interesting artists at this well received show.

Here I am with two of my images at the opening.
Naked Flames_ArtFest2009_5692]]>House sale photosmargaret@artofwoman.com.auNone2009-09-20T07:07:56+10:00http://artofwoman.com.au/files/e9f72908aedb8ddbcb540808b2c45095-54.html#unique-entry-id-54http://artofwoman.com.au/files/e9f72908aedb8ddbcb540808b2c45095-54.html#unique-entry-id-54I was asked to photograph a home that is for sale. Of course, my photos need to show the home looking good and inviting. The pictures show the different rooms and living spaces and the garden. With care I was able to show some of the outlook through the windows.

The vendor was pleased with my photos, and gave me a bunch of flowers and a bottle of wine as a Thank You!

Scutt_Lounge]]>Tamara - The Centrury Projectmargaret@artofwoman.com.auNone2009-08-20T09:41:33+10:00http://artofwoman.com.au/files/316c05e38612800e38a7a732fca919b7-53.html#unique-entry-id-53http://artofwoman.com.au/files/316c05e38612800e38a7a732fca919b7-53.html#unique-entry-id-53Frank Cordelle has kindly given me permission to show a photo from The Century Project that relates to my theme. All of the women who pose for Frank Cordelle choose their own setting. Tamara chose to express this part of her life in this way without any distractions. Frank’s high view-point makes her look smaller and gives her some vulnerability, yet her direct look shows strength, dignity and is completely devoid of shame. Tamara”s poem is beautiful and expresses heart aspects of menstruation that many women feel but do not know how to express. Thank you for your boldness Tamara.

Menstruation is a significant part of most women’s lives and our society tries to ignore it. There are few places where a woman can express how she feels about her periods. This site is one place where women’s expression is welcome. Send me your ideas, images, favourite sites, favourite books and I will post your comments, with your permission, of course.

The photo and poem below was published in the book: "Bodies and Souls: The Century Project" copyright © 2009 Frank Cordelle.
Tamara,-23
“The moon,
like a prospective grandmother,
 keeps time.

In an empty womb,
I create space
for process.

 Pale yolk
runs from me,
 malnourished and alone.

All that is mine
 breaks
apart
in grief

 becoming
 rich pulp,
the ripe fruit
of my most internal decomposition.

 It gathers like angry water

 beating blood

 against
 flush,
tender walls,
crashing comfort,
painfully pulsing

 out of me.

 It flows wide
 spilling, furiously,
red
onto the altar of my soul,

 to which I bow in need of You
in body,
in blood.”

Tamara
]]>ABC Science - Reflections on the Moon Photo Competitionmargaret@artofwoman.com.auNone2009-08-07T17:28:09+10:00http://artofwoman.com.au/files/40c4c04f8e9c46fcc6e9fb4817806d31-52.html#unique-entry-id-52http://artofwoman.com.au/files/40c4c04f8e9c46fcc6e9fb4817806d31-52.html#unique-entry-id-52ABC Science has awarded my photo, “Rise and Fall”, a Highly Commended in the Winter Science competition “Reflections on the Moon”. It is 06 in the series.

Phases of the Tides

The Moon is a long way away by human standards, but it has a profound influence on life and the ocean especially. Many fish breed in estuaries created by the rise and fall of the tides. There are many species that live on rocky shores that rely on the renewal of the tidal waters, animals such as oysters, sea anemones, sea urchins, starfish, cockles, crabs, fish fry, and numerous sea snails and sea weeds such as mermaid’s necklaces, kelp, sea lettuce.
The tides affect erosion of coasts and the shape of beaches. If a storm, heavy rain and a high tide happen together, a beach can be completely destroyed or a lagoon breached.

The Moon has a powerful influence on us all.]]>The Century Projectmargaret@artofwoman.com.auNone2009-07-10T18:44:00+10:00http://artofwoman.com.au/files/c4888020352c5304553c1c824e85224d-51.html#unique-entry-id-51http://artofwoman.com.au/files/c4888020352c5304553c1c824e85224d-51.html#unique-entry-id-51
Frank Cordelle has created a photography exhibition called “The Century Project”. He has photographed girls and women from birth to 98 years of age. These are women who have faced struggles and problems with their bodies. Their stories, in their own words, accompany the photographs. Some of the stories are confronting, some are angry, some are sad, some are joyful, some are a triumph. All of the stories are intimate person experiences.

Frank has photographed the women in the nude to express their vulnerability and their humanity. Cloths can enhance some parts of the body and hide parts of the body we find difficult for various reasons. Cloths express culture, social status, occupation and wealth. These nude images cut through much cultural clutter and gets past assumptions and prejudices to see the real woman underneath. Sometimes clothes hide things so well that health issues are not address properly and the woman does not even know what is within the normal range for a female for her age.

This project is extremely important. Even healthy women struggle with body image because the media display so many ‘perfect’ images of women’s bodies all around us. When women have health and other body image problems, they can feel that they are inferior somehow. The shame some women feel about their bodies can restrict and limit their lives. For example, many women limit their participation in sports, especially swimming. These limitations are unnecessary, often inconvenient and in some cases even harmful.

The Century Project gives women dignity and a voice. It has changed the lives of some women who have felt alone, disregarded, afraid and ashamed of their struggles. This project has given many women the courage to treat their bodies with respect and inspired some women to get the medical care they deserve.

The Century Project is beautiful and has been shown in 63 colleges around the USA and has been viewed by thousands of people.

You can obtain your own personal copy of the exhibition in a book called “Bodies and Souls”. ]]>Mamuli Giftmargaret@artofwoman.com.auNone2009-07-06T18:14:00+10:00http://artofwoman.com.au/files/ed0aa9198159ff109713ea2167741689-50.html#unique-entry-id-50http://artofwoman.com.au/files/ed0aa9198159ff109713ea2167741689-50.html#unique-entry-id-50Sumba, Indonesia. She was visiting Canberra for a short time. We discussed many interesting topics and we both discussed gender issues in our respective cultures. My soul was warmed by someone from another culture who was able to be frank and honest with me about sensitive issues.

She saw my art and encouraged me to continue exploring the meaning of womanhood and menstruation in many cultures. It was moving that my images spoke to her so strongly despite our different backgrounds.

When she left, she gave me a Mamuli pendant as a memory of our connection. I told her I will wear it to the opening of “Naked Flames” exhibition. Mamuli are symbolic representations of the vagina and are made with precious metal. They are treasured within families and are passed from mother to daughter as an heirloom or bride gift.

I will treasure this Mamuli. Thank you my friend from Sumba.

Mamuli Sm

]]>Naked Flamesmargaret@artofwoman.com.auNone2009-06-15T11:03:22+10:00http://artofwoman.com.au/files/c4c1128dfd4f7683ef2ad194a38d3239-49.html#unique-entry-id-49http://artofwoman.com.au/files/c4c1128dfd4f7683ef2ad194a38d3239-49.html#unique-entry-id-49
Hibiscus Gallery
15 Wallaroy Drive
Burrill Lake NSW

Opening celebration, 4:00-6:00pm Saturday 3rd October, Hibiscus Gallery.

I have been working on a few photographs that show my interpretation of Naked Flames. These are new photographs, not seen before, cheeky, unusual and a bit provocative. One of my images has been chosen to publicise the show on the official ArtFest website. Just click on the Naked Flames tab.]]>Body Paintingmargaret@artofwoman.com.auNone2009-03-02T21:00:39+11:00http://artofwoman.com.au/files/797ece9c11042dc3b714914ff0aad5c6-47.html#unique-entry-id-47http://artofwoman.com.au/files/797ece9c11042dc3b714914ff0aad5c6-47.html#unique-entry-id-47Body Painting Helps Anatomy Lessons
I like the way the body is used as a canvass. It gives the illusion that the skin is transparent. This is humanity in the raw and shows that we are all the same under our skins. There is no racism, no preconceptions. In a way this art is confronting how we experience our bodies and shows us all as vulnerable.
So is this Art? Should the model be nude? Personally, I think the model should be nude as a logical continuation of the painting. The underpants do not add to the learning at all and detract from the effect, they look contrived. The effect reminds me of Damien Hirst, “The Virgin Mother”. I think underpants would look silly on her too and even runs the risk of changing her from a body to a sex object.
TheVirginMother_DamienHirst
However, this body painting exercise looks like a great learning experience. I’m sure it is fun to do also. Perhaps I should learn anatomy!]]>Seven Periods with Mr Gormsbymargaret@artofwoman.com.auNone2009-02-01T11:08:38+11:00http://artofwoman.com.au/files/46ca51a4d7774d10da1d1bca259ad33c-45.html#unique-entry-id-45http://artofwoman.com.au/files/46ca51a4d7774d10da1d1bca259ad33c-45.html#unique-entry-id-45
At the Wharenui
Download a 6meg .mov clip.

Seven Periods with Mr Gormsby, is a humorous, bold and irreverent TV programme from New Zealand about a fictional boys high school starring David McPhail. Tepapawai Boys High is threatened with closure and the school attempts a variety of activities and avoidance tactics to avert the inevitable. Mr Gormsby is an ‘old school’ style teacher with a plethora of politically incorrect attitudes and behaviours that highlight the absurdities of life. The students are rambunctious and defiant about learning almost to the point of being unteachable, but they do not want the school to close either. The result is a comedy that makes many social comments on education and human frailties, as the students and teachers co-operate to fight a common enemy, the Education Review Office (ERO).

Mr Gormsby & ERO
Mr Gormsby with the Education Review Officer

In Series 2, episode 6 titled “An Inspector Calls” tackles the often avoided topic of menstruation. Mr Gormsby uses implied menstrual customs to avert the ERO inspector from inspecting a wharenui, a traditional Maori meeting house. He blurts out a string of menstrual euphemisms and confronts the ERO inspector. The fear is that a menstruating woman would reduce the sacred power of the carvings in the wharenui. There is often a relationship between fear and respect, for example, a strict and disciplined teacher often has the respect of the students. The mystic power of a woman to create life engenders both fear and respect and must be treated carefully. Part of the insult for the ERO inspector is that a woman’s menstrual status is considered a personal and private matter in western culture, irrelevant to her ability to perform her duties.

Many traditional cultures had restrictive and sacred customs associated with menstruation. Although Mr Gormsby’s aim is stalling the ERO inspector, there is evidence that menstruation required specific treatment in traditional Maori society. This is an article describing some menstrual customs in Australia and New Zealand, New Zealand Institute, 1904. Full article can be found in the National Library of New Zealand.

A more modern article gives a Maori interpretation of celestial bodies and describes the moon in female symbology. Some traditional cultures required women to have exclusion in separate huts, during their menstruation. One example is of Ethiopian Jews who settled in Israel Journal of Feminist Studies in Religion. This exclusion allows women space and privacy under the protection of purity rites. In highly patriarchal societies, this totally female space was potentially a refreshment, a time out for women.

Wharenui NZ
Photo - Margaret Kalms

Please, do not get the impression that Maori culture is stuck in the past. Wharenui are a cultural focus for Maori life both past and present. A descriptive background and short history of wharenui is found in this Education Resource, used with kind permission from Wellington City Gallery, Te Whare Toi. This resource includes definitions of many Maori sacred words and explains how symbols of today’s modern world view are incorporated into contemporary Maori ideas.

Modern art is revitalising the wharenui with new building techniques, technology and modern symbolism. Here is a wonderful modern rendition of a wharenui by a modern fractal artist, Rerewhakaaitu, which includes a description of the meaning of wharenui that is well worth reading. The Chrysalis Seed Trust magazine which explores the intersection of art and faith, describes the potential for Maori tradition to be integrated with the Christian faith in meeting houses. Many wharenui have become churches.

This integration of indigenous culture with mainstream (western) culture has not happened to the same extent in Australia. Seven Periods with Mr Gormsby is an amazing blend of the issues of indigenous culture and spirituality with mainstream and can teach us all to look life directly in the eye and face many difficult issues with courage and bold, good humour.
]]>A Christmas Message: "Immanuel - God with us"margaret@artofwoman.com.auNone2008-12-27T22:17:34+11:00http://artofwoman.com.au/files/395249a30a30397040f68f70299f313a-44.html#unique-entry-id-44http://artofwoman.com.au/files/395249a30a30397040f68f70299f313a-44.html#unique-entry-id-44At Christmas we give gifts and spend time with our family and friends wishing good will to all. Christmas is the celebration of the Christ child – Immanuel – God with us, Matthew 1:23.
Baby
photo copyright Margaret Kalms
To all the new parents I ask you to remember the moment you first saw your new baby. Remember the sense of awe and excitement of a new human in the world. I certainly felt it when each of my children were born. Despite my biological training and sex education, I still asked in wonder ‘Where did you come from?’ It was a spiritual question, not a biological one. I knew the practicalities of creation but the practicalities did not prepare me for the force of emotions that overwhelmed me when I first looked into the eyes of each new child. This emotion is spiritual, full of hope and joy. I photographed newborn babies for several years in Canberra’s hospitals and I never tired of the awe of holding and looking at a newborn baby. As I said in ‘Passages Through Parenthood: real life stories from Australian parents’ Anne Godfrey. Lothian books 2000.

'I still feel a sense of wonder when I hold a newborn baby. Each baby represents another try at life, another chance to explore what it is to be human. Maybe this baby will make fewer mistakes than I, achieve greater things, inspire or help more people. Each new baby brings hope. We can look into a baby’s face and imagine any future. They help us to think of and plan for the future because it will be twenty years before they are full members of the community. Babies give us a continuum of life that is difficult to describe, a sense of history, a sense of generation following generation and of time flowing on. Who of us has not marvelled at those beautiful tiny fingers and toes of a newborn and not wondered at the sheer mystery of life. When we grasp how much of a miracle birth is, we also know that life is precious.'

This experience is one aspect of Immanuel – God with us. God came to earth as a human to experience ALL of our emotions and to share the experience of our lives and to live in perfect harmony with God. In doing so in a mysterious and miraculous way He reconciled God and humanity.
As a Christian I am asked to see Immanuel – God with us in everybody. As a human it is relatively easy to see Immanuel – God with us in our friends and family, those whose company we enjoy. It is harder to see Immanuel – God with us in people we do not like, people who have betrayed or hurt us, people who are cruel or violent, or people who look, dress and smell differently from us. Christmas is a time to remember all our fellow humans to see the miracle of creation in every person, to see the mark of God within no matter what their life situation, to look beyond our personal preferences. Our church reaches out to many during the Christmas season by giving food hampers to local people, hosting community events, giving Christmas shoe-boxes as presents to children and by sending any money offerings gathered on Christmas Day to Baptist World Aid for suffering people around the world.

Last night we received a call that our son had a ‘bad landing’ when he went para-gliding. He is in a country hospital recovering from his injuries 50km from home. This is a dread that any parent fears. Of course we drove to the hospital immediately. It was a sombre mood during the drive to the hospital in the dark last night. We wondered exactly how injured our son was and how it may affect his young life in the future. I am reminded of the fragility of life, how quickly circumstances can change. Although our son’s life is not in immediate danger, this fall has reminded us of the possibility of death. Another reason to see Immanuel – God with us in all of us, is that life can be taken from us at any time. In the developed countries like Australia where I live, it is easy to forget the fragility of life. We know life expectancy is around 80 years so we expect everyone to live ‘til their 80s. We have a tendency to take each other for granted, to take life for granted. But death happens at all ages, even in Australia. Life is a gift to be treasured. But not held on to. I still do not want to wrap my children in ‘cotton-wool’. I’m glad they are doing exciting things and I will not restrict their adventures. I know they are learning from experienced trainers who will teach safety issues. I hope that when my time comes to die, I will be doing something exciting or something worthwhile, because we ALL die.

I wish you all a Happy New Year bringing you many blessings, that God is with YOU and that you achieve good things and grow closer to your life purpose.]]>Cookingmargaret@artofwoman.com.auNone2008-12-10T21:33:02+11:00http://artofwoman.com.au/files/ab92fa1001b5c8124c8fd9df92127d80-43.html#unique-entry-id-43http://artofwoman.com.au/files/ab92fa1001b5c8124c8fd9df92127d80-43.html#unique-entry-id-43photo gallery to see if you like my cooking!]]>World AIDS Day - Agape Homemargaret@artofwoman.com.auNone2008-12-02T14:49:03+11:00http://artofwoman.com.au/files/ffedc0d747f549a67399945a2fa84de7-42.html#unique-entry-id-42http://artofwoman.com.au/files/ffedc0d747f549a67399945a2fa84de7-42.html#unique-entry-id-42Agape Home, an orphanage for AIDS children. Currently they support approximately 100 children ranging in age from babies to teens. The home has its own water treatment system and grows some of its food. Fresh food and clean water along go a long way to maintaining a healthy life. Sometimes the children become sick and they are given treatment as needed. They are given training in practical skills and schooling. At all times the children are given a lot of love.

AgapeHomePoster2

It is wonderful to do something positive and practical for World AIDS Day.]]>Blue in Black and Whitemargaret@artofwoman.com.auNone2008-11-08T17:48:35+11:00http://artofwoman.com.au/files/9dd68ae17c7abdcf7556a6153a5766f5-41.html#unique-entry-id-41http://artofwoman.com.au/files/9dd68ae17c7abdcf7556a6153a5766f5-41.html#unique-entry-id-41National Film and Sound Archive to a lecture and presentation called, “Blue in Black and White” by Prof Jill Julius Matthews from the Australian National University.
Australia’s erotic history does not often generate serious study. The lecture included film clips from the period 1890s to 1970s. It was a joyful experience of fun images of playful bawdy sexual visual jokes that delighted in the absurdity of sex.
This is a link to the full article in NSFA Journal, Vol 2, No 3, 2007 written by Prof Jill Julius Matthews.

My descriptions of the film clips contain explicit erotic content. Do not download if you are under 18 or if explicit sexuality offends you. My comments on Blue in Black and White by M Kalms.
]]>New photosmargaret@artofwoman.com.auNone2008-10-08T21:39:45+11:00http://artofwoman.com.au/files/252cf31412d2b42b51691b56c4417f0c-40.html#unique-entry-id-40http://artofwoman.com.au/files/252cf31412d2b42b51691b56c4417f0c-40.html#unique-entry-id-40my gallery today. It is good to get back into the photography again. We all lead such busy lives it takes discipline to arrange time to do those extra things. Life/work balance is important and it is the extra things that give life richness and depth. I encourage everyone to follow their passion, whatever gives meaning and joy.]]>Heavenly Bodies openingmargaret@artofwoman.com.auNone2008-09-23T21:00:04+10:00http://artofwoman.com.au/files/99620f5981640889619a5d0730a0c23c-39.html#unique-entry-id-39http://artofwoman.com.au/files/99620f5981640889619a5d0730a0c23c-39.html#unique-entry-id-39Heavenly Bodies exhibition opened to a full house. Artists and guests enjoyed a stunning array of interpretation of Heavenly Bodies. Included were figure studies by Marie Lund, mythic bold sculptures by Terry Fuller, life's meaning explored by Lyndy Delain, delicate paintings on emu eggs and original fashion by Marlene Greenwood and fragile carvings in cuttlefish bone by Kylie Douglass. Helen Nugent had bright playful mythic images which contrasted with soft drawings by Allan Baptist. Kaoru Rauter explored diverse styles with great skill and stunning effect. Kerry Shepherdson demonstrated skill in cubist style and Wanda Bridgland made a social statement. Barbie Robinson told a story in digital photography and I continued my theme of women's symbolism with three digitally blended photographs.

A big THANK YOU to Hibiscus Gallery hosts, Chris and Wanda Bridgland.

The exhibition runs until 12 October.

Heavenly Bodies Devil Angel
A real angel and devil came to the opening of Heavenly Bodies - Photo Richard Robinson

Heavenly Bodies opening
A drink at the opening - Photo Bryan Kalms

Heavenly Bodies exhibit
Two of my photos, 'Angel of Life and Death' and 'Cosmic Woman' - Photo Margaret Kalms]]>Heavenly Bodies at Escape ArtFest 2008margaret@artofwoman.com.auNone2008-09-06T23:17:32+10:00http://artofwoman.com.au/files/68a3055b225ce6afc80593d27145ffc1-38.html#unique-entry-id-38http://artofwoman.com.au/files/68a3055b225ce6afc80593d27145ffc1-38.html#unique-entry-id-38Heavenly Bodies' exhibition as part of Escape ArtFest 2008;
- Monthly
- Cosmic Woman
- Angel of Life and Death

The exhibition opens 20th September 4-6pm and continues until 12th October.

flyer]]>GOTTA LOVE LITTLE BOYSmargaret@artofwoman.com.auNone2008-08-01T08:56:02+10:00http://artofwoman.com.au/files/42898e76442752e03ad20c5ec69dc45f-37.html#unique-entry-id-37http://artofwoman.com.au/files/42898e76442752e03ad20c5ec69dc45f-37.html#unique-entry-id-37
Two young boys walked into a pharmacy one day, picked out a box of tampons and proceeded to the checkout counter. The man at the counter asked the older boy, 'Son, how old are you?'
'Eight', the boy replied.
The man continued, 'Do you know what these are used for?'
The boy replied, 'Not exactly, but they aren't for me. They're for him. He's my brother. He's four. We saw on TV that if you use these you would be able to swim and ride a bike. Right now, he can't do either.'
]]>Types of Nuditymargaret@artofwoman.com.auNone2008-07-10T21:48:57+10:00http://artofwoman.com.au/files/50302db01234ffee425ce4b24ef7bf60-36.html#unique-entry-id-36http://artofwoman.com.au/files/50302db01234ffee425ce4b24ef7bf60-36.html#unique-entry-id-36Nudity has many meanings and purposes. Sexuality is only one meaning of nudity.
1. Nudity can represent innocence. Cupids for hundreds of years have been depicted as nude children. Many cultures around the world allow children to run around nude until they become adults. They are considered cute and sweet because of this innocence.
2. Nudity can represent freedom. Many beaches in Australia in the summer have nude children happily playing, some have specific areas for nudes. During my childhood, there were many times the neighbourhood children went 'skinny dipping' in our local creek. This was experienced as a great sense of freedom. The parents were not worried and none of the children felt threatened by the nudity.
3. Nudity can represent our common humanity. Nudity takes away the trappings of culture, status and employment. There is a common humanity to a group of people in the nude. Many "naturist" clubs experience this and enjoy a sense of community. A link to social nudism.
4. Nudity can represent caring. A great deal of child care involves nudity, for example, bathing, toilet training, getting dressed. When people are old or become an invalid, again nudity is a part of caring. None of us should withhold care because we are afraid of nudity.
5. Nudity can be healing and wholeness. A complete physical examination from a Doctor requires nudity, also many procedures, imaging and operations. Some of the healing arts require nudity or partial nudity, at times, for example, a massage, or acupuncture. Healing can be greatly impaired if society and individuals become too afraid of nudity. Imagine trying to give birth with cloths on! Yet that is what happened for centuries in many cultures, potentially endangering both mother and child. Doctors themselves must study nude photography in medical text books. It is impossible to show examples of medical conditions covered by clothing.
6. Nudity as activism, political statement, social comment or dramatic humour. Sometimes people use nudity to articulate their views in a dramatic way. Animal rights, tree-hugging hippies, streakers, women's rights etc.
If we as a culture say that it is always unacceptable to show a child in the nude, then this gives a very negative view of the body to children. They grow up fearing their bodies. They grow up hiding their bodies and not really knowing what is usual or unusual and what needs checking.
I am concerned at the moral panic about nudity in Australia at the moment. I am referring to the recent case of a six year old girl on the cover of Art Monthly magazine. This moral panic is likely to curb free speech and creativity in Australia. There are many more artistic and symbolic ways to view nudity that enhance human experience. Artistic creativity should be encouraged in society, it expands our thinking and enriches our lives.
God has made our bodies in a very beautiful way and we should be able to look at our bodies without thinking about sex all the time. ]]>The Gruen Transfer - feminine hygienemargaret@artofwoman.com.auNone2008-07-07T23:00:23+10:00http://artofwoman.com.au/files/4bf07b6d32f0533ae35e73d7e42cf743-35.html#unique-entry-id-35http://artofwoman.com.au/files/4bf07b6d32f0533ae35e73d7e42cf743-35.html#unique-entry-id-35The Gruen Transfer" on ABC TV, episode 6, 2/7/2008.  It is sub-titled: feminine hygiene; the things with strings and the things with wings! The commentary is lively, making fun of the language used to advertise these products. There are a lot of euphemisms and symbolism around this issue. No-one is willing to be frank on public TV. Some of the ads play on embarrassment, double meanings and timing give the advertising humour.
It was unfortunate that the panel consisted of only one woman and four men! The men, to their credit, do show a lively interest. I love the suggestion that tampons should come wrapped within a kinder surprise!
I wanted to see a young woman's opinion. The advertisements are aimed at young women, and it would have been interesting to know how young women react to these issues. Are there different attitudes with the different generations? Are young women more free and open, or are they trying to hide all the evidence of menstruation as past generations did? How does menstruation fit in with their lives? Do they have different needs and expectations of the products because of their different stories, adventures and experiences?
I did enjoy the humour and suggest you check it out on
http://www.abc.net.au/tv/gruentransfer/download.htm]]>WomenSpeak Canberra Gatheringmargaret@artofwoman.com.auNone2008-07-01T21:58:45+10:00http://artofwoman.com.au/files/c205e6f772b89f6389e30d6239d09c0b-34.html#unique-entry-id-34http://artofwoman.com.au/files/c205e6f772b89f6389e30d6239d09c0b-34.html#unique-entry-id-34WomenSpeak Canberra Gathering, "How non-indigenous women can stand in solidarity with indigenous women and communities".
It was a lively and at times emotional gathering of approximately 170 women. They came individually and from a wide range of community groups and government agencies. Moving stories of real experiences were told and the consequences for the women, their families and communities were discussed. We affect each other and if some of us are stressed and unhealthy, we all suffer to some degree. Some of the discussion touched on confronting issues such as white privilege, stolen generation, government intervention, education, jobs and respect. False assumptions and ignorance of indigenous culture were also shown to be common in white culture. These assumptions often block our hearing each other clearly. We need to take care that we listen with understanding.
Attitudes are important. We need to look within to truly care about others and make changes. And change is essential. Admit, accept then act. This involves the head, the heart then the hands. Action must follow words, otherwise we are lying with our silence.
A workshop session of small groups discussed action plans. Many ideas were grappled with and the delegates participated enthusiastically.
At lot of ideas were aired and we are all enriched by the gathering.]]>Technical problemsmargaret@artofwoman.com.auNone2008-06-29T21:19:53+10:00http://artofwoman.com.au/files/7d1458c3b8e1fc6779e65beeec0b6925-33.html#unique-entry-id-33http://artofwoman.com.au/files/7d1458c3b8e1fc6779e65beeec0b6925-33.html#unique-entry-id-33For the last several weeks I have had technical problems with this site. I was not able to create any blog entries, nor upload anything.
It was very frustrating. I am glad I have good technical help and this site is repaired now.
Apologies for any inconvenience to my visitors.]]>Agape Home for AIDS children and other children's homesmargaret@artofwoman.com.auNone2008-04-17T19:36:06+10:00http://artofwoman.com.au/files/b17b04a6471c01bc1759fcbd5dd30867-32.html#unique-entry-id-32http://artofwoman.com.au/files/b17b04a6471c01bc1759fcbd5dd30867-32.html#unique-entry-id-32no deaths in three years!! That is amazing for a home for AIDS children.
Their next challenge is to teach the older children life and employment skills. It is exciting watching these lively and grateful children grow up. There are so many possibilities opening up for them. All they need to implement their ideas is the backing from caring, interested people to provide the business plans, the funding and the volunteer workers to implement them.

Domink teaching and enjoying the children.
Dominik teaching woodwork
Dominik teaching wood working skills.
The children made their own shelves to store their stuff. At first they measured their stuff - books, CDs, toys, nick knacks. Then they selected, measured and cut the wood. Finally putting the shelf together according to their own design.
This was the result. What cleaver children!
Shelves children made
Shelves made by children.

Raylene has taught cooking and Dominik has taught BBQ skills.
Teaching cooking
The building project. Smaller home units for the older children. These units will be more like families with house parents, house rules, household tasks such as cooking and cleaning. Each will accommodate 6-8 teens.
Teenager buildings

To learn more about the work with children that Dominik and Raylene Fechner do, or to find out about volunteering contact them on:

PO Box 6
Sunsai Post Office
Chiangmai, Thailand 50210

fechner@oxinfo.co.th
]]>Fireworks!margaret@artofwoman.com.auNone2008-03-15T22:32:16+11:00http://artofwoman.com.au/files/2d156a3f3689323246d45739f2f51c1d-31.html#unique-entry-id-31http://artofwoman.com.au/files/2d156a3f3689323246d45739f2f51c1d-31.html#unique-entry-id-31FM 104.7 Skyfire 20 in Canberra. It was a wonderful explosion of light and colour. The blasts were so powerful, they could be felt throughout the body, the booms pounding along with my heart. Many different types of fireworks were displayed, co-ordinated in a spectacular performance with precision timing, creatively set to music played by FM104.7. Dandelion balls, spikes, fountains, hearts, showers and rays in many vibrant colours lit up Lake Burley Griffin and delighted the crowd of thousands.
The display reminded me when my children were in school. I told them they could be and do anything in life as long as they did it well. One of my sons chose to challenge me by saying, "I want to blow things up!". I told him if he did it very well, there are many jobs he could do. Tonight was a beautiful example - a pyrotechnic! This is an extremely skilled and responsible job requiring technical and creative ability. There is a demand because there are numerous public festivals that have fireworks. Pyrotechnics give thousands of people great joy!

Fireworks
Photo copyright Margaret Kalms]]>International Women's Daymargaret@artofwoman.com.auNone2008-03-08T22:33:54+11:00http://artofwoman.com.au/files/de740f5886c8292fad9151f885873af8-30.html#unique-entry-id-30http://artofwoman.com.au/files/de740f5886c8292fad9151f885873af8-30.html#unique-entry-id-30I am glad Australia has a new government that has abolished 'Work Choices'. This legislation was eroding conditions for many people. Because 'Work Choices' depended on negotiation, people who are in a weak position were at a disadvantage. Many women, especially those who have childcare or older person caring responsibilities, work in casual, part-time or informal jobs. These jobs tend to have no security, no leave entitlements, no sick provisions, no allowance for public holidays. They are jobs where people are hired and fired easily without any reason. They also have limited career options.
Many Australians believe we have equal pay for equal work. In fact, women earn 90% of their male equivalents (Advance Australia Where, Hugh Mackay P48). If you take into account the casualisation of female work and the restricted career path due to carer responsibilities, then women's real earnings are only 66% of men's earnings (The End of Equality, Anne Summers). Add this up over a lifetime and women have significantly reduced superannuation and subsequently significantly reduced financial security in their older years.
It is reasonable that superannuation is considered as part of a divorce or break-up settlement. Justice may not always be a 50/50% split because there are many factors to consider. Some women marry men older than themselves, so still have earning capacity after the man is drawing on his super. Differences in life expectancy may mean that men do not gain the same length of time benefit from their superannuation as their woman partner. Obviously a settlement means a division of assets and therefore a reduction in life style for both. These issues are complex.]]>Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Grasmargaret@artofwoman.com.auNone2008-03-06T21:16:25+11:00http://artofwoman.com.au/files/151f77be1b3642755a55110d30b6007f-29.html#unique-entry-id-29http://artofwoman.com.au/files/151f77be1b3642755a55110d30b6007f-29.html#unique-entry-id-29Unfortunately many mainstream people just follow trends without challenging the justice of their behavour or attitudes.
The event was attended by thousands of people. The crowd was friendly and well behaved, people were joyful, having a great time celebrating life. There was no pushing or shoving. I wore a costume that I made. It was a bit adventurous for me, but was completely suitable for Mardi Gras! I felt completely safe the whole time walking around Sydney city centre and catching trains.

Dykes on Bikes topless
Topless dykes on bikes, Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras. Photo copyright Margaret Kalms


Mardi Gras float
A float from a group from San Francisco, Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras. Photo copyright Margaret Kalms


Mardi Gras man globe
A muscle man and a globe float, Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras. Photo copyright Margaret Kalms


Sydney Gay&Lesbian Mardi Gras
A colourful float, Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras. Photo copyright Margaret Kalms]]>Trivia Night a successmargaret@artofwoman.com.auNone2008-02-27T21:03:54+11:00http://artofwoman.com.au/files/5872091c22b60532903b8c9869e31852-28.html#unique-entry-id-28http://artofwoman.com.au/files/5872091c22b60532903b8c9869e31852-28.html#unique-entry-id-28I bought a hand made necklace. A bit of glamour for me! It is fun to feel beautiful occasionally.
It is sooooo good to have such fun and be helping a worthwhile cause. The world is a better place because Natashia Alitt helps children.]]>Panorama photo donated for Trivia night, 2 Feb 2008margaret@artofwoman.com.auNone2008-01-26T23:59:16+11:00http://artofwoman.com.au/files/cfe54798ee53206f753fe37766f31e04-27.html#unique-entry-id-27http://artofwoman.com.au/files/cfe54798ee53206f753fe37766f31e04-27.html#unique-entry-id-27fund-raising trivia night, Saturday, 2 February 2008, hosted by Belconnen Baptist Church. Funds will go to Natashia Allitt who cares for AIDS children in St Petersburg in Russia. She does a tremendous job and loves the children to bits. It is a pleasure to support her work. The event will raise much needed cash to keep the project going. ]]>Genocidemargaret@artofwoman.com.auNone2008-01-19T20:39:34+11:00http://artofwoman.com.au/files/2866eb6a385eb1d5d51ed4462ea3f6b1-26.html#unique-entry-id-26http://artofwoman.com.au/files/2866eb6a385eb1d5d51ed4462ea3f6b1-26.html#unique-entry-id-26I have been reading, "White Christ Black Cross" by Noel Loos, 2007 ISBN9780855755539. It is very humbling to read of the white settlement of Australia as an Aboriginal Holocaust, Chapter 2. The aboriginal population of Australia was devastated by 87% to up to 97%! This depopulation occurred over a relatively short time, causing extreme trauma to the survivors. Causes include deliberate "rounding up" and shooting and poisoning. Also many died of easily treated disease, loss of food resources and poor water. They suffered loss of land, resources, malnutrition, loss of culture, language and social and family structure. The last "dispersal" occurred as recently as 1928, page 25, and children were taken from their parents well into the 1960s. Clearly some hurts are within living memory and Australia has a lot of work to do to gain true reconciliation.
I'm very encouraged by our new prime minister Kevin Rudd expressing "sorry" to Aborigines. Deputy prime minister, Julia Gillard, also said Labour wanted to take "practical measures that would make a difference to the huge life expectancy gap and the lack of opportunity that so many indigenous Australians face." It is not a county's overall wealth that predicts the health of the population, it is the distribution of wealth, especially the social equity of the country. This idea is backed up by studies. "the per caput GNP in Costa Rica is only one-twelfth that of the USA, life expectancy is the same (75 vs. 76 years). And, whereas the per caput GNP of the poor Indian state of Kerala is considerably less than that of India as shole, life expectancy is over 70, very much greater than the Indian average of 57. Sen attributes these islands of health in their seas of relative poverty to Costa Rica and Kerala's widespread pubic education,comprehensive social epidemiological and personal health care, and subsidized nutrition." Amartya Sen (1992) in "Death Hope and Sex" by James S. Chisholm, 1999, ISBN 0 521 59708 0, page 224. Any effort to improve equity of health and education will be a positive step.]]>AGAPE Home for AIDS childrenmargaret@artofwoman.com.auNone2008-01-17T12:25:54+11:00http://artofwoman.com.au/files/7b08d8700dc2bee6bf20cd49e8889d1f-25.html#unique-entry-id-25http://artofwoman.com.au/files/7b08d8700dc2bee6bf20cd49e8889d1f-25.html#unique-entry-id-25AGAPE home, Chiang Mai, Thailand, a home for AIDS children and mothers. We have finally had some rain in Canberra Australia, so many home gardens have fresh fruit. Friends and neighbours donate fruit to me so I can make jam.
I support the work of an AIDS orphanage for several reasons:
1. This is a practical way to demonstrates the unconditional love of Christ.
2. People who are sick need care regardless of how they became sick. I am extremely opposed to health care aid that comments on a person's sexual history or orientation, parentage, behaviour or wealth. AIDS is a disease that touches all of these issues. Christ met people where they were at and met their need first.
3. As a Christian, I believe that abortion is not God's perfect way, that it is killing human life (So is shooting people in Iraq). It is important to support homes for children who do not have families as a practical consequence of that belief. It is also important to assist single mothers for the same reason.
Unfortunately, the existence of soldiers and police are necessary in a world full of problems and are not illegal. Likewise, abortion is sometimes necessary in a world full of problems.
I will NEVER condemn a woman for making this heartbreakingly difficult decision. Botched illegal abortions actually kill more mothers and babies than when abortions are legal. According to Panamerican Health Organisation,
"The abortion mortality rate is 0.2-1.2 per 100,000 abortions in countries where abortion is legal.The mortality rate in countries where abortion is penalized is 330 per 100,000."

I cannot see how making abortion illegal shows the love of Christ.

]]>Snow Womanmargaret@artofwoman.com.auNone2008-01-03T11:09:35+11:00http://artofwoman.com.au/files/094e59082ecd212095914c77bd020c79-24.html#unique-entry-id-24http://artofwoman.com.au/files/094e59082ecd212095914c77bd020c79-24.html#unique-entry-id-24I added a new photo to my gallery the other day, "Snow Woman". It was taken in August in Australia's Snowy Mountains near Thredbo. Australia has evergreen gum trees (Eucalyptus pauciflora) that thrive in the Snowy Mountains. Here is a photo of me building the snow woman.

Making Snow Woman]]>Happy New Year!!margaret@artofwoman.com.auNone2007-12-31T15:23:46+11:00http://artofwoman.com.au/files/606d19aece5c8065284e4c207dac7e99-23.html#unique-entry-id-23http://artofwoman.com.au/files/606d19aece5c8065284e4c207dac7e99-23.html#unique-entry-id-23May you all have the energy, time and tools to achieve your goals and plans. May you enjoy the journey while you are working towards these goals.
It takes courage to keep aiming towards any goal in the face of uncertainty and difficulties and our world has many difficulties. Perseverance, however, really does pay off. Often people around you begin to help when they can see you are actively aiming for a goal, even when there have been a few interruptions. Gratefully accept whatever help fits in with your goals.
So all you people with New Year's Resolutions, I say

"Go for it!"


I aim to do more woman art photography this year.]]>Art Auctionmargaret@artofwoman.com.auNone2007-10-29T16:44:37+11:00http://artofwoman.com.au/files/012254790f4dcfd131c98cb90bab89e5-21.html#unique-entry-id-21http://artofwoman.com.au/files/012254790f4dcfd131c98cb90bab89e5-21.html#unique-entry-id-21Exciting news!
Women's Centre for Health Matters Inc (WCHM) is hosting a silent auction of donated art from Calendar Girls. Calendar Girls was a promotional 2007 calendar for WCHM. 14 of the 150 entries were published in the calendar including one of my photos for January. Many of the participating artists have donated their work to WCHM for a silent auction. Money raised will go towards women's health programs at the centre.
Here is a chance to buy up to four of my photos at a discount price. You will be helping women's health.
Thursday 1 November 2007, 5:30pm in Barton, Canberra, ACT.
If you are interested in attending contact WCHM for venue on 6290 2166.
See an interview with the coordinator, Adrienne Rutherford on Channel vision.
http://www.channelvision.com.au/BusinessVision02.asp?StoryID=247
]]>Human Papillomavirus vaccine and virginity pledgesmargaret@artofwoman.com.auNone2007-10-14T17:42:50+10:00http://artofwoman.com.au/files/02f8a565af418b7c72d4729f28dca048-20.html#unique-entry-id-20http://artofwoman.com.au/files/02f8a565af418b7c72d4729f28dca048-20.html#unique-entry-id-20Last week in "The Canberra Times" there was an article about mothers refusing to give their daughters the Human Papillomavirus vaccine. The vaccine protects against Human Papillomavirus that causes cervical cancer. Approximately 20% of mothers believed that the vaccine would induce their daughters to become promiscuous. It is very sad that even in this age of high technology and scientific advances, 20% of the population confuses health with morals.
Surveys of sexually transmitted diseases and unplanned pregnancy rates done on young people who vowed abstinence interestingly show they have similar instances of sexually transmitted diseases as the control group who did not vow abstinence. The explanation was that teens vowing abstinence may have been practicing manual, oral or anal sex in order to remain technically virgin, but were not practicing safe sex. These other sexual activities can transmit sexual diseases.
Vaccinations are an insurance to protect against a bad event happening. To suggest that vaccines will induce bad behaviour is like saying that people who receive a Tetanus vaccine will go and hammer a rusty nail into their foot! NO. But if they accidently tread on a rusty nail, they are protected from Tetanus. It is a health issue.
It is also like seat belts in a car. Seat belts have been compulsory in Australia for decades. We wear them to protect ourselves in the event of an accident. People drive because they want to go somewhere. There is no evidence that people drive more often or become worse drivers in cars with seat belts. It is a safety issue.
Most people including teens participate in sexual activities because they are in a relationship. They do not think about their health status at the height of passion. Therefore any safe sex practices, including vaccinations, will reduce their exposure to harm. Vaccinations and safe sex practices are health issues.
Virginity pledges and abstinence promotion is a good thing and aims to empower teens to responsible sexual relationships. Problems arise when abstinence promotion comes without education on sexual health, disease protection and contraception. We all need sexual health because we all have sex organs.]]>Body Languagemargaret@artofwoman.com.auNone2007-09-24T22:36:03+10:00http://artofwoman.com.au/files/b4348fa793db5cf67eeddc87cedab884-19.html#unique-entry-id-19http://artofwoman.com.au/files/b4348fa793db5cf67eeddc87cedab884-19.html#unique-entry-id-19Body Language exhibition, part of Escape ArtFest 2007, was attended by many of the participating artists along with friends and supporters. An exciting atmosphere developed as artists discussed their various works and interpretations of 'Body Language'.
BodyLanguageExhibition
Photo copyright Margaret Kalms
The works were varied in size, media and style from the exquisite cuttlefish bone carvings of Kylie Douglass to a large bold collage by Thea Wooten. Faith traditions were represented including Julie Williams' reclining Buddah and Lindy Delain's blending of the human elements with symbols of the land. Emotions were shown by Marjo Jones' detailed figurines and Ken Ball's soft focus photographs.
The variety of styles was inspiring. Together they made a very powerful statement about the diversity of our bodies and how we give them meaning. Some of the works were confronting and bold in addressing difficult issues such as bondage and menstruation. All of the works were beautiful.
It was an honour to be a part of the celebrations. A big THANK YOU to our hosts Chris and Wanda Bridgland whose work preparing and promoting the exhibition was rewarded with a stunning opening.
The exhibition runs until October 6th 2007 at
Hibiscus Gallery, 16 Wallaroy Drive, Burrill Lake, NSW.]]>Enhancing Menmargaret@artofwoman.com.auNone2007-09-02T22:37:12+10:00http://artofwoman.com.au/files/c7a758cd70fce6d55dcab8ee373182ee-18.html#unique-entry-id-18http://artofwoman.com.au/files/c7a758cd70fce6d55dcab8ee373182ee-18.html#unique-entry-id-18A couple of weeks ago, 14/08/2007, I wrote about breast implants and how sad it is that some women feel they have to have surgery on their bodies in order to be beautiful.
This week I am looking at the male equivalent in all those junk emails. So many of them were telling me how to enlarge my penis!
Again it is sad and exploitative to prey on men's insecurities about their bodies. These junk emails extract money for medicines and procedures that are not always properly tested and regulated.
For men to risk surgery or other manipulations of their most delicate of organs is a tragedy and a huge risk. There must be cases where things go wrong, where infection sets in or there is scaring or other complications. It is sad that people of either sex would cut their bodies and risk injury, pain and complications, in order to meet imagined standards. A truly loving intimate relationship will learn the unique characteristics of each other's bodies. A truly loving relationship does not need surgery to enhance it.]]>Total Eclipse of the Moonmargaret@artofwoman.com.auNone2007-08-28T21:31:49+10:00http://artofwoman.com.au/files/207bbd3e94f4f896e8521fc32278f722-17.html#unique-entry-id-17http://artofwoman.com.au/files/207bbd3e94f4f896e8521fc32278f722-17.html#unique-entry-id-17 total eclipse of the moon and the moon turned blood red!
I have used a red moon as a symbolic image for monthly periods. Tonight I saw a real blood moon. It was fantastic and the colours were much more subtle than my artistic moon. So there really is such a thing as a blood red moon.
It still reminds me of women's periods, the passing months and the cycling blood.
The earth's shadow passed across the face of the full moon. It was dark and the full moon changed from white to blood red. It was very exciting to watch. See my new photo on the gallery page.]]>Escape ArtFest "Body Language" exhibitionmargaret@artofwoman.com.auNone2007-08-20T21:47:10+10:00http://artofwoman.com.au/files/a7373bca502a0e5eef12be574c253b3d-16.html#unique-entry-id-16http://artofwoman.com.au/files/a7373bca502a0e5eef12be574c253b3d-16.html#unique-entry-id-16Escape ArtFest 2007 is an exciting festival of events being hosted in the Ulludulla region of NSW south coast, Australia. For 16 days a celebration of artistic talent will flourish in this normally quiet region. There will be a range of events, workshops, music, film and video, literature, art walks, sculpture and exhibitions and even prizes! Check the Artfest calendar.
I am excited about entering an exhibition called "Body Language" being held at the Hibiscus Gallery, 15 Wallaroy Drive Burrill Lake, from 22 September to 6 October 2007, open daily 10am to 5pm. There many very talented artists participating in this exhibition. Their varied contributions will make "Body Language" an exciting event.
Currently I am preparing six photos for this exhibition. Five of these photos are new and have not been shown anywhere else. They are not posted on this site.
Three of my photos are the sub-theme of "country girl", a light-hearted view of women in country life. The other three photos are the sub-theme of "veil", a look at how a woman shows or hides her body and how that covering affects her identity.
I invite you all to come to the Hibiscus Gallery to see this exhibition and meet me at the opening. Spend the weekend, or a week or more, and enjoy the exciting events happening during ArtFest .]]>Breast Implantsmargaret@artofwoman.com.auNone2007-08-14T23:22:21+10:00http://artofwoman.com.au/files/5ba899778e25d078141a4d95f6b0db95-15.html#unique-entry-id-15http://artofwoman.com.au/files/5ba899778e25d078141a4d95f6b0db95-15.html#unique-entry-id-15Surgery always carries risks. General anaesthesia involves risks. Placing any foreign objects into the body involves risk, and should be done with extreme caution and the best of medical care. Most breast implants are done for fashion or "body image" enhancement. Personally, I do not think fashion is something worth the risk of scaring or infection. There are cases of implants leaking, slipping, and moving within the body. These problems then require the woman to undergo further invasive surgery, endure considerable pain, sometimes with extended time off work and can result in large unsightly scars.
I would much prefer women to gain self esteem by the wonderful things they do, not by the way they look. I prefer my friends and colleagues to appreciate my good work and interesting personality and not judge me by the size of my breasts!!]]>Brat Camp and the Biology of the vaginamargaret@artofwoman.com.auNone2007-08-09T21:28:52+10:00http://artofwoman.com.au/files/8bbb3ce351ab62ca2199d75b20b346a6-14.html#unique-entry-id-14http://artofwoman.com.au/files/8bbb3ce351ab62ca2199d75b20b346a6-14.html#unique-entry-id-14"Brat Camp" on ABC TV. It is about a bunch of wayward children from Britain being sent to "Turn About Ranch" in Utah in USA. "Turn About" ranch is a working cattle ranch. It is also a rehabilitation centre for teens who have had problems socialising, are on drugs or alcohol, are defiant or in trouble with crime. The teens do a lot of physical work and are given responsibilities as part of their rehabilitation. If they misbehave they are punished. If they do good work and get along with staff and peers, they are rewarded.

During tonight's episode, the cows needed to be checked for pregnancy. The girls needed to don a glove and push their arm up the vagina of a cow! They had mixed reactions but they did it anyway. The commentator however, did not mention the word "vagina". Instead the commentator spoke about the girls putting their arms up "the backside" of the cow!

Now a fully working ranch would need accurate information on the state of pregnancy of the cows. Placing an arm up the cow's backside will not give an accurate reading of pregnancy! There is an enormous difference between a backside and a vagina. One is used for expelling waste, the other is used for brining new life into the world.

I found it most surprising that the commentator seemed coy on this point. At other times during the program various expletives were used without any problem. Yet the commentator could not say "vagina", a plain, unemotional, biologically accurate term. Instead he said the biologically wrong "backside". Why is that? Was he embarrassed by a cow's vagina? Is it more acceptable to swear than to mention female genitals?

VAGINA VAGINA VAGINA VAGINA VAGINA VAGINA VAGINA

Did anything bad happen to you when you read the word vagina?

You may prefer the Sanskrit word "YONI" which means "divine passage" or "place of birth". It implies a respect and sacredness to the special female place. Vagina is a much more clinical word, meaning "sheath". I think vagina is fine for cows, I prefer yoni for women though.]]>Older age sexualitymargaret@artofwoman.com.auNone2007-08-04T20:53:03+10:00http://artofwoman.com.au/files/7a975022abbfe3634c9095bbbcd4d974-13.html#unique-entry-id-13http://artofwoman.com.au/files/7a975022abbfe3634c9095bbbcd4d974-13.html#unique-entry-id-13Virginia Haussagger links women's display of sexual power as a measure of her confidence. That is until she becomes about 40. Why should society be afraid and affronted with female sexuality when that female is past her fertility? What is so threatening about older female sexual power?
Many older women seem to be happy to become immersed in their grandchildren or enjoying a quiet life on their own. However, there are also a significant number of older women (and men) who do not fit this mold and simply refuse to give up their sexuality simply because they are considered by others to be too old.
Take my mother for example. She fell in love at 70 and got married at 71! Yes married. A full wedding. Bride's maids, flower girl, minister, lots of guests and yummy food. The works. Their marriage is an obviously affectionate one and it has given both of them a whole new lease of life. They still hug and enjoy each other's company more than ten years on. I congratulate them.
My family is not the only example of older age sexuality. "The Canberra Times" today, on page B11 under "Adult services" there is an advertisement;
"GROANING GRANNY Sixty+." Then a mobile phone number and rates charged. I wonder what she talks about!!!! I'm glad that she is bold enough to be sexy in her sixties and even advertise the fact! Many older folk have good health and feel just like the rest of us inside. It is terrible loss that older sexuality is so ignored. Many aged care homes do not have double beds for example, or even double rooms. Yet human touch and contact, especially hugs are very soothing and healing. The comfort of a loved and special person can literally mean the difference between life and death when older people are suffering isolation and stress. I would like to encourage any loving relationship, no matter how old the participants are.]]>Men and women equalitymargaret@artofwoman.com.auNone2007-07-19T17:17:05+10:00http://artofwoman.com.au/files/0eda94428ceac50470ce43b7211430ae-12.html#unique-entry-id-12http://artofwoman.com.au/files/0eda94428ceac50470ce43b7211430ae-12.html#unique-entry-id-12Hero rescues girlmargaret@artofwoman.com.auNone2007-06-11T22:12:39+10:00http://artofwoman.com.au/files/098521a79ddbc3f30d4a939a269facb0-11.html#unique-entry-id-11http://artofwoman.com.au/files/098521a79ddbc3f30d4a939a269facb0-11.html#unique-entry-id-11Howl's castle". It is a fun animated fantasy. I found the meeting between Sofi and Howl interesting.]]>Abandoned babymargaret@artofwoman.com.auNone2007-05-19T23:21:02+10:00http://artofwoman.com.au/files/c55fd6e199911e33bcab8e00a9c66d88-10.html#unique-entry-id-10http://artofwoman.com.au/files/c55fd6e199911e33bcab8e00a9c66d88-10.html#unique-entry-id-10Beyond Blue, a depression help organisation, was totally outraged by these comments. See article in The Age.]]>Mother's Daymargaret@artofwoman.com.auNone2007-05-15T22:58:14+10:00http://artofwoman.com.au/files/401c5483153d119db2273128d772434e-9.html#unique-entry-id-9http://artofwoman.com.au/files/401c5483153d119db2273128d772434e-9.html#unique-entry-id-9
"The Virgin Mother", by Damien Hirst.

I'm not sure why Damien Hirst called his sculpture, "The Virgin Mother". Women cannot become a mother when a virgin. Sunday 13th May was Mother's Day in Australia. Mother's Day is a time for remembering all the special things our mothers have done for us. It is a time of families getting together,]]>More photographsmargaret@artofwoman.com.auNone2007-04-23T23:02:36+10:00http://artofwoman.com.au/files/4a6b28878bd80595dd9bc5fa389639cc-8.html#unique-entry-id-8http://artofwoman.com.au/files/4a6b28878bd80595dd9bc5fa389639cc-8.html#unique-entry-id-8gallery page. A special "Thank you" to the management and staff of Lake Jindabyne Hotel who gave me excellent ]]>Sculptor, Tanya Menziesmargaret@artofwoman.com.auNone2007-04-13T11:56:34+10:00http://artofwoman.com.au/files/1f0751a0516defd501804619fe1609ab-7.html#unique-entry-id-7http://artofwoman.com.au/files/1f0751a0516defd501804619fe1609ab-7.html#unique-entry-id-7
"Beaded Nude"
Introducing Tanya Menzies, a sculptor who grew up in country Australia. She has a degree in Graphic Arts from Charles Sturt University. She has worked in the photographic industry and edited and designed the newsletter for Wagga Wagga Art Society.
She has created shimmering sculptures out of wire mesh, decorated with beads that sparkle like jewels. She is inspired by the female form and ideas of motherhood.
Click here to see her work]]>Phoenix Prize for Spiritual Art 2007margaret@artofwoman.com.auNone2007-04-05T09:31:08+10:00http://artofwoman.com.au/files/a8086f247c9f566263787a750174dd78-6.html#unique-entry-id-6http://artofwoman.com.au/files/a8086f247c9f566263787a750174dd78-6.html#unique-entry-id-6Last night was the opening of the Phoenix Prize for Spiritual Art. There were 170 entries and the short listed ones are on exhibition at ANU School of Art Gallery from 5-28 April. It was my honour to photograph my friend, Pete Smith's entry. Gordon Bull, head ANU School of Art, announced last night that Pete Smith has won first prize!!
IMG_6271
Pete Smith (left) with Gordon Bull (right) and "Transfiguration" ]]>Getting dressedmargaret@artofwoman.com.auNone2007-04-03T21:03:40+10:00http://artofwoman.com.au/files/53d3ced504eb46b0334bc1ca9294798a-5.html#unique-entry-id-5http://artofwoman.com.au/files/53d3ced504eb46b0334bc1ca9294798a-5.html#unique-entry-id-5My model rung me to apologise for being late because she needed to shave her legs. She arrived and we did some interesting work. The incident reminded me of a book I have been reading, "Dirt, Undress and Difference - critical perspectives on the body's surface" Adeline Masquelier ed, Indiana University Press 2005.
There is a description of a strip dancer preparing for work. It goes into detail for three pages (96-98). This makes me think about the whole notion of what is dressed and what is undressed and which bits to show and which bits to hide. Certainly the dancer took great care in presenting her body in a particular way. She took longer than most people to get 'dressed' for work!
We all have the right to present our bodies the way we choose.]]>Sexual health and christianity part 2margaret@artofwoman.com.auNone2007-03-27T12:24:10+10:00http://artofwoman.com.au/files/485ba39d5a03d9067a250b1e6f8ed8b2-4.html#unique-entry-id-4http://artofwoman.com.au/files/485ba39d5a03d9067a250b1e6f8ed8b2-4.html#unique-entry-id-4The entry I wrote yesterday was about a guest speaker that visited my church. The usual preaching at my church allows much more room for individual thought and for God to guide and direct. The sermons emphasise christian morality and integrity..........]]>Sexual health and Christianitymargaret@artofwoman.com.auNone2007-03-26T11:12:47+10:00http://artofwoman.com.au/files/faa096cfd1c8383150314272aa9cee8b-3.html#unique-entry-id-3http://artofwoman.com.au/files/faa096cfd1c8383150314272aa9cee8b-3.html#unique-entry-id-3Safe sex is a health issue. People can become very ill and die from lack of knowledge in this area. Lack of knowledge also leads to further transmission and even more people suffering. To have knowledge that can protect against deadly diseases and to withhold that knowledge is morally irresponsible. ]]>Male menstruationmargaret@artofwoman.com.auNone2007-03-15T10:04:49+11:00http://artofwoman.com.au/files/3909918e533c010efebdd82cfc067afb-2.html#unique-entry-id-2http://artofwoman.com.au/files/3909918e533c010efebdd82cfc067afb-2.html#unique-entry-id-2New Scientist magazine, 9 December 2006, page 16, has a short article about males having a version of the menstrual cycle! How amazing is that! It talks about males having fluctuating fertility and sperm production. I wonder if further research will show that many species have these fluctuations. Certainly many species have a specific fertile 'season'. The range of sexual and reproductive strategies in the natural world amaze me.]]>New Endometriosos clinic in Canberramargaret@artofwoman.com.auNone2007-03-09T14:16:11+11:00http://artofwoman.com.au/files/eae6634187891eef8ebe53ec3c69dccc-1.html#unique-entry-id-1http://artofwoman.com.au/files/eae6634187891eef8ebe53ec3c69dccc-1.html#unique-entry-id-1The Canberra Times has a short note about a new Endometriosis Clinic opening in Canberra, Australia. This will improve the health and reduce suffering for many women. Women of all reproductive ages can have this debilitating and often painful condition. It can reduce fertility and certainly affects a woman's productivity. Now women can get treatment more easily in Canberra.
Story is written up in IBN news]]>