Pieces of Me by

Venus of Willendorf

gkbrady1 — 2023-12-04 16:20:15 UTC

I choose to use the original name (Venus) instead of Woman because this particular piece, and pieces like it, speak of the divine feminine in all women. It is a celebration of the fullness of what a woman is; body, spirit, capability, and compassion. Goddess.

Veneration of the female form exists at all levels of human occupation on this planet. I have to believe it's because we all know, deep down, that life doesn't exist without us.

Marble Female Figure

gkbrady1 — 2023-12-04 17:01:35 UTC

Something happened between the caves and the farming villages; the depictions became over-simplified and geometric. With the introduction of perspective and mathematical scaling, we see a more "logical" approach to rendering forms. I'm including this piece because it is the opposite of joyful fullness. To me, it screams patriarchy. The minimalization of feminine features mirrors the minimalization of a woman's place in the power of the world. While I can appreciate the new approach, I am less than thrilled by the result.

Peplos Kore

gkbrady1 — 2023-12-04 17:14:47 UTC

Throughout the Mycenean and Egyptian eras, women were featured less and less as the power of men was exalted. By the time of the ancients Greeks, when men were being depicted in all their anatomical magnificence, the women were now fully covered; their bodies only vaguely hinted at under layers of folds and flowing fabrics. As the aggressive power of men overwhelmed history, women literally faded from view.

Brunelleschi's Dome

gkbrady1 — 2023-12-04 17:38:04 UTC

In my opinion, true art happens when one brings into existence something that has never happened before. Brunelleschi did exactly that with the building of this dome. He literally invented the equipment and processes that would enable his vision to become reality. I'm in awe of his confidence, his perseverance, and his dedication to seeing this project to completion. When no one believes in you, the path forward is hard.