Julia Adams - Writers and Artists

CONTENTS

Laverne Cox (page 34)

AWESOME WOMEN

The course of history is packed with stories of women overcoming odds, defying expectations, and shattering stereotypes. Yet, all too often, their contribution has been overlooked, underplayed, or just forgotten.

Melba Liston (page 19)

Many cultures have believed (or still believe) that women do not need an education, cannot be trusted with leadership, are physically inferior, and are intellectually weak. Men have been privileged, and this means that they have been the worlds default decision-makers and history writers. Women, however, have been achieving greatness even when everything seemed against them.

Grace Cossington Smith (page 37)

The writers and artists in this book are by no means the definitive list of female historymakers, nor are they perfect and without fault, but they are pioneers who stood out, made a difference, and proved without a doubt that they were just as capable as men. Their contributions, both to their field and as an inspiration to others, are worthy of celebration. And that is what this book aims to do.

Frida Kahlo (page 24)

ARTISTS AND WRITERS

Art is part of being human. It includes visual arts, such as painting, photography, and film; literary arts, including novels, poems, and plays; and performing arts, such as music, drama, and dance. In all its forms, art helps us to explore our identity and express feelings and big ideas.

Angelina Jolie (page 17)

Great artists can be men or women, but in many cultures success has been easier for men. Women authors have even chosen to write under male names to increase their chance of being published and read. George Eliots real name, for example, was Mary Ann Evans.

Virginia Woolf (page 23)

Being poor can make it harder to be an artist. Having music lessons, going to the ballet, or being able to access lots of books all cost money. As a result, the arts can lack voices from their most disadvantaged members but thankfully there are exceptions. The women in this book are writers, poets, singers, musicians, designers, painters, and actors. Many of them came to their art because they needed to express themselves and their position in society. Being an artist and an activist often go hand in hand. Women have harnessed the power of art to comment on society, challenge wrong or harmful ideas, and nudge or catapult us toward change.

Zaha Hadid (page 40)

MAKING HISTORY

In the past, it was usual for men to be educated to a high degree, and women were only educated enough to make interesting conversation in company. Women were often taught music and painting, but only as an entertainment, not an art form. Many women, however, stand out in the past for going above and beyond their education and what was usual at the time they lived.

JANE AUSTEN

(1775 1817)

S ince the 19th century, Jane Austen has been one of Britains most popular novelists. Her works, which include Pride and Prejudice and Emma, have been turned into films and television series many times. Janes witty words described life for women in the middle and upper classes and drew out truths that are still relevant to this day.

Jane grew up in a close, happy family, with seven brothers and sisters. Her own experiences and the lives of her family informed her writing. Jane wrote stories, sketches, and poems from a young age, and when she had written her first novel, Sense and Sensibility, her brother helped her to get it published. Four novels were published in her lifetime, and two after her death. They were all published anonymously, simply By a Lady.

LEONTYNE PRICE

(b.1927)

S oprano singer Leontyne Price was the first African American to be a leading artist at the Metropolitan Opera in New York City. She had to overcome many obstacles. Leontynes 1961 debut at the Met was greeted with more than 40 minutes of nonstop applause.

Leontyne grew up in a small town in Mississippi at a time when society was still segregated by race. Her mother sang in church and took her to a concert by a great contralto singer. From that moment, Leontyne knew she wanted to be a singer.

Leontyne first appeared on stage in 1957, and was then central to the opening in 1966 of the new Met theater. She continued to sing opera until 1985 when she retired, but continued to give concerts. She even appeared in a film about the Metropolitan Opera House at the age of 90.