Linda Barlow
  • Home
  • About
  • Textiles
  • Paint
  • Other Projects
  • Animation
  • Blog
  • Sales
  • Contact

New Project: "Searching For The Invisible Woman"

21/5/2014

23 Comments

 
Picture

I'm excited to be starting a new research-based project which will look at how middle-aged women respond to their changing identity in a youth obsessed culture.

The baby boomer generation is the first to challenge the perceptions of mid and older age. We certainly weren't going to be like our mothers, all beige and crimplene and blue rinses. But who then to look to as role models?

We are brought up with negative models of older women, and these childhood images of older women stick. I am still haunted by Bronte's mad Bertha in the attic, the bizarre actions of the Old Woman Who Swallowed a Fly and the sheer unkindness of the endless mother-in-law jokes of the so-called 70's comedians. Hardly inspirational.

But in reality the middle aged women of my childhood were a force to be reckoned with. They gondola'd through the neighbourhood in their mud coloured gaberdines and leatherette shopping bags, doling out advice that was invariably heeded lest they find out otherwise. They didn't care what other people thought of them or how they appeared. The only time I ever heard the word "diet" was when they speculated in hushed tones whether Nellie would "die-at" th'ospital or at 'ome.
They were confident and respected. They certainly weren't invisible or appear worried as so many middle aged women claim to feel today.

Middle age is a time of great change in the lives of many women, children leaving home re-defining the role as a parent, relationships sometimes becoming tired (divorce is high in this age group). Women are still responsible for the majority of caring roles in society and personal dreams are often dashed or put on hold by the expectation that they will care for aging relatives. 

However, this can also present an opportunity for re-inventing oneself. Post menopausal women often report increased energy levels and many over 50's women are starting their own businesses, carving out new careers for themselves once family responsibilities are out of the way.

I want to know about your experience! If you are in your 40's, 50's or 60's (or even a bit either side) please complete the following questionnaire. The results will inform a series of wall-hung textile collages which will be exhibited in August 2015, and hopefully, a short animation.

I look forward to hearing from you!

You can keep up to date with news of the project by visiting the website:

http://searchingfortheinvisiblewoman.weebly.com/


http://searchingfortheinvisiblewoman.weebly.com/
Create your free online surveys with SurveyMonkey , the world's leading questionnaire tool.
23 Comments
Cathy Cattle
21/5/2014 02:43:32 am

Reply
Lyn Holloway
21/5/2014 02:46:52 am

Reply
Gill Boyle
21/5/2014 03:36:41 am

Reply
Pat Mallett
21/5/2014 03:58:08 am

Reply
Kristin Freeman
21/5/2014 04:17:47 am

As I enter the world of the older women I have found much support and positive regard for my life, my story, my knowledge and my voice as a writer and an artist

Reply
Lyn Smolenska
21/5/2014 04:52:22 am

I now feel free from so many constraints, able to do what I want, when I want. The wonder and utter love that grandchildren bring to my life is amazing - and I am so privileged to be part of their lives. There's old'uns around, but although they may need a helping hand at times, they are also enjoying freedom to do so much more than in previous generations. For me, popping off to Rome for a long weekend is now achievable ! All clichés here, but I'm happy!

Reply
TC
21/5/2014 05:49:32 am

Reply
Jennifer Williams link
21/5/2014 06:03:56 am

Reply
cathy daniel link
21/5/2014 07:13:48 am

Reply
Jarna
21/5/2014 01:47:43 pm

Reply
Christina
21/5/2014 03:54:03 pm

This is a great project, best of luck with it.

As a 65-year-old with several debilitating illnesses including one disabling one, I wish my life could have been different. I would like the freedoms you talk about which I would have had apart from my body. My mind thinks 'young, OK' but the body has other ideas. I still make art, read, do puzzles to keep my brain active, visit galleries etc, so all is not lost.

Reply
Georgina
22/5/2014 05:35:00 am

Reply
kim payne
22/5/2014 03:39:02 pm

Reply
Charlie
22/5/2014 03:48:09 pm

I'm having a premature menopause whilst trying to adopt - it's hellish most days and the mood swings are terrifying!

I stopped caring what people thought of me a few years ago but the judgement associated with the adoption process utterly goes against this which I feel adds to my internal burden.


Can't wait to reach the age when I can just sit and sew/crochet :)

Reply
Samantha Parkin
22/5/2014 04:08:22 pm

Can't wait to see the outcome of this survey.

Reply
Rosemary
22/5/2014 04:27:07 pm

Interesting project looking forward to hearing/seeing the outcome particularly perceptions of "invisibility"

Reply
Lucy
22/5/2014 06:14:09 pm

Reply
Nancy Latham
23/5/2014 02:17:02 am

I look forward to updates on the progress of your project and the finished works, of course.

Reply
Diane link
24/5/2014 05:15:29 pm

Reply
deasy
25/5/2014 06:50:27 pm

Reply
jenny b
25/5/2014 08:20:58 pm

good luck with your project

Reply
Tina Potter
30/5/2014 10:36:31 pm

i believe i am more respected and accepted by younger people today than i accepted and respected older people when i was young.

i seem to get stuck on Q3, is that all there is on this questionnaire? i cant get the page to scroll down????? usually surveymonkey has a next button?

Reply
Jackie Venus
19/6/2014 11:07:47 pm

Looking forward to the results of this survey! Sounds like exciting work to be accomplished.

Reply



Leave a Reply.

    Author

    I am happiest stitching, dyeing, painting and printing in my shed. I walk on the coast path to think. I'm told I should blog to keep my website alive, so here goes.....

    Archives

    December 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    September 2014
    August 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014
    November 2013
    August 2013
    June 2013
    March 2013
    September 2012
    July 2012
    June 2012
    May 2012
    April 2012

    Categories

    All
    Artist
    Europe
    Maker
    Quilts
    Quilt Shows

    RSS Feed

Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.