Friday, March 6, 2009

Art Show Opening Tonight


Expressing ourselves whether by word or paint is basically putting ourselves out there for the world to see, to judge and to comment. When I worked in the investment and banking industry in the more conservative Midwest, I knew I had to keep my political opinions to myself. I remember as an officer at the banks I worked for that we received once a year a card to sign with our Fair Share printed on it for the United Appeal. If you were smart, you signed your card and accepted the fact that it was a form of "job insurance" and that it was a good idea to keep your head down because this was not the time to be recognized as sticking out. So, while you keep your opinions and your feelings to yourself, you nevertheless have your own opinions about the way society is run and the political polices that affect your life. By 1988, I had been working with bonds and other investment securities for 20 years, my children were older, and I was no longer coaching soccer. I had time to express my ideas and feelings in paint about the conservative society in which I lived. My political art started in 1988 and has continued to the present. Tonight I am participating in an art show with four other artists. My work is both political and social in content. I do not paint just pretty pictures. I am looking forward to seeing my friends and perhaps meeting a few new people. Cincinnati, like any city in America, is changing every day. So, perhaps they are more ready for my political art in 2009 than they were in 1992. I hope so.

Stay tuned.

4 comments:

Unknown said...

I hope so, too, Fred. Break a leg.

moneythoughts said...

Thanks Lou. And I am glad you didn't say break an arm. :)

Betty said...

I had similar feelings about my political opinions when I worked for the big, multinational accounting firm in the 80's. I wasn't so good at keeping all of my opinions to myself. Because I was just a young, pipsqueak of a woman, though, they simply patted my head and told me I was cute.

Now that I am self employed, I enjoy political discourse with my Republican clients. If they fire me, so be it. So far, none of them have.

I'm looking forward to seeing your work. From what I gather from your blog, most of your political opinions mirror my own. I wonder if my reactions to your work would be different if that were not the case. Have you noticed a difference in reaction from your like minded friends vs. those who do not share your viewpoints?

WetPaint said...

I hope it goes smashingly! Sending hugs! Takes lots of pictures, and post some!

Kristine