Mythocentric
Extraordinary
The best inspiration for an artist is other artists and their work, so who stands out in your mind. To start the ball rolling these are the three who, for me, stand out head and shoulders above the rest! All female, all Surrealists and all very unique individuals.
First up is Leonora Carrington, a local lass (from Lancashire) and debutante who escaped the restricted and stultifying life she was expected to live to become very much her own woman. She appears in this video with Joanna Moorhead, a relative, who sought her out when she discovered that she was practically unknown in her native land whilst becoming one of the most recognised and enduring Surrealists to the rest of the world. Her work is often steeped in hermeticism and the esoteric traditions. There is an excellent book by Joanna Moorhead based on the interviews about her life called 'The Surreal Life of Leonora Carrington'.
Next up is Dorothea Tanning, an American who, like Leonora Carrington was once married to Max Ernst, and like Carrington, eventually outstripped him. A prolific artist who with her many talents produced paintings, poetry, novels, set designs and clothing together with what became known as 'soft sculpture'. She was still working when she died at the age of 101 years!
Finally, another prolific artist in the form of Leonor Fini from Argentina. Although a Surrealist at heart she is known for her ability to introduce the concept of Realism (a school which originated in South America) into her work, which frequently gives her paintings, which often depict strong women, a richness and vibrancy all of their own!
First up is Leonora Carrington, a local lass (from Lancashire) and debutante who escaped the restricted and stultifying life she was expected to live to become very much her own woman. She appears in this video with Joanna Moorhead, a relative, who sought her out when she discovered that she was practically unknown in her native land whilst becoming one of the most recognised and enduring Surrealists to the rest of the world. Her work is often steeped in hermeticism and the esoteric traditions. There is an excellent book by Joanna Moorhead based on the interviews about her life called 'The Surreal Life of Leonora Carrington'.
Next up is Dorothea Tanning, an American who, like Leonora Carrington was once married to Max Ernst, and like Carrington, eventually outstripped him. A prolific artist who with her many talents produced paintings, poetry, novels, set designs and clothing together with what became known as 'soft sculpture'. She was still working when she died at the age of 101 years!
Finally, another prolific artist in the form of Leonor Fini from Argentina. Although a Surrealist at heart she is known for her ability to introduce the concept of Realism (a school which originated in South America) into her work, which frequently gives her paintings, which often depict strong women, a richness and vibrancy all of their own!