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Mother’s Day Midweek Post Week 8 – Outstanding Women – Georgia O'Keeffe

Georgia O'Keeffe: A Visionary of American Modernism

Georgia O'Keeffe, an iconic figure in American Modernism, is renowned for her unique and mesmerizing interpretations of nature, skyscrapers, and landscapes. Her innovative artistry and indomitable spirit carved her a distinct niche in a domain predominantly dominated by male artists. O'Keeffe's life was a tapestry of bold choices, profound introspection, and a relentless pursuit of artistic purity and authenticity.

Intune with Nature

Born on November 15, 1887, in Sun Prairie, Wisconsin, O'Keeffe grew up with a profound affinity for the natural world. This connection would deeply influence her work throughout her life. Her journey into the world of art began at a young age, driven by an innate passion and honed by formal education at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and the Art Students League in New York.

Early Gallery  

It was in 1916, however, that O'Keeffe's work came into the spotlight when her drawings caught the attention of the influential photographer and art dealer Alfred Stieglitz. Stieglitz not only provided O'Keeffe with her first gallery show but also became her lifelong mentor, collaborator, and, eventually, her husband. This relationship, though complex, was pivotal, as Stieglitz's ceaseless promotion and support of her work played a significant role in establishing her career.

O'Keeffe's art was revolutionary, characterized by its bold and innovative abstraction. She possessed a unique ability to distill and magnify the essence of her subject matter, whether it was the delicate nuances of a flower or the stark, imposing lines of a New York skyscraper. Her paintings of flowers, bones, shells, stones, and landscapes are not mere representations; they are profound, evocative explorations of shape and color, light, and shadow.

Desert Transformation

In the early 1930s, O'Keeffe's work underwent a significant transformation, marked by her first visit to New Mexico. The vast, stark beauty of the American Southwest deeply moved her. Its sprawling landscapes, the stark skeletons of the desert's creatures, and the rich palette of its earth and sky found profound expression in her work. New Mexico became her spiritual and creative home, a place she returned to annually until making it her permanent residence in 1949 after Stieglitz's death. 

O'Keeffe's New Mexico period is perhaps her most prolific and celebrated. Her paintings from this time reflect a deep, intimate engagement with the land and its elements. The stark bones against the vibrant sky, the rugged, desolate beauty of the desert landscape, and the mystical quality of its light and color are captured in her work with a purity and intensity that is unmistakably O'Keeffe.

Defy the Norm

Throughout her long career, O'Keeffe continually defied the conventions of her time, charting her own course in a male-dominated art world. Her work was not just a reflection of her inner world but also a bold statement of independence and individuality. In her later years, even as her eyesight failed, O'Keeffe's indomitable spirit drove her to continue creating, using clay and sculpture to express her artistic vision.

Georgia O'Keeffe's legacy extends far beyond her extensive body of work. She is celebrated not only for her profound contributions to American art but also for her role as a pioneer who opened the path for women in the arts. Her life stands as a testament to the power of artistic vision, the importance of connection to the natural world, and the unyielding courage to live and create authentically. Her life reminds us that art is not just a mirror to nature but a lens through which the soul's deepest narratives are revealed and explored.

I was privileged to see her work in person earlier this month at the Smithsonian American Art Museum 

Georgia is not the only one who loves flowers and incorporates them into their work. All of these fantastic artists include flowers into their handmade items like the ones below. Shop for flowers for Mother's Day with something unique. 

Handmade Lampwork Glass Lentil Bead Set

Cover Girl Beads

Handmade Lampwork Glass Lentil Bead Set, Black Blue Flowers Shiny

Artisan Lampwork Pendant Vintage Milky Quartz Gemstones & Crystals

Magdalene Jewels 

Artisan Lampwork Pendant Vintage Milky Quartz Gemstones & Crystals image 1

Royal Blue Tulip Bead Earrings

Beads N' Tabs

Royal Blue Tulip Bead Earrings

Moms Love, Friends Heart Keychain

Vintage Style Treasures

Moms Love, Friends Heart Keychain, Handmade Mothers Day Gift

Peridot Crystal Jewelry, August Birthstone Tree of Life Necklace

LinorStoreDesigns 

Peridot Crystal Jewelry, August Birthstone Tree of Life Necklace with Sterling Silver Chain image 1

Let Love Grow Succulent Thank You Favor Stickers for Wedding Baby Shower Party

Adore by Nat

Hand Painted Flower Pendant Lapis Lazuli White Jade Sterling Silver Necklace Earrings Set 

RivendellRocksSedona

Hand Painted Flower Pendant Lapis Lazuli White Jade Sterling Silver Necklace Earrings Set Forget-Me-Nots image 1

Bright Yellow, Blue And Bronze Seed Bead Hoop Earrings With Flowers

The Singing Beader 

Hoop flower and seed bead earrings in Ukraine's colors of bright yellow and blue.  I also added some bronze.  Ear wires are antiqued brass lever backs.   Hoops 33 mm x 30 mm.  Length of earrings 2 1/8  inches. Czech flower bead 12 mm

Flowers Birds Boho Earrings

Shadow Dog Designs

boho birds flowers jewelry gift for her

Tropical Bird of Paradise, 11 x 15 watercolor print

WatercolorsNmore

Tropical Bird of Paradise, 11 x 15 watercolor print, RTobaison WatercolorsNmore Home Decor, Decorative art, Florida image 1

Bearded Collie Lover Coffee Mug 15oz

The Hairy Dog Store 

If you don't see what you're looking for, then ask an artist. I'm sure they will be happy to design something special for your loved one. 

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Read about more outstanding women here:

Sandra Day O'Connor

Barbara Jordan 

Grace Hopper

Shirley Jackson 

Sojourner Truth

Wilma Rudolph 

Shirley Chisholm 

When you shop handmade, you help us keep our money in our communities and keep other small businesses moving forward. Thank you for your support! Please share this post with everyone on the internet. :)

Julie and the Hairy Harry Dog.



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  • Suzanne Coral Hughes on

    I have loved O’Keefe’s art since the first piece I saw many years ago. Thak you for sharing more information about this great artist.
    Thank you also for including my necklace and earring set. Your curation of handmade artisan work is in the spirit of this wonderful creative genius.

  • Catherine on

    Georgia O’Keefe has always fascinated me both her life and her art. Whenever we go to Santa Fe, we always have to stop at the Georgia O’Keefe museum to enjoy many of her paintings. Mesmerizing work! Thanks so much for featuring her. And thanks for including my flowers & birds earrings along with all the other beautiful flower pieces. Will pin and schedule tweets. Treats to the Handsome Hairy Boy from the Moose on the Balcony!



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