#5WomenArtists
As part of International Women’s Day 2022 members of ArtCan Org are focusing on Women Artists with their #5womenartists features.
Pairs of female artists have been connected and asked to interview each other, answering 5 key questions about their practice in relation to International Women’s Day.
My partner is the wonderful multimedia artist Svetlana Atlavina (@atlavina), whose ceramic work I adore, feminine curves and organic forms, the pure physicality of clay.
Thank you to Catherine Fenton for connecting us…
How does the word “feminine” make you feel?
Rebecca Tucker
‘Feminine’ to me means strength and solidarity. To be a woman is to be part of a group that allows emotional depth to be combined with personality and identity. I am fortunate to have never felt undermined for being a woman, in either of my careers as a business owner or as an artist, but I recognise that I am probably in the minority and because of that women still need to stand strong and proud together.
Svetlana Atlavina
The word ‘feminine’ makes me feel strong and tender at the same time.
The meaning represents an ethical category of tenderness, fragility, sincerity and fidelity. It follows the fluidity of mother love, women's devotion and the power of invisible relations. Throughout centuries women in my culture are praised with a famous saying: 'A run-away horse she will master, Walk straight to a house that's aflame.' With great sadness, I will add that the current situation in Ukraine makes many brave women bring these words back to life.
What historical woman, real or mythical would you want to meet?
Rebecca Tucker
God, I’m so bad at History, it’s primary level at best. It would be very interesting to meet each of Henry VIII’s wives and see how close they are to the caricatures we see of them in modern day film and TV. Or Jane Austen to see if she was as witty in real life as she is in her writing.
Svetlana Atlavina
Well, meeting a historical woman could be an interesting exercise while walking along the river or in the forest. I would have an imaginary dialogue with Boudica to find out how she managed to be a leader of a strong army of men many centuries ago. The second woman I would interview is Valentina Tereshkova who flew in space and undergone tremendous physical exercises along with the strongest men.
What woman/women have been role models for you?
Rebecca Tucker
My friends mean a great deal to me. From a school friend who I see less than I’d like but when we do it’s like we saw each other the day before, to a university friend who I travelled the world with (and will again some day), to two friends I have known all through my working career and who feed my creativity, one of whom I am still in business with today, to a group of friends formed when I had children.
Then of course, my mum and my sister.
Each and every one of these women means the world to me and will on a daily basis display qualities that I aspire to have.
Svetlana Atlavina
My role model is my Fine Arts degree tutor Veronique Chance. I witness Veronique's devotion to students. She gave us encouragement alongside many tutorials which helped us to cope with the load of the degree and personal issues. Years after graduation we are friends and her calls means a lot to me. Veronique cared about us during the COVID pandemics with support and motivation. I always admire the toughness, fragility and ambiguity of Louise Bourgeois's art. It helps me to position my compass when starting a new project or trying to find fragility in the chain of events.
However, at the top is the support of my Mum, her wisdom and friendship helped me remotely to cope with many tough situations and decisions.
International Women’s Day theme 2022 is “break the bias”, is there a place, group, space where you feel valued and free from bias?
Rebecca Tucker
I am sure all ArtCan artists will say this, but as far as my painting life is concerned, I genuinely value the support and opportunities that ArtCan brings me.
A group of like-minded, creative, knowledgeable women (and men), many of whom I would now consider friends.
Svetlana Atlavina
Since the COVID pandemic, I and a few art colleagues organised an international supportive art group Experimental Space Collective which has been existed for two years, now. The artist-led group meets every Monday, we create, discuss, have workshops, participate in virtual and physical exhibitions, but most important we support and care for each other.
ArtCan is an organisation that I value and respect. Numerous opportunities, meetings and initiatives provide valuable support for all kinds of artists and art lovers. The basic principle of volunteering develops friendships and professional relationships beyond any biases.
What 5 words describe your work?
Rebecca Tucker
Intuitive, painterly, calming, meditative, evolving
Svetlana Atlavina
Maternal, intimate, ambiguous, feministic, spontaneous
For more information on Rebecca Tucker’s work go to her Instagram feed here…
For more information on Svetlana’s work go to her Instagram feed here…
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