"From the critically acclaimed artist, designer, and author of the bestsellers The Principles of Uncertainty and My Favorite Things comes a wondrous collection of words and paintings that is a moving meditation on the beauty and complexity of women’s lives and roles, revealed in the things they hold.
“What do women hold? The home and the family. And the children and the food. The friendships. The work. The work of the world. And the work of being human. The memories. And the troubles. And the sorrows and the triumphs. And the love.”
In the spring of 2021, Maira and Alex Kalman created a small, limited-edition booklet “Women Holding Things,” which featured select recent paintings by Maira, accompanied by her insightful and deeply personal commentary. The booklet quickly sold out. Now, the Kalmans have expanded that original publication into this extraordinary visual compendium.
Women Holding Things includes the bright, bold images featured in the booklet as well as an additional sixty-seven new paintings highlighted by thoughtful and intimate anecdotes, recollections, and ruminations. Most are portraits of women, both ordinary and famous, including Virginia Woolf, Sally Hemings, Hortense Cezanne, Gertrude Stein, as well as Kalman’s family members and other real-life people. These women hold a range of objects, from the mundane—balloons, a cup, a whisk, a chicken, a hat—to the abstract—dreams and disappointments, sorrow and regret, joy and love."
I have had the above quote sitting here in an unpublished post since March. Last night as I lay in bed unable to sleep I thought about what women hold. It isn't always beautiful, like a balloon or a bouquet of flowers. Sometimes holding things is messy. I may be holding together a broken heart or being the strength for your family when things are falling apart. It isn't easy. I wanted to share beautiful pictures of women holding things, but all I could think of was the messy part of what we as women must hold.
What encouraged the thinking last night was seeing a cartoon of three men in suits and three women dressed for the office getting ready to run a race. In the tracks where the men would run it was clear sailing. Where the women were to run there were hurdles of such things as doing the laundry, cooking meals, caring for the children and much more. They took on the challenge, yes; but the way was cluttered with detours and obstacles. Yet, they persevered.
I know, this is a lot to read; but it is to say sometimes it is hard for me to even be here at Delights of the Heart. I keep persevering, even though the hurdles are great. I get so weary. So right now I am weary, but thank you for being here to encourage me to focus on delights, joys and kindness. Looking back at my pictures of the past week the only thing I could see is flowers and one dear grandson with more cats in the city. We found 7 cats yesterday. There are sorrows and regrets, but I am going to keep on focusing on those delights.
How are you doing, dear friends? Are you holding an armful of messy? Hoping that there are a few beautiful, delightful things popping up in your week.
Sending love,
Marilyn
3 comments:
What a special post this is, Marilyn. That cat is something else, and I think it's one of my favorites of all the cats you've shown. I'm sorry you're weary lately. We all go through that sometimes, but focusing on the delights, like you said, surely lifts us up. I love the title, women holding things. We hold so many things in our arms and our hearts. Too many to count actually. But we are still here doing it every single day. : )
~Sheri
Dear Marilyn,
I am so sorry to read of the heaviness you are currently carrying. I will add you to my prayers. Keep persevering. Thank you for sharing your world and thoughts with us.
hugs,
Lorrie
Oh Marilyn, I hear you. And I hope some of your heaviness will ease soon and in a good way. I understand so well the feelings you describe for they represent my "summer horribilus" in many ways. And it makes us so very tired, doesn't it, trying to be the ones who hold it together, keep smiling on the outside, being the cheerful ones or capable or whatever we think we need to be. Right now, we hold onto the messy. I really think I must find this book. It sounds remarkable in many ways and I thank you for introducing it to me. But more than that, I thank you for your open honesty and send love and hope across the miles that things will ease for you soon.
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