I have always wanted my art to service my people - to reflect us, to relate to us, to stimulate us, to make us aware of our potential. We have to create an art for liberation and for life.
Elizabeth CatlettRead
I wanted to show the history and strength of all kinds of black women. Working women, country women, urban women, great women in the history of the United States.
Interpretation
The quote highlights the diverse experiences and contributions of Black women throughout history.
Elizabeth Catlett emphasizes the importance of showcasing the multifaceted roles and strengths of Black women in American history, ranging from working women to those who have made significant contributions in various spheres. This reflection serves to honor their resilience and achievements, advocating for recognition and appreciation of their diverse identities and contributions.
In practice
During a Women's History Month event, this quote can be used to highlight the achievements of Black women.
I have always wanted my art to service my people - to reflect us, to relate to us, to stimulate us, to make us aware of our potential. We have to create an art for liberation and for life.
For a long time, I bought into the idea that if you are a woman who is a storyteller and a lover of movies, then the best way to express that is as an actress. Obviously, there are women my age who are directors who didn't buy into that idea, but I did - and now I've broken that down inside myself.
Landscape is to American painting what sex and psychoanalysis are to the American novel.
I make it clear why I write as I do and why other poets write as they do. After hundreds of experiments I decided to go my own way in style and see what would happen.
The greatest sin for a writer is to be boring.
Art is too serious to be taken seriously.
Major writing is to say what has been seen, so that it need never be said again.
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