My mother told me good My mother told me strong. She said "Be true to yourself And you can't go wrong." Eurythmics

Happy International Women's Day

Must watch music video of Missionary Man!!

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In celebration of International Women’s Day I decided to share a bonus post of some amazing women who have influenced my life and art.

Top 10 in no particular order. Each have held the spotlight at one time or another. You know what they told us in girl scouts…’Make new friends’ and all of that…Here’s a nod to those both silver and gold.

1. Annie Lennox- She was with me as I was deciding what kind of girl I was and what kind of woman I wanted to become. If you know me from back then you may see how she rubbed off. I’ll never get enough!!

   

   Check out her music and her activism, particularly her work with The Circle, founded by Annie Lennox in 2008. The Circle is inspired by the notion that when women come together and organize, they can be a powerful force for change.

2. Frida Kahlo Mexican painter known for her many portraits, self-portraits, and works inspired by the nature and artifacts of Mexico.

   

3. Kara Walker- American ontemporary painter, silhouettist, print-maker, installation artist, filmmaker, and professor who explores race, gender, sexuality, violence, and identity in her work. She is best known for her room-size tableaux of black cut-paper silhouettes.

   

4. Jenny Holzer- American neo-conceptual artist, based in Hoosick, New York. The main focus of her work is the delivery of words and ideas in public spaces and includes large-scale installations, advertising billboards, projections on buildings and other structures, and illuminated electronic displays.

   

5. Exene Cervenka American singer, artist, and poet. She is best known for her work as a singer in the California punk rock band X.

   

6. Janet Echelman- American sculptor and fiber artist. Her sculptures have been displayed as public art, often as site-specific installations.

   

7. Michelle Obama- American attorney and author who served as the first lady of the United States from 2009 to 2017. She was the first African-American woman to serve in this position. (7.5 artist Amy Sherald for painting Michelle Obama’s portrait as well as many other favorite paintings).

   

8. Mary Oliver- American poet inspired by nature, rather than the human world, stemming from her lifelong passion for solitary walks in the wild.

   Listen: The Summer Day

   

9. Kimiko Nishimoto Brazilian-born Japanese photographer and internet celebrity who discovered photography at the age of 72. She was previously a hairdresser, track cyclist, and homemaker.

   

10. Bonnie Raitt- American blues singer, guitarist, songwriter, and activist

Bonnie Raitt performs as part of Stop War in El Salvador Benefit at the Civic Center on June 14, 1989 in San Francisco. Tim Mosenfelder/Getty Images

I feel inspired just looking at this amazing list of women. It was a tough challenge to limit my list to 10. Do you have a woman that inspires you? Share her name in the comments for me to check out!

Girls RULE,