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Rona Maynard's avatar

Fascinating. Jessie Willcox Smith and the Red Rose Girls are well represented at the Museum of the American Arts and Crafts Movement in St. Petersburg, Florida. Perhaps ypur mother is too, as a model. I thought I subscribed to you some time ago, and would have missed this post if not for Ann Kennedy Smith.

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Lisa Maguire's avatar

This is a great piece that has me thinking of all the interconnected women in my family, and in others. Some women did (and do not) have the opportunity to put their stamp on the world but have lived on through those they have raised, mentored, or educated. A great topic for a family history project. And these are incredible photos.

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Victoria Olsen's avatar

Thanks! Yes, that interconnectedness is what I was trying to convey. I'm glad that came across.

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Lori Olson White's avatar

The piece brought me to that same journey, looking back at the women in my family and others who continue to live in my choices and decisions. Another thoughtful piece, @Victoria Olsen.

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Victoria Olsen's avatar

Thank you! It’s really a communal project, isn’t it?

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Jeffrey Streeter's avatar

This is beautiful, Victoria. It's so rich in content and feeling. I especially enjoyed reading about your grandmother.

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Victoria Olsen's avatar

Thank you.

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jodi {diaryofaladytraveler}'s avatar

This was so lovely, Victoria - particularly that last paragraph! ❤️

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Victoria Olsen's avatar

Thank you! I feel like the piece kind of drifted away from its start but I wanted to fit it all in. I’m glad the ending worked for you. 😁

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Ann Kennedy Smith's avatar

Fascinating post Victoria, with such beautiful images - you write so well about the history of women! Love your idea of ‘a continuous line of women making art with and for each other, from their own lives, bodies, and sometimes from the very conventions that constrained them.’

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Victoria Olsen's avatar

Thanks, Ann. That means a lot coming from you! I haven't had much chance to write about the women in my family yet, but hope to fit that in. Or a new project!

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Ann Kennedy Smith's avatar

My pleasure, Victoria. I can see that it could make a very interesting new project, if you can fit it in. I really liked the way that you wrote about the Julia Cameron exhibition with the modern photographer whose name I’ve forgotten).

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Victoria Olsen's avatar

Thanks, Rona! I haven’t done a thorough search for my grandmother’s photos by any means so there’s more to do.

And I’ve been reading your pieces avidly—as well as Ann’s. They are treats.

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