Wobbly Parts in Art
(c) Kal Barteski 2008
One of my favorite sites is Manolo for the Big Girl, because these are funny ladies, and one of my favorite weekly features is their Big Girls in Art series. They make me happy every time, but this time, especially so. Check out Kal Barteski who calls herself the “bulletproof positive attitude artist.” Her work is amazing, and her body-image series especially stunning.
She wrote, about the painting above:
I drew an accurate version of my body - and I disliked it - I fought with some creative block and pushed through it. When it was done - I really, really loved it. It was beautiful. Maybe so am I… This painting is on vellum with a magazine page tucked neatly behind it… transparent and complicated - like body issues. It’s beautiful.
I think Barteski’s whole attitude is beautiful. Check out her art and her LoveLife project, too. She’s contagious. In a good, not itchy kind of way.
Posted by jenfu
*sigh* To this day, I still flinch when I see any wobble-related words. My first boyfriend told me he hated having sex with me on top because everything wobbled.
Still, the dreaded “w-word” aside, I kinda like that piece. It’s different and the woman looks a little like me (but with smaller thighs).
See, I’m trying to come to peace with the word “wobble,” because I have used it disparagingly about myself for my whole life. But I’m very sorry about your dickhead first boyfriend, and for causing you to flinch.
No need to be sorry! I do like the piece and I think it’s helpful to see “wobble” in a positive context.
I have just been over to her site and I love what she is doing.
Women s bodies do look like this Typically, and not all skin and bones.
Help! I can’t find her body image series art on her site? What am I doing wrong?