A Tribute to Francesca Woodman

Being a woman photographer who was born the same year as Francesca Woodman, I know how frustrating it is to try to get any kind of recognition in the arts. I can understand how she got fed up with the elite world of art galleries. Right before she killed herself, she found out she was not getting a grant she'd applied for, and her bicycle was stolen as well. Downward spirals can steal a person's confidence and belief in their skills. Think of that the next time you want to buy a painting or a photograph or a pot. That one sale can bolster an artist's confidence and help them to persevere one more day.

I'm sure her photos are copyrighted, so I am featuring my photos instead. But if you put her name in a search engine I'm sure you'll find some. Her stuff is not safe for work or appropriate for minors. I tried to put links to her information, but I keep getting that 'too promotional' warning, so you're on your own there.

Oh frail dove

Pale hair, dark coat

A goddess of self portraiture

Taking hundreds of black and white photos

Playing with lighting and shadows

Disappearing in layers of wallpaper or stucco

Experimenting with the human form

The masks we wear

The entrances we make

Wrapped in gauze or shadows or flour

Part blurry part focused

Born the same year as I was

Jumped off a building at 22

Your fame did come to you

Thirty years after your death

Thirty years too late

To save you from feeling unwanted

Thirty years ahead of your time

I can't say I have never felt like jumping off of a building

But like many things I am no good at following through