'Fabric of a Nation of Women' with Bobbie Smith

Art, activism, tea and cucumber sandwiches surround ladies of the National Council of Women in Canada (NCWC) wearing handmade hats. Edith Jessie Archibald, born in Newfoundland in 1854, likely would have approved. The social activist Archibald whose prime venue was the parlour tea party would have been delighted to see Ottawa women gathered on a brisk and breezy Sunday afternoon at the Ukrainian Church in honour of art and of social reform for women.

Interested in doing something special near the 75th anniversary of the 'Persons' case, the NCWC approached Edmonton artist Larisa Sembaliuk Cheladyn about two years ago with the simple theme: Celebrating Women.
Sembaliuk Cheladyn agreed to come up with some ideas for paintings of women who were the first in their field. She was astonished at the hundreds of women she came across and decided to think this over.
She focused on some of the issues of the NCWC such as homelessness, midwifery and violence against women.

Out of her rethinking came sketches that soon evolved into beautiful and highly-symbolic watercolour paintings that won the hearts of the NCWC. The President, Catharine Laidlaw-Sly this artist fit what the organization is about.

"We discussed the concept. She provided her sketches and we liked the direction she was going in," says Laidlaw-Sly.

The collaborative project bloomed into a stunning collection of art representing women from many multicultural backgrounds, as portrayed by the premiere piece called: Fabric of a Nation, and women from many areas such as science, space, music, business, sports and culture.
Sembaliuk Cheladyn admitted she was fascinated to learn how different cultures in Canada defined women and their role in society.

"In Inuit culture, women's role is in preserving the culture," says Sembaliuk Cheladyn. Inuit women do so she says by carrying a knife in a special parka pocket for feeding people and by embroidering parkas as a way of capturing stories passed on.

Her research allowed her to visualize stories -- her way of beginning the artistic process.
Sembaliuk Cheladyn's work shines of colour, distinction and technical mastery. A children's book illustrator for about 15 years, and thenan art rehab therapist for another six years, she has always been able to live off of her art.

"I support my family with art," she says proudly. She encourages others to do the same, cautioning that it is tough, especially with a sometimes four-year pay cycle.
Read about her advice to developing artists.

www.artbylarisa.com

ISSN 1710-6788
Published by: be smith designs
Copyright © 2004 remains with contributors