Mwahaha. Well, now that you mentioned foreskins again, I'll refrain from unsubscribing, then. :D

Mwah! XO

This is so interesting. Okay, I'm no art critic and I'm certainly not qualified to decide whether or not someone is an artist (and not based on one piece), but I *am* qualified to decide whether *I* appreciate someone's work or relate to the message, since the only qualification I need for that is to me be.

That said, I haven't decided what I think of this woman's project and I might not decide about that for years, but really, is my opinion even relevant? My first reaction was negative, but that changed as I continued to read about the piece and the response from people. I submit that a part of this piece is simply to expose the mindset of the audience. Are people capable of commenting on the piece objectively? I don't think so. Everyone brings their own baggage to the table, don't they?

I'm just wondering why it is ok for you to call people who disagree with you stupid. I feel like there are always two sides to everything and we should always be open to opinions different than our own but you seem to attack everyone who views the world dfferently. Personally I think this women's project is disgusting but she still has every right to do it. I don't think that makes me stupid because I do not agree with people who belittle life, especially as a women who has dealt with the pain and suffering of infertility. Of course you probably would call me stupid for actually wanting to have kids. You can delete this comment if you want but remember that you are not truly open minded if you do not allow discourse.

Foreskins aside, I think what makes Jodi's blog worth reading is that she is not afraid to be opinionated. I enjoy her gutsy frankness. I don't think she is asserting in the post that anyone who disagrees with her point of view on the art piece is "stupid".

"A definition of art is only subjective if you think that art is a pretty picture for your wall (and if you think that then you are stupid)."

I, too, loose patience with this limited view of art. Or should I say "art"? There is so much FEAR of art, that it generates this sort of marginalization and make it small and manageable. When the public is faced with an art project that blows those perceptions away, all hell breaks loose.

Which was probably the point anyway.

Kristyn: You are putting words in my mouth. I never said that everyone who disagrees with me is stupid, nor did I say that people who want to have children are stupid. I merely said that I do not wish to get caught up in an argument about abortion, or to have that argument appear on my website. That is my choice, and there are plenty of other forums in which to have that argument.

Here here! I often struggle to define what makes my art "art." I feel like the only reason I'm forced to justify myself is that my work is made out of fabric, if it was paint no one would even think about arguing the point. My personal definition of art is "stuff made by artists," and anyone who says differently can take a flying leap.

Just the fact that this woman's project has sparked such a discussion should prove the validity of her work. *sigh* Some people, I tell ya.

Holy smokes! That must have been a very complicated procedure!

The work reminds of artist Ana Mendieta--have you seen her rape piece? She was completely unafraid, which was part, I think, of her artistic triumph.

I agree about people dismissing art and artists with quotes around the word and implying that it's all a waste of time. A similar thing happens in poetry--when you tell people you are a poet, they often reply, "Oh, I used to think about dabbling around in that sometime..." As if it's just a piddly little thing pretentious teenagers do. Like you, we work hard, sit around in workshop and rip each others' hearts out. This is not the myspace-look-at-my-random-words-put-in-a-column thing; it's serious study. Though maybe I have dismissed the poetry of myspacers with the same attitude I protest.

Hang in there, Jodi, you are a serious artist and will find your work in the world waiting for you (you already have).

I hadn't heard about this art piece before. I did have a bit of a squick reaction to hearing about what was done, but reading her statement on the project makes it fascinating and I applaud her point with the piece.

I do feel that art (and design) is one of the professions where everybody thinks what you do is easy and they can tell you how to do your job without compunction. Frustrates me to no end.

Thanks for bringing this up. I think I need to think in art circles more than I have been.

I hadn't heard about this woman's art installation either, so I read some of the information about it. I am still confused and uncertain about her point, but she certainly has the right to do it. Art is so much of oneself, but this certainly takes it further -- it's actual blood and guts from your own body.

I am so impressed with artists, their ability to make something out of nothing, but also something that is of themselves, a commentary on society, and the discipline and creativity that it takes to put all that together, year after year.

I'd read about this installation in the news, and thought it was utterly fascinating. I love it when people stir the pot like that.

I was also concerned that, if what she did to her body was real, how having abortions one right after another could affect her health. But I know this isn't necessarily the point of her project.

I applaud her guts.

I have been tracking this, too (being that I am someone whose artform is often referred to as "dance"). Thanks for putting in your thoughts about it.
Oh, and PS...I was a bit behind on your blog (traveling)...congrats on your installation!

There should be more talk of Foreskins. Pictures too. Genitals in general, even.

I would say she has been quite successful, at least in this piece, given the number of people who are now reflecting on the topic because of her work.

Art is subjective in its definition and its meanings. It doesn't have to make you feel good. Art does not equal pretty. I think people do not understand that art that makes you uncomfortable is just as "good" as art that makes you happpy.

Also, more foreskins, always better.

"..you don't call someone with a Ph.D. a "so-called doctor". My partner has a Masters degree in library and information science; he is not a "so-called librarian" and one wouldn't call him that because they didn't like something that he did. So what gives every Tom, Dick and Harry the right to decide that they get to define what art is, who is an artist and whether we're any good at it?"
Very well said! (just found your blog and I think I am going to hit the subscribe button.)

I've been reading your blog regularly for quite a while now - throughly enjoying everything from knitting to pics to rants. Speaking of which, I thought you might enjoy this article:
Librarians notice “abortion” stop word, take action
http://www.librarian.net/stax/2276/librarians-notice-abortion-stop-word-take-action/
Good luck on the final countdown and congratulations on the forthcoming and well-earned MFA! Hope to see you and Peter sometime this summer (London maybe?).