Abstract

This thesis examines the formative experiences of three significant contemporary women artists: Amalia Mesa-Bains, Miriam Schapiro and Jaune Quick-to-See Smith. Of particular interest is the question of how did their lives impact their vision of art and their place within the art world. By highlighting the similarities and differences in their artists' lives and careers, I show how art has played a formative role in their development as both women and as artists. This thesis was inspired, in part, by my course work at Concordia University. There, my professors taught me the importance of intertwining theory and practice in art education. When I moved to New York City in September of 1998 I was given the opportunity to see firsthand that fusion, at the Steinbaum Krauss Gallery where I worked. Bernice Steinbaum, the owner of the gallery, is a legendary supporter of women in America's art movement and has been for decades. The nature of my position at the gallery gave me the opportunity to engage in long conversations with the three artists I focus on in this thesis. I have not selected these artists randomly and, therefore, cannot declare any wide generalizations as a result of this work. However it is my belief that the words of these three women accurately describe the way many women artists see themselves and their role in art education