Less than 3% of the artists in New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art are women, but 85% of the nudes are female. - Guerrilla Girls

Now, I’m not saying the Guerrilla Girls would feel compelled to rally behind Sugarluxe, considering its basis in mainstream glam. But perhaps they would applaud my own unique FEMINIST pursuit to increase opportunities for marginalized female artists.

The word Feminist…or the “F” word as it may be to some - is to me about equality. Always has been. And fundamentally, those who know how to look beneath the surface of my art, already know that.

So, how do I combat the sad fact that females are more likely to be on display in museums as a nude rendering than as a talented artist? Well, surprisingly enough…it was with one little belt buckle.

Even acquaintances of mine have seemed surprised when they started seeing Sugarluxe paintings, my permanent installation at the Hotel Des Arts, or my reproductions on canvas in the gallery sections of home decor stores.

“Oh, I had no idea that you were going to do anything besides belt buckles.” said one girl.

Never underestimate the power of the inconspicuous. A bigger plan is always at play!

That’s my advice to any aspiring artist who actually wants to make a living doing what they love.

We have to move past the antiquated, traditional assertions of what art is and define it for ourselves, for our generation and for this chapter in history. Make it accessible, no matter its form. Art is Everywhere!

The Blanton Museum of Art in Austin

So, when I was asked to do a signing and trunk show at The Blanton Museum of Art, I felt I must.

Now here’s where gets a bit sticky…

Some of the people who work at this fine establishment were wholeheartedly enthused about Sugarluxe. The fab art aficianado who brought us in, Alyssa Klossner, is awesome!

But let’s face it…I know some people thumb their nose at artists who experience any commercial success whatsoever.  Nevermind that most museum gift shops are chock full of the licensed artwork of dead masters.  Picasso pens, Monet mugs and Klimt calendars - just for starters.

Anyway, I made a commitment. And I always stick to my word.

When I arrived - I was speechless. How could I help but not feel honored.

This museum is incredibly beautiful. It also happens to be the LARGEST university art museum in the country and an announcement of the event was sent by the museum to thousands and thousands of its members, so I certainly appreciated the PR too.

Sure, when it came right down to it, they wanted to sell my belt buckles and other fashion accessories to make money for the Museum Gift Shop and that’s what got me in the door. But when we finished setting up, I walked to the bathroom across the huge naturally lit atrium and looked back at all my artwork on display and thought - WOW - this is definitely a start.

The afternoon ended up being a complete pleasure. This was the first show for our new interns and they did an incredible job!

I met a bunch of great people and saw some old friends that have supported me for years. That’s what matters the most. It’s hard for me to get out and do these shows when I am so exhausted from the effort it took to get there in the first place, but then I remember the whole point when I see so many sweet faces!

A tremendous heartfelt thanks to writer, Mari Johnson who waited patiently for me to get a moment to do an interview. Her coverage was not only glorious, she was such a blast to talk to. She was so smart and sincere, if it weren’t for her kicking off my day…it would not have been such a great event. Thank you so much Mari!

And thank you for getting the article picked up by Lucire. Lucire is an online global fashion magazine based in New Zealand and launched in print in New Zealand, Romania, and Thailand, with a special US issue each year, making it the first web title to branch into print internationally.

They always say time changes things, but you actually have to change them yourself.
- Andy Warhol

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