CANADIAN MAGAZINE FOR WOMEN SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 1975 $1.00

SYLVA GELBER page 14

FOCUS ON WOMEN ARTISTS a gallery, a toast, an analysis

THE YWCA IN CANADA should it grant men the vote?

CONTENTS

Editor Sharon Batt

Business Mary Alyce Heaton IN EVERY ISSUE Design Barbara Hartmann, Director letters 2 Art here and there 4 lona MacAllister letter from the editors 5 Audrey Watson both sides now: Women against Women Leslie Bella 6 Layout Alice Baumann-Rondez music: Rock Slide Survivors Beverley Ross 36 Naomi Loeb books: Housetraps Eloah F. Giacomelli 38 Diane Walton Soviet and Chinese Women Jennifer Bowerman 41 Photography Alice Baumann-Rondez film: The Passenger N'eema Lakin-Dainow 42 Diana Selsor Palling people in this issue 48 Fiction Karen Lawrence, Editor Candas Jane Dorsey FEATURES Helen Rosta

Nonfiction Courting the YWCA Joyce McCart 8 Sharon Batt, Editor The Public and Private Sylva Gelber Marianne English. Mary Alyce Heaton Vivian Frankel and Georgina Wyman 14 Naomi Loeb

Commentary: the name game Caryl Brandt 46 Public Relations Marylu Antonellt WOMEN IN THE ARTS Naomi Loeb

Resource Planning guelph Kate O'Neil Marylu Antonelli they buried my father in 7 Sharon Batt photoessay Terri Terni 11 Mary Alyce Heaton Powerhouse Susan Poteet 17 Naomi Loeb Reflections Karen Wakal 22 Administrative Nancy Caskenette, Director A Toast to Women Artists Carol Brandt Lee Dombrowski Miriam Schapiro and Mira Schor 28 Diane Love Creative Genius: Unique to Men? Grethe Holmen 31 Dawn-Rae McLaren Margaret Sharon The Fraser River Donna Rae 32 Diane Walton

Branching Out is published every two months by the New Women's Magazine cover photo of Sylva Gelber by Vivian Frankel Society, Emdonton, Alberta. Please send all correspondence to Box 4098, Edmonton, Alberta T6E 4T1. Submissions should be typed, double-spaced and accompanied by a stamped, self-addressed envelope Adver­ © Copyright 1 975 by The New Women's Magazine Society, Edmonton, tising rates are available on request Editorial Alberta, Canada. All rights reserved. Unless used in a review, the office located at 8627-109 Street, Edmon­ reproduction or utilization of this work in any form, by any means, ton, phone (403) 433-4021. including photocopying, recording, information storage and retrieval systems, et cetera, is forbidden without the express permission of the Industrial Printing and Litho Ltd , Edmonton publisher. Second Class Mail Registration Number 351 7. Vol. II, No. 5 September/October 1975. Media Typesetting, Edmonton

September/October 1 975 1 letters newspapers would have us believe that seeks to avoid the historic necessity to Sylva Gelber's U.N. delegation is first destroy the capitalist structure leading the women of the world down before socialism can be established. the path of moderation and away from Here I am not referring to Premier the propagandistic declarations of the David Barren's brand, as recently Third World women's representatives. described to his Campbell River Before we give our tacit assent to audience: "IT TAKES SOCIALISM TO Canada's activities at the Mexico City SAVE FREE ENTERPRISE." I am refer­ conference, we ought to look critically at ring to the lessonsto be drawn from the our government's approach to women's Chilean experience. Many NDP'ers problems as well as at its economic sincerely felt socialism had been won policies toward developing countries. through the electoral process, only to There is obvious hypocrisy involved in discover that unless a people are the "women's rights" stance taken by organized to defend their gains with Canada and the U.S. - both countries every means possible, Imperialism will which reap large profits from invest­ inevitably use every method at its ment in underdevelopment. disposal to regain control, as happened In considering these contradic­ on September 11, 1973 in Santiago. tions, we should also be aware of Within that context, therefore, we certain contradictions which exist in the can understand why Sweden's social North American women's movement. democracy - NOT socialism, continues Why, for instance, do so many feminists to function within its supportive continue to be engaged in small-scale capitalist system, while Cuba's socialist The recent IWY conference in discussion of sexuality and personal economy, following the seizure of Mexico City should provoke some problems, thus ironically perpetuating power from a capitalist government, discussion on what direction the one of the forms of women's traditional faces continued trade embargos. women of North America are moving in, passivity? Why do parts of the move­ It is to be hoped that Rosemary relative to the women of the rest of the ment (termed "radical") waste energy in Brown's future formulations about world and particularly the developing lobbying for Utopian, female-separatist socialism will derive from a more nations. solutions and promoting an irrational penetrating examination of history. When Third World women get and reactionary anti-male ideology together at such a conference and instead of working to build unity among Claire Culhane, Burnaby, B.C. denounce North American feminism as oppressed groups? And why in Canada a "defence of selfish vested interests of have women's groups allowed the western women ... not of true interest to government to move in and co-opt them, women in the Third World," I have I have just finished reading Both through piecemeal funding of selected, trouble concurring with Betty Friedan Sides Now, "Canada Day in South social service projects? and Bella Abzug that "manipulation by Africa", and while I sympathize totally Until we get these things sorted the male power structures" is the with Marianne English's outrage at out, our efforts to get ourselves organiz­ sinister force behind it all. I'm more finding out (again) that Canada has a ed will inevitably fail to reach the inclined to believe that there must have policy regarding the oppression of racial majority of women in matters affecting been a fair amount of manipulation by minorities that can only be called two- their real, daily lives. the Western women's delegations, who faced, I cannot agree with her sugges­ seem to have spent a great deal of tion that the Canadian government in its Anne McLean, Beachburg, Ontario conference time insisting that embassy, employ the higher priced "women's issues" should be con­ white help that is available. sidered separately from such economic In last issue's article "The Radical I feel the only moral thing Canada and political issues as imperialism, Tradition of Rosemary Brown," the can do (which is probably the last thing colonialism, fascism, and Zionism. plaudits are well earned and not to be Canada will do) is to hire blacks.... after Feminists in Canada may find it denied. all it IS their country and they ARE the disconcerting that the rhetoric and style However, when Sharon Batt refers most numerous ethnic population and, of struggle of women in other countries to Sweden as "a society in which being the least paid and most un­ do not mirror our own, and that "more socialism evolved through the electoral employed, they need the jobs the most. room at the top for women" is no process" and Cuba as "one that came to We should insist that, as much as popular rallying cry in countries where socialism through revolution," she is possible, the staff at the embassy be the masses of people are hungry and obviously drawing upon Rosemary's black (we might also, while we are at it, without political power. incomplete analysis. "To change the insist that more blacks be hired for some Perhaps we should seriously ex­ system and make it impossible to be of those nice jobs with our government amine the role played by our own poor," like Motherhood, poses no threat at home. And more native Indians. And "representatives" to the Mexico City when travelling the NDP road of social more women.) conference, particularly since the democracy. Having hired blacks in a federal government, and not the women But, apparently what is not being predominantly black country we should of Canada, picked the delegation. Our recognized is that social democracy then loudly demand that our embassy Branching Out pay them "five to ten times as much" as feeling that Rosemary is going to be my believe they are part of the growing is ordinarily paid to blacks in South political candidate in the future and I movement but I don't think we should Africa, putting them on equal financial would have liked a really thorough look pretend that they are strong supporters. footing with the white South African at her politics. She just seems so great - They do not have the strength to do what help which is available. a woman politician who isa socialist. I'd politically and philosophically they It might not be untoward to suggest like to know more about her previous know they should. that since these people will be working political commitments, how she feels When Mary Alyce asks if wearing with and for Canadians who are being about all sorts of issues, where her head makeup and having long polished paid a salary based on Canadian rates, is really at with respect to the women's fingernails invalidates her feminist they ought to be paid the same as it movement. I guess the article was principles I have to question whether would cost to hire Canadian workers. looking at these things but somehow she really has those principles or It won't happen, of course. Canada when I finished reading I wanted to whether it is not her politics that are doesn't have the guts required to tell know still more. superficial. H.R. MacMillan that it isn't very nice to I feel it was a big mistake on the part I find I'm constantly fighting a have his own boats come to BC to load of the New Democratic Party to elect Ed clothes debate although my problems BC forest products and take them to Broadbent instead of Rosemary and I are a little different in that they relate to overseas markets (thus cutting the think women in Canada should exert a "professionalism." Am I serving my throat of BC secondary industry), with little pressure on the NDPers to clean up clients if I go to court with my pants and the boats registered outside Canada to their act and become a real socialist a blouse and look like I like to look? Or do avoid Canadian taxes, and with crews party with some guts instead of just I have to play the game and dress up? It's hired in Asia at wages that would be another vote-seeking outfit. all so hard and confusing I was really laughable if they weren't so disgusting­ I hesitate to really commit myself to glad to see your editorial which at least ly exploitative. people without knowing them and I meant to me that I wasn't fighting a For years in this country the CPR count on articles like yours to give new superficial struggle. There is an issue considered blacks good enough to work insights and an honest approach to a here. There is a conflict that has to be as porters on the trains, but not good person. Please - more articles on resolved and the editorial made me enough to sit down at the dining table of women like Rosemary Brown. We need more able to define my feelings for one of the CP hotels. to know who the women we can respect myself. We are taught in school that and believe in really are. Canada is a country with no history of Your editorial on dress dealt with Vicki Schmolka, Montreal slavery; we are taught that slaves from something that has been giving me a the United States went through hell on great deal of trouble. Mary Alyce says The editorial by Mary Alyce Heaton the "underground railway" so they "I had thought and hoped thewomen's (July/August) expressed ideas which I could cross the river to Freedom. I movement was moving away from such have longed to express for quite a while. suggest we stop kidding ourselves. We superficial thinking" in reference to a Many times during my recent enroll­ had slaves up here, and when the certain disdain that she feels exists ment in a Women's Studies course I sat people arrived on the underground against women who polish their nails apart from the group that was wearing railway it didn't take them long to realize and go through all sorts of beauty trips. jeans and boots. However, I returned they were free only in that nobody had Is dress really a superficial criterion? each week to the class, primarily for them. They were not welcomed, I know that I judge people by the way paid because the course was an excellent accepted, and are still not treated they dress. I consider it a reflection of not one from which I benefited. I also knew I with true equality. their attitudes. If I see a woman with six had something to offer to the dis­ Canada IS a racist country. Ask any tons of makeup on and piles of jewelry cussions Ask any Chinese. Ask any of the and the latest of French fashion, I just Indian. Regardless of how I dress, I am have yet to be paid for instinctively feel that she can't really Japanese who convinced that my ideas and principles confiscated without reason dur­ share my political sentiments. I'm not lands are valuable. I consider myself a the panic of WW 2. Just look at our sure if that's unfair or prejudging or ing feminist and know that my ideas on the policy...the Canadian superficial but it is how I react. immigration women's movement were a part of me government cannot throw stones at I truly believe that your politics and long before I painted my nails or wore racist South Africa, they might break your life have to match. You can't makeup. My manner of dress is conser­ own glass house. verbally espouse one thing and then do one of the walls of our I consider another. Actions speak louder than vative - I wear what fashionable for me. Cam Hubert, Tahsis, B.C. words and you've got to live what you believe. Women who claim to "believe" Let's rememberthatfeministswere and then contradict their claims by their around long before jeans and boots I really enjoyed the July/August actions have got to be suspected of became fashionable. For many women issue. The photography was super. committing grave inconsistencies. I in law, medicine or other professions, Canada Day in South Africa was don't think you can be a staunch the blue jeans outfit is not practical. Yet, political and honest and I spent a good feminist and wear expensive clothes surely their energies and ideas are few hours reading and thinking about and jewelry and makeup. All you are is necessary and useful to the movement. things that I read. a hypocrite. The article on Rosemary Brown I don't suggest that these women Johanne Caulfield, Montreal was a bit disappointing. I have the should be ostracized or ignored. I September/October 1975 here and there

The May, 1975 issue of Com­ A national women's playwriting The May issue of Urban Reader munique is devoted to women in the competition will be co-ordinated by the (Vancouver) focusses on women, with arts in Canada and includes features Playwrights Co-op. The aim of the articles on health, finances, history and about Joyce Wieland, Margaret competition is to introduce more sports. There is also a guide to women's Atwood, Jean Sutherland Boggs; an women writers into the existing theatre resources in Vancouver. Write to Urban article on women writers by Marian structure. Submissions may be one act Reader, Social Planning Department, Engel; a-feature on Inuit women and or full-length plays with women as Vancouver City Hall,453W. 12 Avenue, their art; and overviews of women's major characters. Deadline for entries is Vancouver. (It's free) participation in music, film, theatre, January 31, 1976. Write to Connie dance, crafts. Available for $2.50 each Brissenden, Co-ordinator/Women from Canadian Conference of the Arts Write for Theatre, c/o Playwrights Co­ Secretariat, 3 Church Street, Suite 47, op, 344 Dupont Street, Toronto. Toronto, Ontario. The Women's Auxiliary of the United Fishermen and Allied Workers A 64-page booklet Federal Services Union in B.C. is preparing a booklet on for Women has been published by the part played by women in the B.C. Katie Curtm, author of Women in Information Canada. It includes descrip­ trade union movement. Research will China (reviewed on page 41), will be tions of the various programs, services be based on trade union files, personal available for speaking engagements and grants that are of particular interest recollections and archival material. across the country in September and to women. It also outlines the various Anyone having information about the October. Topics that she is prepared to federal offices that are concerned with contributions of women in this area is speak on include "Women in China" the development of policies and invited to contact Susan Radosevic, and "Marxism and Feminism." Contact programs aimed at improving the status Women's History Project, United Barbara Stewart, Promotion Depart­ of women in Canada. Write to Informa­ Fishermen and Allied Workers Union, ment, Pathfinder Press, 25 Bulwer tion Canada, 171 Slater Street, Ottawa, 138 East Cordova Street, Vancouver, Street, Toronto, Ontario. K1AOS9 (no cost). B.C.

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Branching Out LETTER FROM THE EDITORS

To Our Readers: Branching Out has received a grant from the Has IWY helped you focus your personal Secretary of State to produce an issue focussing on concerns and problems? Whether you are struggl­ International Women's Year. This issue will be ing to establish an identity as a woman, for political published in November, and we are already or social action to change the status of women, or working on it. To produce the kind of retrospective for liberation, was IWY a factor in whatever we think is necessary, we need your help. success you achieved? Did it give you courage or We have all seen and heard the official depression? Did you find the people around you responses and reactions to IWY and its various more sympathetic to your wants, needs, ideas and programs and projects. Branching Out wants to hopes because their sensitivity had been heighten­ focus on how you, the women affected by the ed by IWY? programs and priorities, have reacted to IWY. Have you considered the problems we may What projects in your community came about face in 1976? Many women are afraid the or were given added impetus because of IWY? We government and society will consider 1 975 as the want to hear about all the projects - the day-care apothesis of action on women's issues, and that no centres and the political action groups, the more will be done. Do you share this feeling? What newsletters and the art exhibits, the women's sort of things should be continued? Many of the centres and research projects. Did you find the recommendations of the Royal Commission on the projects were readily accepted because IWY Status of Women have yet to be implemented. publicity had made the community more aware of Need they be? Are all those recommendations still women's problems and rights? If you were lucky valid, and should the women of Canada be putting enough to get IWY funds, how did you use them? If their energy into seeing them implemented? you weren't that lucky, what reasons were given Fear exists that once 1 975 is over, much of the for turning your project down? What alternate energy and many of the ideas generated in the sources of funds were you able to utilize? Many wake of IWY will be lost, because the media and the groups across the country rejected using govern­ public will no longer be attuned to the idea that ment funds for any purposes, on the grounds women's issues are news. Is this fear valid? If so, strings were inevitably attached. How do you feel what can we do to counteract the letdown? If you about this7 Tell us about your successes and have projects now, do you plan to continue them failures, and the reasons for each. What projects into the new year? If your project had IWY support, did you develop and not proceed with, and why? where will you find money next year? Were they too ambitious for your resources, too Many conferences were held under IWY radical for your community, or did you decide they auspices. Do you feel they were of any use? If you were just bad ideas? We'd also like to hear about went to any of them, what was your reaction? Do any issues which you don't think were considered you feel that these conferences, and IWY generally, between which should have been. have fostered better communication this On a more personal level, how do you feel feminists and traditional women's groups? Is about the very idea of an international women's communication beneficial? Was it necessary? year? Are you encouraged or offended that the All that money, time and energy cannot have United Nations and governments around the world been spent to no effect. We want to know how the to decided that women needed a special year and women of Canada feel about everything related special attention? Was it a good idea to try to focus IWY. Please send your answers to these questions on the international aspect, or would you have soon; the deadline is October 6, 1975. We will use preferred to see more provincial and local involve­ as many of your ideas, comments and suggestions ment? Did you discover much about women in as possible when producing this issue of other countries? Are you able to better relate to the Branching Out. Help us make this last issue of problems of women in other countries now than 1975 reflect the reality of International Women's you were in December 1 974? Do women in Canada Year in Canada. have the same problems and joys as women in other countries? The Editors Branching Out

September/October 1975 both sides now

WOMEN AGAINST WOMEN by Leslie Bella

The scene is a hospital, a govern­ factory workers would accept a double adequate for the needs of their families. ment department or a garment factory. quota on Friday in return for Saturday The day care field needs more capable, The workers are women, and on their off? The homemaker has no right to a intelligent and caring adults; men and coffee break they share a discussion of holiday, for if the family can afford a trip, women skilled in work with children their problems. If the women have mother comes too. Her responsibility for who can provide the stimulation and children, they will talk about the strains the nutrition, cleanliness and good security they need. Only hefty govern­ of combining motherhood with career, behavior of her family never ends. ment subsidies will ensure that all and of their problems finding good The low status of child care work career women will be able to pay for babysitters. also haunts the career woman. Good quality child care. The second scene is a suburban child care should be expensive, and yet Some women work outside their living room. A small group of women is most career women receive no help homes because they enjoy their jobs; gathered for morning coffee while their from government. They have to seek out they do their best to handle the guilt that children play together in the family the most inexpensive day care society insists they should feel at room. The discussion, again, is about arrangements for their children. The leaving their families during working themselves and their children - their career woman then "rips off" her hours. Other women choose homemak­ needs and their problems. babysitter, paying around $1 an hourfor ing and find it creative and satisfying. These two groups of women, the care of her child. In Edmonton the city- They apologize for a "less than perfect" career women and the homemakers, supervised babysitters earn $4 per day home, and express anxiety about "being tend to identify each other as the per child placed. They can care for up to out of touch with the world". Both opposition. If they shared a coffee break three children in addition to their own, groups of women achieve less than one day, the hostility would bristle. The although only five preschoolers are their full potential because of the low career woman would fiercely defend allowed per home. For the sum of $80 status of work with small children. her right to take a job outside her home. per week (less than the federal The group that suffers most, The homemaker, just as fiercely, would minimum wage of $2.65 per hour, or however, from our present attitudes are defend her family's right to her services $106 fora forty-hour week) a foster day those mothers forced into the work within her home. Both would fail to care mother cares for three small force for financial reasons. Their in­ realize that they share a common children plus her own; feeding, clean­ come is needed to meet the family's problem - the low value we all, as ing, training, entertaining, protecting financial commitments. These women women, place on work with small and providing. at present have no freedom of choice, children. Homemakers expect no pay­ Workers in day care centres are and have most to gain from the state's ment for their services. Babysitters slightly better paid. A supervisor in recognition of the value of the accept payment at less than the charge of twenty children, a job requir­ homemakers' contribution to society. minimum wage, and career women ing two years' academic training and In some countries, not all of them expect to find inexpensive care for their some experience in work with small rich, women with small children are children. Government, reflecting the children, is paid between $650 and paid a salary by the state if they wish to dominant values within our society, $675 per month in Edmonton. That is care for their children at home. All reinforces these values with its policies around $8,000 a year, not a reasonable Canadian women and their children and programs. wage for a professional and responsible would benefit if women we re pa id by the The low status of homemaking position. The supervisor's two state for their work with small children. skills haunts the woman who chooses assistants are paid less, and in one Those who wished to be full-time to stay home. She has all the respon­ centre they were being paid less than homemakers would gain in dignity and sibilities that usually go with employ­ summer students hired under Oppor­ status. Those who wished to take a job ment, but none of the rights. She works tunities for Youth programs. outside the home could use the state hard, but has no take-home pay except Fortunately for the woman who salary to purchase quality care for their her family allowance. There is no such works outside her home, there are children. thing as overtime for the homemaker, women who are willing to care for other "Too much! It will cost too much!" and no time off. She has no right to a people's children, and to be paid less The protest from politicians and forty-hour week. Even in this day of than an adequate wage. But if day care taxpayers would be resounding. homemaking aids, she may work fifty or services are to be expanded to meet the It would cost less than we think. sixty hours a week, trying to live up to needs of working parents and their The program could be developed from the impossible standards set by the children, many more adults must be our existing family allowance program, glossy magazines. Women themselves attracted to the day care field. Only with and would replace the welfare higher salaries will child care workers presently demean so I feel guilty if they hire a babysitter and programs that take an afternoon "off ".They arrange to have the financial incentives to upgrade many Canadian families. The program swap children with a friend, and care for their skills through further training. would be universal, but taxable, so the six children in one day so they may have Men will not be attracted to child care rich would benefit less. The program the next day to themselves. How many work until they know the salary will be cont. on p. 45 Branching Out they buried my father in guelph

You called from the basement "come down, katalina, and see the toad", i asked where you wanted to be buried (i only asked because i was working in the cemetery - it seemed natural)

warren, you guessed, beside your mother and father, warren, where years before i watched you and your brothers dig silently into the dank earth - a grave for your father - tears visible even by lantern light.

Then suddenly you weren't there anymore to tease with toads, to wind that old pocket watch nightly and lay it carefully out for morning. Suddenly, when i was back in Ottawa, you weren't there anymore, and the dog stayed outside from then until they were rid of him.

They put you here, in the middle of guelph. in well groomed, properly statued grounds, fountained and flowered. Didn't she know, didn't you tell her you wanted to be in a small rough field in warren.

Kate O'Ne

September/October 1975 Courtins the YWCA

The fight for male sufferage in the women's Y

by Joyce McCart

There is a women's organization in London alone," pronounced a Victorian invariably resulted in a firm "no" to Canada today which, while its roots are YWCA pamphlet, "A thousand girls are such aspirants. The YWCA was an Victorian? more closely resembles yearly crushed out of life from overtoil independent woman, not without Queen Elizabeth I in nature. Elizabeth and grinding oppression while 15,000 means of her own, and the control of knew what she wanted - most of the are living in a state of semi-starvation. both finance and policy was in the time, and so does this organization - Ah, who can wonder that our streets hands of the feminine sex. Until recent most of the time. Elizabeth chose to swarm with the fallen and the lost, years, that is. And the era of nay-saying serve her people by refusing to give in to when SIN or STARVE is the dire alter­ came to an end, not with a bang but a the demands of the men around her, a native." whimper. technique used to good effect by the However, it is not quite true that It was in 1925 that the men of the ladies of thisorganization. Elizabeth had men played no part save a negative one YMCA first began to hear the strains of a suitor whom she kept dandling around in the development of the YWCA. Since Mendelssohn's Wedding March. In that for ten years until the poor man died of men alone had control over finances in year, the first joint YMCA-YWCA was frustration and disappointment. The Victorian times, the frequent appeals for formed in Windsor, Ontario. By 1929, organization in question has a suitor, funds to support the work of the ladies St. Catharines had also founded a joint too, although he has been kept dandling went to the gentlemen. At that time too, organization and while the national around for fifty years, and some of the men had to supply the administrative body remained rigorously feminine signs indicate he may be pressing his assistance necessary to spend the itself, it encouraged the drift toward suit for at least fifty more before he gets money. "In the England of those days," amalgamation by its increasing an answer he finds satisfactory The writes Josephine Hardshaw in her cooperation with the YMCA. In 1936, organization? The YWCA of Canada. The history of the YWCA, "when gentlemen the YWCA of Canada and the National suitor? The National Council of YMCA's. contributed funds, they also ad­ Council of YMCA's agreed that any new Both the YMCA and the YWCA ministered them. Consequently her associations in small cities should be were founded in mid-nineteenth cen­ (Mrs. Kinnaird's) husband was the joint associations with one staff, a tury to meet the needs of a population treasurer, and it was over his siganture common board, and affiliation with both attempting to co-exist with England's that letters and circulars were sent out National Associations. But official policy industrial revolution. Both acknowledge to the community." In Canada, despite regarding the exact relationship of the the prayer group as their ancestor, a the comparative independence of North YM-YW's to the YWCA was not worked close relationship that is expressed American women, the ladies still turned out in detail, and, as it turned out, the today in the similarity of names. The to the men for both money and offspring of the YMCA and the YWCA public image of the Y's is one of guidance. In 1874 it was "Mr. Thane had to wait until after World War II for counterpart organizations differing only Miller of Cincinnati" who was in­ the negotiations that would establish in the sex of their memberships. Not so. strumental in encouraging the ladies of their status in the YWCA. The two organizations are fundamental­ Toronto to form a YWCA, and the During the post-war years, it ly different, both in philosophy and in support of the sterner sex was also became apparent that two opposing emphasis, and their differences date evident when "with the advice of forces were at work in the YWCA. As a from the moment of their respective several gentlemen interested in our result of her extensive war work, the inceptions. The YMCA was founded by work and with their valuable assistance, YWCA of Canada emerged from World several young men in an effort to help two houses at the corner of Duke and War II a strong and confident women's themselves. The YWCA was founded by George Streets were obtained at an organization with little apparent desire women in an effort to help other annual rent of $900.00". And in 1892, it to lean on the men of the YMCA. At the women. This difference has persisted to was the gentlemen who subscribed same time, amalgamation at the local a greater or lesser degree to this day, the $18,000.00 in six weeks to the Ottawa level continued steadily, though not primary emphasis of the YWCA being on YWCA's building fund. always amicably. (When the Board of "service," the preference of the YMCA The picture changed somewhat the Moose Jaw YWCA agreed to being for "programmes" - sometimes when women won the vote and the right amalgamate with the local YMCA, for disparagingly referred to as "gym and to own property. While the YWCA in instance, the Executive Director swim" by the more outspoken of the Canada continues to this day to accord demonstrated her disapproval by YWCA ladies. graceful acceptance to male patronage, promptly resigning.) Yet it was not until It is tempting to say that the YWCA it has a companion tradition of sternly 1957, several years after the formation was formed in direct reaction to the rejecting appeals for male membership. of joint YMCA-YWCA's in Barrie, male presence and all it implied. It was Even the $150,000.00 donated for a Brampton, Brockville, Georgetown and the men of that time, after all, who YWCA gymnasium in 1965 would have Dartmouth, that the female parent felt owned the mines and factories respon­ been insufficient to earn Colonel K. S. constrained to recognize the local YM- sible for the exploitation of young girls McLaughlin of Oshawa a membership YW's as the natural if not the legitimate from the rural areas of England, and it in the YWCA (had he been foolish children of the YWCA. Once the YWCA was men who lured young ladies into enough to want one). Votes taken over was forced to adopt a formal policy the degradation of prostitution. "In the years at YWCA Conventions have concerning the YM-YW's, she coped 8 Branching Out with the situation with her customary members of the organization, they were On the other hand, the flexibility and verve. "The YMCA- less adamant and therefore more amalgamated Y's, together with the YWCA's can affiliate with the national vulnerable on the issue of amalgama­ women who believe that further YWCA" said (in effect) that cagey lady, tion with the YMCA. This is because, amalgamation would be to the YWCA's "but don't send males as delegates to with the advent of the joint YM-YW's at credit, now have sufficient power to Convention, because only your women the local level, the possibility of split the YWCA wide open if they don't are members so far as the YWCA of amalgamation was being promoted get what they are after. The Ottawa YM- Canada is concerned." from within the YWCA itself. In some YW has taken a strong stand on this There seemed to be no awareness respects at least, it was a fan accompli. point for the benefit of those women on the part of the men that the bloom The 1 957 decision recognizing the right contemplating action along the lines of was off the romance, however. In 1959, of the YM-YW's to be members of the the American YWCA. "The YM-YWCA's the YMCA gave enthusiastic approval to National YWCA was, as one purist now hold enough voting power in the the Dunlop-Dewar report on the two remarked darkly, "the opening wedge." YWCA of Canada to prevent the change organizations in the following words: And so it seemed to be. During the in constitution which would be "That the National Council of YMCA's of sixties YM-YW's sprang up all over the necessary to disaffiliate the YMCA- Canada accept the view that some form country, and as their numbers in­ YWCA's. If the YW members feel that of union with the YWCA of Canada is creased, so did the awareness of the the YM-YWCA's will voluntarily inevitable and that we seek immediate disadvantages of serving both a mis­ withdraw ... they should be warned that discussion with the YWCA as to the tress and a master, particularly when the Ottawa YM-YWCA will do its best to form and time of such union." the mistress refused the vote to all prevent such action, which we believe Three years passed before the members of the opposite sex. With would be an abdication of our rights and YWCA made a move that could be respect to the notable exception of the responsibilities." The Canadian YWCA interpreted as a response to this male president, the passing years saw could not fail to emerge from such a proposal. Agreeing that membership an increasing number of men in the conflict weakened and limping, as well should be extended to men who held the presidential office, even though it was as a good deal poorer. position of Executive Director in the the stated policy of the amalgamated Y's The stormy Convention held in YMCA-YWCA's, the YWCA moved to to alternate sexes in electing a presi­ Banff in 1973 brought the issue into accept them as "technical" members. dent. Although the fact of the increasing sharper focus. The men who were Which is to say, (and one can picture the male domination has been noted and members of the amalgamated YM-YW's chagrin of the men) members without a filed for future reference by the YWCA, wanted the vote. The YWCA didn't want vote. The YW would not go further than there has been no move to follow the to give it to them. "Convention that that and the relationship between the lead of the American women who have year," conceded one YWCA matron, two national organizations cooled to the disaffiliated the YM-YW's from the "was pretty hot." Argument followed point where the 1 936 agreement regar­ national organization. argument and amendment succeeded ding the opening of the new YM-YW's The women of the Canadian YWCA amendment until the final decisions was quietly abandoned. The YWCA also are all too aware of the awkward were lost in a welter of transcripts that it rescinded their resolution accepting the position in which the joint Y's find took a team of lawyers to unravel. Even Dewar-Dunlop report on the grounds themselves, and they are also aware then, so tangled was the tale, the that "there had been no significant that the YWCA itself created the situa­ lawyers' assessment had to be an trend toward amalgamation at the tion by failing to adopt a firm interpretation of the "intent" of Con­ national level and that the presence of membership policy twenty years ago. vention, rather than a factual report of the resolution in the minutes was a The women acknowledge the justice of what had actually transpired. While potential source of irritation to the two the pressure for amalgamation, but at accounts differ, what seems to have National Bodies" the same time are reluctant to merge happened is that members of the Board But the breakthrough was closer the feminine identity with that of the of local YM-YW's who also happened to than anyone believed it to be at the time. YMCA. "It makes the men think we be men are now allowed to vote as Pressure was mounting within the YM- don't know what we want," sighs one delegates at national conventions. YW's for the vote to be given to their YWCA past-president. "We know what When the lawyers' interpretations were male executives. While the 1 969 YWCA we want all right, but the men simply announced, some members were pleas­ National Convention was devoted to the won't take 'no' for an answer." ed with the progress that had been reaffirmation of the YWCA as a The truth of the matter is the YWCA made, others felt that the concessions women's organization, by the end of the is caught in a bind. If they grant the YM- had not gone far enough, many were conference any man who happened to YW's all they want (in most cases, appalled at the damage that had been be president of a YMCA-YWCA, despite complete amalgamation of the two done. In any case, it was apparent that the accident of his sex, and by virtue of organizations) they will endanger the the opening wedge was doing its work. his office, possessed the right to a vote extremely high position Canada holds in It was during this period that (yet in the YWCA of Canada. the World YWCA. At the moment, the another) commission on cooperation And so it was, that in 1973 the positions on the National Board are was appointed to study the YMCA and ladies looked up from several decades of occupied by women and women alone, YWCA's in Canada. Initially their man­ cooperative activities to find that the and the top bracket in the World YWCA date was simply that - to carry out a privilege they had withheld for 100 has traditionally been reserved for those study of the differences and similarities years had insensibly come to be organizations that are exclusively of the two organizations. But this was granted, and that the men now wanted feminine in composition. At the bottom later expanded to include the design of more, much more, than the tokenism of of the ladder is Category "X" where four alternative structures for future the 1969 Convention. They wanted Canada would have to join Sweden relationships between the two complete amalgamation of the YMCA should full amalgamation at the organizations. The study was a com­ and the YWCA and they wanted it now. national level be allowed to take place. prehensive one that did not balk at Although the YWCA had had a The old guard of the YWCA regard this trying to formulate the women's ex­ history of resistance to men becoming alternative as unthinkable tremely complex point of view. For the

September/October 1975 YMCA the answer was simple enough - estate in downtown areas. "When the disturbing to their more conventional amalgamate and be done with it. For the question of amalgamation came up in male counterparts, who would prefer YWCA, there was no simple answer, St. John's," she added by way of fewer public stands on issues like South although the alternatives described by example, "The first thing the men African politics, abortion, racism, and the committee were duly considered by wanted to talk about was selling the the rights of women. In a fully YWCA's all across Canada. These were: YWCA residence to raise money for the amalgamated Y, bringing the image of 1) disengage. 2) maintain the status new amalgamated facilities. When we the YWCA volunteer into line with that quo. 3) closer formal cooperation, but told them that the residence was of the YMCA might require that the separate identities. 4) complete needed in the downtown area to serve women curb their tongues and relin­ amalgamation - a new organization. On the women who now make use of it, one quish some of theirconsiderable power. June 12, 1974, the matter was put to a of the men remarked 'let them take the As one YWCA volunteer pointed out to vote. bus'. When we argued that such women the Commission on Cooperation, the The vote on the future of Canada's do not simply 'take a bus', he said it was difference in philosophy on volunteer YWCA took place in Toronto. The men obvious such women didn't deserve a Y. influence and responsibility is "far too gathered at one location and duly voted I just can't believe such insensitivity." deep and serious a difference to be to amalgamate. Then they waited, hat in Ironically, the very residences that appeased by a 'never mind, dear, when hand, to discover the pleasure of the the YMCA is reputed to covet as real we're married everything will work out' ladies because, oddly enough, it was the estate, serve as a deterrent to approach. It needs to be talked out and women's vote that would decide the amalgamation. The YWCA does not fully understood beforehand." outcome. Inevitably perhaps, man react kindly to any suggestion of aban­ One compelling argument for proposes, but woman disposes. doning their women's residences, and amalgamation in these days of The women, who had retired to a the evidence suggests that neither the diminishing private donations and in­ different location were locked in a battle YMCA nor the amalgamated creasing government support, is the of monumental proportions. As could associations put much emphasis on the possibility of duplicate services. But the easily be predicted, the militant provision of residential accommodation. similarity of services offered by the feminists ("who have a tendency," The first recommendation of a 1965 YMCA's and the YWCA's is more remarked one advocate of amalgama­ YWCA research project on the "Serious apparent than real - particularly in view tion, "to put their own interests ahead of Personal Problems of Young Women of the overriding concern of the YWCA those of the organization,") voted to and Girls" urged "that local YMCA's or women about what would happen to the disengage. Most of the YM-YW's voted YMCA-YWCA's consider very seriously "women and girls" who have been their for amalgamation. The moderates opted beforeclosingany existingresidencesfor special care for over a hundred years. A to cooperate, but retain their identity as young women". The project also strong­ 1972 YWCA document points out that a women's organization. The only ly recommended that priority be given to "there has been a marked increase in alternative dismissed almost im­ residences when new YWCA's or YM- the number of girls and young women mediately was the status quo, indicating YW's opened in cities with a who are unemployed, highly mobile, an attitude of impatience on all sides demonstrated need for women's hous­ socially dislocated, ill and often pen­ toward the present situation. The day ing. For the most part, YWCA's support niless. Some have had or need psy­ passed in a succession of speeches and these recommendations by a consistent chiatric care; some have been in correc­ ballotings, and after all the speeches refusal to give up their residences and tional institutions, suffer from family had been made and three ballots had by resolutely continuing to build more. break-up, or require understanding and been cast, the women finally opted for But while the YWCA's who carried out treatment as well as financial "closer cooperation, but separate iden­ early amalgamations maintained their assistance and other services." In the tities". Not because this alternative women's residences even when faced summer of 1974, a crisis centre presented a solution to their problems with opposition, YWCA's amalgamated operating in Winnipeg that provided (indeed it exacerbated them since the in more recent years are showing a temporary housing for "women who are proponents of amalgamation were tendency toward becoming family Y's beaten or turned out of their homes by voting for "eventual amalgamation" with no associated residences. The YM their husbands," filled a need so and the feminists were voting for "no has not built a residence for 17 years. apparent that several Winnipeg agen­ commitment") but because option three It is quite within the realm of cies requested that the YWCA continue was the only alternative that would possibility that the men of the YMCA their programme and the City Council leave the Canadian YWCA intact. The may be casting covetous glances at the donated $1800.00 for the purpose. In YMCA, and that troublesome child, the extensive network of volunteers com­ the view of many YWCA women, these YM-YW, were left standing with their manded by the YWCA as well. are the people who would be most collective foot in the door. Volunteers at the YMCA are much more affected, and adversely affected, by It may be cause for wonderment likely to be part-time and business- amalgamation. why it is the men won't take "no" for an oriented than full-time and service- And this is the fundamental ques­ answer. Why would any man in his oriented as is the case at the YW. By tion. Can the YMCA be trusted to ensure right mind want to be a member of the merging with the YWCA, the YMCA will that the YWCA's women and girls will YWCA? Why should the YMCA, a acquire a dedicated pool of free, well- receive the same support in the years to powerful and successful organization in trained labour beyond the wildest come as they have in years past? its own right want to amalgamate with dreams of the most successful Somewhat cynically perhaps, many the YWCA? "That's simple," com­ businessman. Again this facet of the think not. If the YMCA and YWCA tie the mented the programme director of an YWCA, while it may tempt takeover, is at knot before this question is answered to Alberta YWCA. "They're after our the same time a defence against it. the satisfaction of the women, there is property". The truth of this remark, as it Volunteers are much more vocal and little chance that the two organizations happens, has credibility in its favour. independent than paid employees, and will contrive to live together happily ever The YWCA owns a great deal of the YWCA volunteer has more influence after. property, most of it in the form of and responsibility than most. This is a women's residences on prime real trait of the YWCA that is a shade

10 Branching Out photoessay by Terri Terni

There are no blacks and whites

in my life

but many shades of grey,

each blending softly with

the next.

11 September/October 1 975 Images emerge from the greyness.

Captivating my mind

They pull me in and out, twirling, spinning, careening, dancing...

12 Branching Out My eyes seek a place to rest.

13 September/October 1975 The Public and Private Sylva Gelber

interview by Georgina Wyman and Vivian Frankel photos by Vivian Frankel

For !he past six years, Sylva Gelber What sort of encouragement did It depends on what you call has been Director of the Women's you get from your family? Although you successfully. I was always able to Bureau, Labour Canada. The Bureau say you were brought up in a protective manage on what I earned. I had a family exists to accelerate changes in at­ environment, something must have that would have been able to catch me if titudes, practices and legislation made you very independent. I'd fallen on my face, and people tell me necessary before women can be fully Well, I had a mother who was a very that was why I was able to be so integrated in the work force. The Bureau strong-minded woman. I don'tthinkshe independent. I wouldn't take support offers advice, does research, promotion was happy at my choice, but she gave from the family, but psychologically I did and education, and provides consulta­ me her full support. My mother and I know it was there. When I was abroad, I tion and advisory services on the were the only two women in a earned four pounds a month at my first problems of women in the labour force, household made up of my father and job, about twenty dollars. but it does not administer legislation. four brothers, so we were a minority of Out of that budget, I paid one pound Georgina Wyman and Vivian two, and it was a question of mutual to rent a piano. I was never a very Frankel interviewed Sylva Gelber in support. I got moral support from my practical individual, but I've managed. Ottawa in May 1975. mother of a kind that is probably How does your success affect you unusual. My father was appalled by me. personally? He never really understood this crazy I don't know how you measure You have a reputation for main­ daughter he had sired. I don't know success. If you were with me in taining a very dynamic lifestyle. Have what my brothers' real opinion of me Kingston last week when I was on a you always led an active life? was, but they've always given me full panel with some women on public Yes - I've always maintained hob­ support, although I know I've taken assistance, you wouldn't have called me bies in addition to my professional steps in my life that they thought were very successful. They viewed me very obligations. I started my professional foolish. much as the establishment, and life in the field of social work, and it Did your father a/ways expect that regardless of my understanding of their didn't take me long to realize that if I you would get married and have problems, they weren't prepared to submerged myself in my work, I was children? listen to me. If people won't listen to me, going to learn more and more about less I'm sure he always hoped it; he I'm not successful. and less. My hobbies have changed, but wasn't shy about saying so. But he Why do you feel they regarded you I've always had them. It's a question of wasn't any different from any other that way? maintaining an equilibrium and your father in that regard. I think they had good grounds for sanity. Did you ever have to make a choice regarding me that way. I thinkour lawat You've been an accomplished between career and family? the present moment is geared in such a musician and singer. I can't consciously recall when I way that they are at a terrible disadvan­ "Accomplished" is a word I would decided I wanted to be doing things as tage in contemporary society. I think we question. I've been a ham in both those an alternative to marriage. However, I have failed them. I think society has fields. am of the generation that decided early failed them, and no matter how much I If you were to start again, which on in our careers that we had a choice to say so, the image I portray when I stand would you choose? make. We could either maintain our up in public is the establishment. My ambition at twenty was to be in work in an interesting, constructive and You asked whether success had the theatre, in the arts. But I was always creative field, and get our fulfillment changed me. My question is: "Have I interested and involved in social and from the actual work we were doing, or succeeded?" I don't know. political goings-on. Looking back, I don't we could risk that and seek the trap­ In those terms you haven't. regret what's happened. I think I've had pings of recognition that went with Perhaps in terms of rising in modern the best of most worlds. seniority. I traded off for fulfillment and bureaucracy... What has been your most valid creative work. I never got recognition in I haven't risen the ladder the way I learning experience? terms of public service grading, for wanted to. I haven't reached the top in I suppose leaving school, although example. But I wouldn't trade off today, the health insurance fie Id in which I was that sounds a little ironic. I did most of and I don'tever try to persuade anybody involved for eighteen years in the my learning after I left school. I got to trade off today. I should add that I was Canadian government. involved in the world of living. I had been in a good position to make the choice I You had a goal in mind? born and brought up in a rather did, of course, because I had nobody to I would have liked to have headed protected environment. I didn't know support. My high-minded ideals might that program I was involved in all those what real poverty meant. I didn't know have been rusted a little if I'd had years, but because it was the health what it meant to work. When I finally children to look after. field, it had to be a professional man decided to get off on my own, I didn't Have you always been able to earn The requirement that they hire a even know how to go looking for a job. a living successfully? professional man is changing now,

14 Branching Out they're taking on a non-professional when the status of women became a jobs, our social attitudes take over, and man. A man who is not a doctor is going significant issue in Canada? we don't put women in those positions. to head health insurance. Well, that's a I think change began to occur when So we haven't the same problem here revolution! But even if this had been the the Royal Commission on the Status of as in the United States, where the case then, I would have run into the next Women began having its hearings problem is one of educational depriva­ obstacle, that of being a woman. across the nation. Forthe first time there tion. I don't view my attainment of the were brought before the commission, Also in the United States, there has job of director of a Women's Bureau as briefs and testimony of a professional been an interpretation of the law which succeeding in the principles that I am type, outlining the serious situation has had the effect of bringing people to trying to persuade Canadians are es­ which nobody, including women, really the courts to challenge affirmative sential in our society. I am director of the realized existed - the inequities in the action on the grounds of human rights. I Women's Bureau, and I have made the law, the unfairness of the employment don't want any mechanism that can most I possibly could out of this position, situation, all were coolly, objectively cause people to say I'm using dis­ but let's face it: it's a woman's position, documented during those hearings. criminatory means to bring about and it's a woman holding the position. In What is your general view of the remedies for past discrimination. That health insurance I would have been so-called "women's liberation move­ doesn't fit my philosophy. tested, but I had no chance of reaching ment"? Women deserve rights on their the top there. I call the women's movement a own. They don't have to attain rights by Do you see society's views towards movement for change in society, to depriving somebody else of theirs. I woman's role changing in recent years? rectify inequities which have existed think that if women who want to use If you're asking me from a long- both in law and in practice in our that same mechanism in Canada study term point of view, I don't think we're society. Now, having said that, I think the manner in which it has been going to change the deeply rooted views the women's movement has been implemented in the United States and traditions of hundreds of successful in bringing to the fore the closely, they'll agree with me. We've got generations within one generation. But need for change. On basic principles I to find a mechanism, but I don't think I've been director of the Women's may differ with some of the positions that's it. Bureau now a little over six years, and taken. For example, I do not agree with Affirmative action has been used to the change has been tremendous. What much of the women's movement which correct inequities at the lower has changed is the sensitivity to this is supporting the mechanism for change economic levels. Do you draw distinc­ subject - particularly in the larger, adopted in the United States. I don't tions between the average working populated areas of the country - and think it's applicable to Canada. woman and the trained professional that's the beginning of progress, the You mean the affirmative action woman? first step towards understanding. program? I think you've got to look at history. However, I think in our rural areas it's Yes. I'm not saying I don't want For example, in Britain, one hundred to different. I've just come back from a visit affirmative action. But I am stating one hundred and fifty years ago, when to rural Saskatchewan, and I was categorically that I do not want the they started their reform movement for shocked at the sense of alienation and mechanism used in the United States to rights of women .... social change was the polarization of views on the subject be implemented in Canada. I don't think spearheaded and supported by those of the status of women. But in the larger we need it - our problems are different. who were not bogged down by social centres of population there is beginning The mechanism in the United States and financial obligations of such a to arise a sympathy and understanding stemmed mostly from the need to bring nature that they wouldn't have had time of the relationship between the status of justice to some of the minority groups, to devote to that movement. Some of the women and the question of human and these groups in the United States greatest social reformers in Britain a rights. Once we're able to persuade have systematically been deprived of century ago did come from the more people that this is basically a human opportunities for education. But in comfortable classes. rights question, we're going to have a Canada, generally speaking, our univer­ So I'm not perturbed by the fact that great army of people who have been sities have been available to women for the leadership today too may come from supporting human rights beginning to a number of decades. There are excep­ that class of women. But I think when I take an interest. They haven't until now; tions. I think women in Canada have, in point out to you that some of our they've viewed it as something apart. the past, suffered discriminatory prac­ greatest difficulties also come from How do you feel this sensitivity is tices in our universities. Until they prove women in this group, you won't be too manifesting itself? to me to the contrary, I will go on put off by the fact that the leadership Look at my list of invitations to believing there were quotas in some of stems from there. For example, the only speak, and I think you'll see what I the faculties with regard to women. I do opposition amongst women I have ever mean. People would never have believ­ not believe these quotas are maintained encountered with regard to day-care ed you six years ago if you'd told them today for the simple reason that sen­ programs has been from the comfor­ that at your annual meeting you were sitivity has reached a point where they table, middle-class women. So if you going to invite the director of the don't dare. want to say our supporters are in that Women's Bureau to speak on the status Are you referring to the class, then so are our "enemies" - I of women in society. I think my file of professional faculties? don't think they're enemies, I think press clippings is indicative. I've never I mean the faculties of medicine, they're misguided. seen one of mycolleagues anywhere in possibly law, and I have my doubts You have worked in government government with this kind of response about engineering. I can only have Do you feel that working in government from the press. I give a great part of the doubts about some of these areas is a viable way to bring about change? credit for this change to the press, and though, because I haven't yet per­ Yes, I do. But we've got to get a the media generally. It's true that the suaded women to go into these fields. different kind of person into govern­ press has always been snide and But the problem in employment is ment. We've got to get a type of person wisecracked about us, but at the same not, in general, the problem that our into government who isn't going to be time they've always been serious about women are not educated. The problem overawed by the fact that he or she is in us. is that we have educated women, but government. In my view, too many civil Was there any recent turning point when it comes to our top policy-making servants are not ready to interpret their

16 Branching Out terms of reference broadly. They don't refusing those jobs? vironment. I don't know if I'm a good want to rock the boat, and they No. I think we're in a temporary freelancer. shouldn't. However, you can speak and period when we've got to get a major As you approach retirement, do act progressively, to a very great extent, push, and I don't think we'll have that you think there is really very specific even within the government context. push unless we do this. How extensive it discrimination against older women, But you must not step over into the should be is not for me to say. That's a say over fifty? political arena. Too many of our public matter of public policy. Maybe we've Well, let me ask you a very simple servants are so worried about stepping overstretched ourselves in that regard. question. If a man at sixty-five is retired, into the public arena that they don't act But I came into the job at the Women's and has lost his wife, and his children fully within their legitimate area. For Bureau saying that the measure of my are on their own, and he decides he'd example, I am not a very disciplined success there would be the speed with like the company of a woman his age, human being, but I have never in all my which I could put the Bureau out of and goes off somewhere with her, no years in public service got into any business. I still thinkthat. I haven't put it one thinks anything of it. If a woman difficulty by stepping over that line. Yet I out of business, and I haven't got society does precisely the same thing, she's feel I have always been outspoken. to the point yet where we're ready to put subjected to all kinds of gossip and talk. The position of director of the it out of business. That's a measure of Now she might not mind; on the other Women's Bureau, Department of the slow pace of change. hand she may. I thinkshewill. She can't Labour, was probably the first of the How do you feel it could be put out throw off the conditioning of her earlier positions that are now springing up in of business? years, where the social mores were governments at various levels, which By women in employment being in those that have now suddenly changed, are designed to devote themselves to a normal worker category. We're still and where the traditions were very the status of women. not. We don't see very much change. deeply rooted. That's correct. It's been in existence Looking forward to your retirement So a woman of sixty-five hasn't the over twenty years. and the future, what are your plans? same freedom as a man .... and I'm not Do you think there's a danger in You're asking a tough question at a even talking now of the economic creating this type of position? sensitive moment, as I'm about six factors. A lot of the avenues open to the Yes, I do. months off retirement, and at a point in man in exactly the same position are In what way is it dangerous? my career when I'm totally and fully closed to her. There's no question about In the way we're going to get immersed. My training in welfare and it. women into these positions, and you're rehabilitation taught me that you train Do you think society will ever pay going to say to them that they've for your retirement years, but when it much attention to that? succeeded. And I don't think it's comes to yourself you don't do it. There Well, I'm at that age now, and I'm success, to be at the top in a job that's is a wide variety of things I can do. I have not going to worry about my neighbours, got a female label. only one real concern, and that is I have so maybe the change is coming. Do you think women should be always worked in a structured en­

17 September/October 1 975 ARE YOU INTERESTED IN BECOMING A HOUSEPARENT?

Alberta's department of social services and community health has group homes for emotionally disturbed or delinquent adolescents, as well asfamily homesfor mentally handicapped children.

From time to time houseparents are needed to live in these government-owned and operated homes, with either three mentally handicapped children or up to six adolescents. The mentally handicapped children are usually between five and 16 years old, while the adolescents are between 12 and 16 years old.

Houseparents are expected to teach the children the skills of daily living, to supervise them, and to give them emotional support.

Houseparents are given complete maintenance of the children and, by way of contract for their services, a monthly sum of money. All household maintenance and equipment is provided by the department.

Where a couple are working as houseparents, one may find employment outside the home.

Anyone interested in learning more about what's involved in being a houseparent should contact:

COMMUNITY RESIDENCE CO-ORDINATOR HOMES AND INSTITUTIONS ALBERTA SOCIAL SERVICES & COMMUNITY HEALTH 5th Floor, Petroleum Plaza North, 9945 - 108 Street Edmonton, Alberta T5K 2G8 Phone: 403-427-5957 /dlberfa SOCIAL SERVICES AND COMMUNITY HEALTH

18 Branching Out Powerhouse Montreal women's gallery

by Susan K. Poteet

Perhaps it's the name of the gallery Powerhouse goes unnoticed, in the living, to become known and accepted. - Powerhouse - or its feminist perspec­ media or among artists. For two years Many of the women in the group were tive, or the fact that the members are the gallery has presented a variety of just gaining courage, with the support of having so much fun running a gallery, shows and events, culminating this other members of the group, to call but whatever the reason, Powerhouse spring in ART FEMME 75, Quebec's first themselves artists. Gallery is controversial. Feminism is women artists' show. Riding on a wave of new found threatening. Its very existence frightens The beginnings of Powerhouse energy and enthusiasm, the group many people, men and women alike. were humble and familiar. Two women decided to do a show. They approached Their fear clouds their perception. If one artists put up a notice at The Flaming the major galleries in Montreal, but mentions Powerhouse around Mon­ Apron, a feminist craft store, asking were turned down. Whether the reason treal, one is likely to hear all sorts of artists interested in a consciousness was their feminism or their lack of fevered judgments and questions: group to sign up. Twelve women were professionalism is still much debated. they're all lesbians, they're straight sell­ interested, and according to Stansje Not to be discouraged, the group outs to the male art scene, they're just Plantenga, the group "worked" right decided to rent its own space, at $95 per having fun, why do we need a feminist from the first meeting. They began by month without a lease, and do its own gallery when there is no discrimination going to each member's house, looking show. One gallery member recalls it in the art world, what is Powerhouse at her work and discussing it. Far many was "just a month to month thing, sort doing for the real problems of Quebec, it was the first time peers had seen and of like when you first separate from your which are linguistic and cultural, not responded to their work All were husband." sexist. beginners, ignorant of what came after Powerhouse was launched in June Powerhouse seems to thrive in this producing art, of the whole "art scene", 1973. While the critics were not too environment of criticism. Criticism is at galleries and the marketplace, which favorable, again questioning the lack of least notice, and no event at allows the artist, if she is lucky, to earn a professionalism, there was terrific

Mutable Memories - A black-and- feeling that in multi media works, too ty - changing sky shapes, the changes of white photographic exhibit by Ann much is thrown at the viewer, resulting her own life. An especially moving Pearson featuring at the opening, a in overstimulation, lack of depth, and group of photographs were taken at the multi-media show combining colour me re exploitation of the medium. Begin­ Order of the Precious Blood of Jesus slides, sound, and dancers. ning with the image of the timepiece Convent, an aesthetically beautiful The multi-media show was very (mutability) she established a slow and place peaceful but empty - the nuns are exciting, especially a work entitled relatively quiet tempo - ticking sounds, screened from view. These ironic Keeping Still, which included clock slow changing watch images. The effect photographs honor a mutable memory sounds, watch/clock colour slides, and is actually one of stasis within change. of the artist, her own four-year stay the movement of four dancers. The Ann Pearson's photographic ex­ in a convent. artist says this piece grew out of a hibit also concerned itself with mutabili­

Two photographs from the series "Order of the Sacred Blood of Jesus Convent"

19 September/October 1975 response from the people who visited been the pattern for two years. Some of old Main", a new and growing area for the gallery. Other young women artists the names and faces have changed, but galleries. It was an adventurous step were attracted, and they added new the Powerhouse continues. away from safe, middle-class West- energy to Powerhouse. New shows At the end of the first year, mount to a working class, polyglot were mounted, new artists attracted, Powerhouse moved from its small space neighbourhood, again like leaving new energy generated. Indeed, this has in Westmounttoa large loft around "the home. Three good shows, one after the other drew new and old friends to the gallery. The members of the gallery, Art Femme 75 - This show was Femme, whose medium was menstrual always working co-operatively, began to canvas. My personal favorite conceived as a large exhibition of a blood on plan a large show of Quebec's women van der Heide's Mia May and selection of work by Quebec's women was Be artists forthe spring of 1975. Butthe LIP a artists. The Saidye Bronfman Centre Be, mixed media. The artist juxtaposes grant that had kept the gallery solvent of a young liberated woman and the Mus&e d'Art Contemporain photograph for six months had run out, and no new of the century, cigarette became involved, donating exhibit of the turn grants were forthcoming. Suddenly the space, but Powerhouse provided all the rakiskly held between her lips(Mia May) agencies which make these decisions labor in collecting, jurying, and retur­ with a photo of herself as a young girl, decided there were too many ex­ ning the more than 1000 submissions. looking solemnly at the camera, her perimental galleries in Montreal. By by the artist with clow­ Gallery members worked for several cheeks daubed January, the gallery was unable to pay months mounting this show which nish rouge patches.The artist iscertain- the salary of Tanya Rosenberg, the opened April 3, the day of Montreal's ly questioning the content of liberation director. She managed to stay on with biggest snow storm of the season. which concerns itself with cigarettes the help of unemployment insurance There were those who felt the and rouge. It this the heritage we and the occasional pass of the hat. tremendous effort necessary to mount receive from our mothers, pass on to our International Women's Year organizers, the show was not worth it, especially as daughters? The feeling of this work is meanwhile, were spending $5 million nerves frayed and tempers got thin. however quite joyful, as if the artist's on "Why Not" buttons and male adver­ Critical response was cool or negative. It response is to laugh, perhaps the tising agencies. During this critical was difficult to respond to a show with healthiest way to overcome the silliness period of six to eight months, the such variety - every medium and most of our recent heritage. powerhouse effect was most clearly schools were represented. There was An Femme 75 was of value in that manifested. Without money or support, a number of talented no thematic unity, although one might it introduced the gallery continued to produce good a large viewing public. Its say such things as, "the female body artists to shows, and prepared for and produced was used, not romantically or as an diversity, its lack of focus, warned the ART FEMME 75. All labor was the danger of assuming that object, but fragmented and used viewer of volunteered; the money was raised by there is a "woman's art". While the iconographically," "the male body was those age-old techniques used by ladies subject matter may reflect the artist's treated with loving humour." Some of aids in small towns all over Canada to (there is likely to be more the most exciting works were feminist environment keep churches in repair; the rummage homely imagery if you are at home), all in content, for example Isobel Dowler- sale, the bake sale, the craft sale, the artists struggle to give form to their Gow's Bride Series, constructions community dance, the raffle, and any experience; in ultimate terms one's sex which employed plastic bag decoration other petty hustlethatcould be dreamed of conventional bridal images, or Fran- is irrelevant. up. This was a humbling time for gallery coise Sullivan's 1975 Annee. de la members, feminists, artists, critics, and Be van der Heide with Mia May and Be dreamers, but there is a great deal to be said for the common experience of women. All these events were joyful; they hustled old clothes, baked goodies, worked side by side and came to know each other and laugh together; and all were successful. Like their sisters who keep church halls repaired in the face of growing alienation from religion, they kept Powerhouse alive. In May the gallery was awarded a $5,000 grant from IWY funds. Powerhouse Gallery has grown this past year. As well as a large gallery and office which have the friendly at­ mosphere of a drop-in centre, there is now a large co-operative studio downstairs. At any time of the day or night, you will probably find something happening at the gallery. The phone rings constantly; brain storming sessions are producing plans for things like the hilarious Best-Dressed Woman Artist Contest, which was featured at the New Year's Eve fund-raising dance; the raffle of an expensive book on Goya, or the ill-starred parade which was supposed to announce ART FEMME to Montreal's art world.

20 Branching Out The Canada Council to professionals In two years of operation, there has offers arts: been a slow development of expertise in in the gallery management. Each show is carefully planned, well advertised, and the gallery now has that "professional" look which it lacked in the beginning. Powerhouse is known and respected by a growing number of people in the art world. Gallery members know artists, critics, other galleries and museums, so a young artist wishing to mount herfirst show can find all the help she needs to become a professional, in a supportive, co-operative environment. This is not a fairy tale, however, and the problems of the gallery will probably be as permanent as its triumphs. Five thousand dollars does not last forever. Despite the good will of gallery members, personality conflicts do not vanish. New members of the gallery tended to view the older members as knowledgable, whereas in fact, says Stansje Plantenga, "we were all really ignorant of how to run a gallery." Tanya Rosenberg says: "When I came to Powerhouse, I had been a secretary for five and a half years. Here were these women who called themselves artists. I was very shy. I was looking for direction. I felt this coldness, this barrier. I thought, 'I'm not being Senior understood.' But I knew I wanted to be a part of this, no matter how hard it was." Tanya stayed around, began to take Arts responsibility, and was soon elected director of the gallery, an acknowledge­ Grants ment of her tremendous energy and forthose who have made a significant contribution organizational ability. over a number of years. Worth up to $15,000 to cover Prospective members are oc­ living, production and travel costs. casionally frightened off by their own Closing dates : October 1 5, 1975 for all timidity, intimidated by gallery members disciplines and April 1, 1976 for a second competition who appear to know the ropes. Within arts and writing only. the membership a certain amount of in visual friction remains, increasing in times of stress. Preparing for ART FEMME required thousands of hours of Arts volunteer time, much of it spent in mundane and grubby activities like Grants filing, washing floors, painting walls, for artists beyond the level of basic training. Worth up jobs that are typing - all those dreadful to $7,000 plus program costs not exceeding $900 work, but in a co­ classically women's and travel allowance, if needed. operative, the real question becomes October 15,1975 for all disci­ who will stoop to mop the floor and who Closing dates: all disciplines except music. won't. Elitism becomes as heated an plines and April 1,1976 for issue in the gallery as sexism in the home. "Quitting the gallery" is a refrain Also, applications are accepted at any time for: heard as often as "leaving home". And some artists do leave, after having Short Term Grants learned to present and hang a show, Travel Grants how to advertise and sell their work. Project Cost Grants They leave to be replaced by other beginners with energy and enthusiasm, our Aid to Artists brochure who are eager to work and learn. For further details, consult Centres, or write to : Powerhouse Gallery would be available from Information Canada interested in hearing about other co­ The Canada Council, operative ventures, particularly in the Arts Awards Service, field of the arts. We can all learn from P.O. Box 1047, each other. Write to 3738 St. Domini- Ottawa, Ontario. que St., Montreal, P.Q. *** K1P 5V8 21 September/October 1975 ! I Reflections

drawing series by Karen Wakal

Branching Out V

September/October 1975 23 U * ft fc;

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September/October 1975 25 '• J

26 Branching Out September/October 1975 27 A Toast to Women Artists

Miriam Schapiro and Mira Schor

Miriam Schapiro is an established painter and a leader in the feminist art movement. For the past few years she has directed the Feminist Art Program at the California Institute of the Arts, and she shows at the Comsky Gallery in Los Angeles and with the Andre Emmerich Gallery in New York. Last spring she was invited to the Lithography Workshop at the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design to make two prints.

While she was in Nova Scotia, the following conversation took place between Mimi and Mira Schor, a younger artist who had attended the California Institute of the Arts and participated in the Feminist Art Program. Mira now teaches painting at the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design.

Mira Schor: Some of the women named in your prints are well-known, but then there are so many that aren't. Who. for instance, is Lady Elizabeth Butler? Miriam Schapiro: She was an absolutely fascinating artist whose paintings were so large that I can't even give you the dimensions. If you double the size of a normal wall, that's how big they were. One memorable painting depicts the entire Crimean War! She loved to paint battle scenes. She's my son Peter's favorite painter. Was she a self-supporting artist or does her aristocratic name mean that she had an independent income-' I am characteristic of most people; not being an art Homage to three women artists, in black, orange, green and historian, I know little bits and pieces about most of these yellow. women, really, I look forward to spending the rest of my life learning about them, and also having an opportunity to read . about them, which is very hard to dc now. So I hesitate, and have some degree of shame, but not too much, because there isn't much written about them. Many women artists were obscured by men. Susan MacDowell Eakins was overshadow­ ed by her husband, Thomas Eakins; Marguerite Gerard was the sister-in-law of Fragonard; Gwen John was overshadowed by Augustus John. Isn't that characteristic.'' From the information available, it seems that many women artists were the daughters, wives, and sisters of artists. That was one way for them to get training. Son/a Delaunay. who is one of the women to whom you are paying homage in your print, has outlived her husband by many years and has a career of her own. but generally one tends to think of Robert Delaunay before Son la. And yet I know that often m the same month the two of them might have done almost identical paintings. Who thought of what first? After all, there is really no way to tell in that sort of interaction. And yet he is in the history books and she is not. Well, this raises another interesting question, which only since the advent of the Women's Movement can we attend to, and that is, could we begin to talk about collaboration? Could we reexamine Art History from a fresh point of view and think about a lot of collaborative effort? After all, we do put such a premium on originality and individuality.... That would be quite a change from the way we think about artists. Print honoring sixty women arists, in black, white and yellow. I myself was tremendously influenced by an art historian, Linda Nochlin, who realized that as a feminist she was in a

28 Branching Out position to question all assumptions. Having become a isolated, strange, almost hermetic woman who lived in feminist, she forced herself to look at the history of art through Victoria. She travelled to Europe, was influenced by the radical eyes. So in that very famous article, which I suppose all Fauves, returned to Victoria and her paintings changed. She women artists should read, "Why have there been no great was extremely impressed by the Indians She had always felt women artists?", she asks that very question. herself to be some sort of outsider, and related to the Indians' Actually, ifs sort of sad, because although she does bring culture as an outsider's culture. She painted incredible up a lot of names of artists that many people may never have numbers of paintings of Indian life, and her work is very strong. heard of, one would have hoped the answer would have been, And then she has all these amazing paintings of rain forests. look, there were great women artists, but they were shoved She maintains a curious balance between the basic represen- aside. Instead, the answer is there couldn't have been, tationalism of her work and an enormous amount of because the training was denied them. abstraction. So I was really very taken with Emily Carr, and I disagree with her. As she explains, there were good wanted to pay homage to this lonely lady. reasons why there weren't many women who became artists "Lonely lady"is a term that bothers me as a young woman in history. But I think as we are getting more comfortable with artist. That, m an ambition to be a good artist, it seems as if an our own idea about our own importance - remember how extreme kind of loneliness is demanded. Perhaps it is overshadowed we've been - we begin to see women artists in demanded of a male artist as well. I'm sure it is, but having to history differently, as I did in the case of Adelaide Labille- go off into the desert is really a cruel fate. Guiard last week. Robert Hughes, the art editor of Time, chose Well, you are a young artist, and this if your first year in to make four color reproductions for his article on the Romantic Halifax, and you are used to more urban centers. Do you feel Show at the Metropolitan. He chose to reproduce three men this as a kind of enforced loneliness? and one woman, Adelaide Labille-Guiard. That in itself is most No, not an enforced loneliness, since I have students and unusual. I don't think people are aware of the fact that by and friends, but I do feel as though this is an adventure that my large you rarely see a woman artist's work reproduced in color, early years didn't prepare me for. I certainly was not brought therefore we don't know about them. In terms of Art History, up to be an adventuresome person. But I've found more and even ten years ago, you saw very few black and white more that I don't seem to have a choice in the matter. Perhaps reproductions of women's work compared to the reproduc­ I do have a choice, I just don't know about that yet. but I do tions of men's work. So this is a technical fact, and this is one of seem to be on a difficult path. For instance, when I was in the causes of our not knowing anything aboutthe art historical graduate school, a lot of people were applying for jobs. All the significance of women. And Adelaide was really a great artist, men would say, "I'd go anywhere for a job. "And I remember a great portraitist. saying. "Well. I wouldn't go anywhere." because a woman It makes it hard to teach also, because if there are no alone doesn't go anywhere. This is a good place to be. but it is color reproductions, there are no slides, which makes it hard a place where I didn't really know anyone and where I am to get things going. alone. I can see how this may well be the start of a ten year trek One thing I am curious about is your interest in Emily before I settle down, and it isn't the life I had expected for Carr. How did that begin? myself. I'm not entirely trained for it, although I seem to be First of all, I was visiting Canada in June, 1974, to teach a dealing with it fairly well. So. it is a kind of loneliness. course in Art and Feminism at NSCAD, and I was poking If your life in any way follows mine, and so far it has in that around in some book stores and found her books. I read you got a degree and then went out to teach, and now you Growing Pains, and started some of the others. I had heard of anticipate staying in more remote areas for a while before her, because when we had started the Feminist Art Program going back to a more urban artistic milieu, I think what you'll at Cal Arts, our first desire was to build an archive of slides of find is that you prepare yourself for very giant risks. You gat her women artists past and present. Naturally, I had come across your courage, you learn how to be alone, so that when you feel Emily Carr's name, but frankly, before I got to Canada, it was that you have to make a break from the so-called not much more than a name connected to three or four slides. "hinterlands", you go. You may not even have a job to go to, but And the books did not give me much information about a you take your courage in your hands and do it. painter - yes, in a superficial way, but not really in an internal / never realized that the preparations would demand sense. She mostly tells stories, rather pleasant, homey tales, becoming a rambler. I could not picture myself that way. I about environmental experiences. I really became interested certainly came from a protective nest and yet I find myself in her in January, 1975, when I was in Washington at the compelled. I'm just going to have to go from one place to College Art Association annual conference. I went to a another. I have no choice. women's panel called Women Artists on Women Artists. A To get back to your prints: in the first print. I can see very woman from California, Gilah Hirsh, gave the most extraor­ definitely, a connection to Sonia Delaunay. in the interest in dinary paper on Emily Carr, with the most extraordinary slide patterning and quilting. But I'm not so sure I can see Georgia documentation. Well, I was knocked out, as were all the other O'Keeffe and Emily Carr. women there. Here was a woman of major proportions in I don't think Emily and Georgia are in it aesthetically, you terms of the history of art She is on a par with Georgia are quite right. The print is influenced and charged up by the O'Keeffe, she is a contemporary of Georgia O'Keeffe, though feeling that I have for Sonia Delaunay, who as an artist just in of course, Georgia is still living. Emily Carr was a curious, pattern alone I feel closer to. I derive a lot of strength in September/October 1975 29 knowing about Emily Carr, and certainly have an appreciation think is very important to the growth of an artist as we/1. of the range and magnitude of her work, spanning five I would like to know how you feel about working in the decades. And Georgia O'Keeffe is a woman who fascinates me Lithography Workshop here at NSCAD. The other evening, I simply because she is so God-damned gutsy and tough, and overheard one of the young men who was working with you she changes. I've always felt embarrassed when people say trying to describe Womanhouse to a woman, and I thought, I'm mercurial and superficial and all I do is change. But my oh my, Mimi has really done a job on him. Can you tell me changes are always so profound. I never do anything lightly, about that 7 and for strength in that I'veal ways looked to Georgia O'Keeffe, Well, of course, after you become a feminist, it just sort of who also gets deeply involved with something for three or four osmoses out of you. I like working here. I personally am the years and then feels that she has to go on. kind of human being that finds it difficult to work in a goldfish And who changes at the age ol eighty which is rather bowl, and I must say, that is a limitation of some kind, but I try to incredible make the best resolution possible and to be just simply glad I was with a woman in Los Angeles two weeks ago who that this workshop is such a congenial place to work in. I've said that she had entertained Georgia, who had come up from worked once before in a rather celebrated workshop and it was Abiquiu a.nd had asked this friend of mine to gather for herthe quite different. You run into fairly typical experience in print most interesting potters so that she could pick their brains. workshops, which is a kind of power play, the printers versus Her eyesight is failing and she wants to try making pots. She's the artist. 90 years old! Which is. in your case, also a man versus a woman, since / think that need to work is what keeps someone alive. most workshops are still populated by men, with few Doesn't that make you feel good? exceptions. Oh. yes. I find it enormously encouraging. That didn't happen here. John Hutcheson, who is a Don't you think we've hit on the real crux of the matter? Tamarind Master Printer, and his assistants, leave the options Here you are, a young painter, you need a model, you need open to the artist, and they were responsive to my needs. And I someone out there of whom you can say, "That's the way it's think it is to everyone's credit that they feel perfectly done." comfortable having me make my radical statements, since, At first I did find the encouragement in other voices. I after all, they are not feminists. didn't know too much about women artists, but I did find it in Perhaps they have learnt a little more about feminism. Paul Klee. in Letters to a Young Poet, byRi/ke. Now one knows And your print is very light-hearted. about women as well. But there is a bittersweet aspect about It is light hearted. It's like raising a glass of wine and it. because the women I've been most encouraged by are saying here's to you Emily Carr, and Sonia Delaunay, and Georgia O'Keeffe. and Agnes Martin, and both of them are Georgia O'Keeffe, I toast you. It's that kind of print. extremely tough women, tougher than I think I am, and both of them are leading extremely solitary lives. The price that they've paid for their knowledge seems enormous. It seems greater than the price someone like Klee paid for whatever knowledge he gained. The fate doesn't seem so easy for a woman artist. I don't know whether that is going to change. I know many women artists who have lived with men and who have been able to practice their art. It isn't natural to say that, if you are ambitious, if you are a woman, if you are an artist, you are destined to lead a solitary life. It may turn out that your fate is different than that. One hopes so. I don't know what those women artists wanted for themselves when they were young, but I certainly lefebvre gallery know that I would like to combine being an artist with having a 12214 jasper avenue child. I think that is part of a woman's life. I have a friend, a painter named Yvonne Jacguette, who startled a class of young women artists by saying that her real creative urge refined itself and became twice as powerful when she had a • child. Then she really had to think about what she was going to do. her time became more precious, her art became that much more precious. She really felt strongly about it. She is absolutely right. I made up my mind that for the first few years after my son was born I was going to have only four EDMONTON ARTISTS hours a day in my studio, and they meant so much to me. My spiritual life was compressed into those four hours. Andthen I showing to December 31, 1975 came back refreshed, renewed, I came back to my baby like a human being again. So the whole duality of your existence is so real, so terrific. I think you can do it without having a baby, I Sept. 13-30 MYLES MACDONALD think you can do it with a baby. What bothers me is people who Oct. 6-18 DAVE MACLAGAN say once you have a baby you can't be an artist. I think that is Oct. 20-31 HOLLY MIDDLETON very unfair. Nov. 10-22 MEREDITH EVANS / think it is difficult. You need support, you need help. Dec. 8-20 I.W.Y. SHOW But I do feel the child-bearing aspect of a woman's life is very 12 WOMEN ARTISTS important, because I think that to be a full person you need to be touched in some way. You can't be invulnerable, and my perception of women who have had children is that they have been touched, somebody has made demands on them, the woman has had to break out of her shell of being a child herself. It is a kind of responsibility and vulnerability which I

30 Branching Out Creative Genius: Unique to Men?

by Grethe Holmen

Why have there not been any great Those who persisted in their art to compete for awards. Medals and women artists? Where are the female were forced to become secretive. distinctions do not guarantee thatthose geniuses - the female Shakespeare, Writers were in a favorable position, for who get them are important artists. But Mozart and Rembrandt? pen and paper were easily obtained. It is external recognition has always been, These are natural questions, for if certain however that these women felt and still is, a dominating and frustrating there have been any, we have not heard the prejudice of their time; this is part of an artist's job, particularly if he or of them. But that must be because obvious from the male pseudonyms that she has to live by it. With the working women are incapable of creating great almost all women writers assumed, if conditions offered women artists, one works of art. They can reproduce, but they were lucky enough to have their can only wonder that they went through they cannot create. In this way the work published. with it, and that their numbers in­ matter has been settled, not once but Those who wished to express creased. many times. Yet scattered around the themselves in music were not so The obstacles described here, and world are many works of art by women, fortunate. They needed music paper and many others, have been created by since Sappho's day there have been an instrument, and were not able to society, i.e. by men. But after all, aren't many women writers, and according to keep their work secret, for an instru­ men more artistically creative than the biographical handbook Women ment produces sound. The family had to women? An answer is often expressed Composers (Otto Ebel, 1902), up to put up with the noise, and contend with categorically: men are creative artists, 1900 there had been just under three the disapproval of a society which found women reproductive artists. hundred women composers of it strange that a woman would want to Are there any biological facts which symphonies, operas, cantatas, et compose. In spite of these obstacles, a prove this to be so? The Danish biologist cetera. few hundred women were able to Anders Munk says about this that any I shall not attempt to guess how publish their compositions, again with working hypothesis which in this case much of this has been considered male pseudonyms. Women who painted indicates anything as a definite "great art". But how many of the men or drew were perhaps worst off, for they biological truth, can be rejected. As to we come across in the histories and needed canvas, brushes and color, and biological differences of sex - including dictionaries of art have been considered needed more of them frequently. the question of different abilities in "great"? If today, with the contemporary Common to all these women was connection with artistic creativity - way of judging art, we were to deter­ the problem of getting peace and room nothing is known except that what is mine what is and what is not great art, for their work. To have a place where biologically determined in a human these bulky books would probably one can think, work and concentrate being does not limit our possibilities. It is shrink considerably, and many of the has always been impossible for most known that women are made to bear remaining artists would not be con­ people, but the difficulties were, and children and suckle them. That women sidered "great". still are, greater for women. Most should have an inborn maternal feeling Moreover, who has decided, women were financially dependent on a telling her she must have children or throughout history, what has been father or a husband, and even if they become frustrated, is one of the classified as great, important or less had the financial independence to get a postulates which, in his book important art? Who dares to say that room outside the home, it would have Humanismens Biologi (Biology of objective and artistic points of view have taken an enormous amount of strength Humanism) Professor Munk calls a always decided whether an artist and courage to carry it through. "postulate of inevitability", and it is should be accepted or not? And with Another problem was the lack of completely false. Similarly, traditional some knowledge of the circumstances, artistic training available to women. female characteristics are probably due who dares say women artists were not They were not generally admitted to the to the pattern of sex roles, which in turn specially obstructed? schools of music or art, or to the are the result of indoctrination. It is In the past, a girl with artistic talent universities, and they were still less known that indoctrination is an enor­ was immediately regarded with some allowed to participate in the com­ mous power in human life. scepticism. These talents had no value petitions and exhibitions which might But if we discuss psychological- on the marriage market. A little poetiz­ have brought some recognition of their sexual differences in creative artists, we ing for the desk drawer, some porcelain work. In many art schools women were must go to creativity research, a painting, singing or dancing for visitors - not allowed in classes where the model relatively new field. The psychologist all these might be fascinating, and was nude. The music schools which Ellen Bach, author of Om Kreativitet (On might bring some glory to the family, but admitted women were generally the concept of creativity) fixes the more than that was alarming. Artistic tolerant of them, for it was felt that formal part of creativity research at ambition was to be put out of her head singing and playing the piano were 1950, when the psychologist Guilford entirely. The reason was not that she, as accomplishments in a woman. used the term in a lecture. From that an artist, would have to go through At the academies, it was of course time the subject has aroused the internal and external struggle, but that it men who decided which students were interest of psychologists, and several was not socially acceptable for ladies to to have the opportunities of exhibitions, reports have been written. This have artistic ambition. distinctions, and encouragements, and cont. on p. 44

September/October 1975 31 The Fraser River

by Donna Rae illustration by Jean Mutton

What "were those words? Melicent sometimes. She felt the same ache cheap garment, leaving it faded and read them again. when she thought of one or the other of soft. Lines could be seen on her face her five children. (Not so much recently, which were rarely noticed because of When she bent her head she looked old however. Lately she had been more her animated discourse. For the Christophine, do not and I thought, 'O concerned with herself.) The Fraser was thousandth time in her life with this grow old. You are the only friend I have, the more powerful river, engorged with was incredulous; she do not go away from me into being old.' man, she sediment, and yellow. Only a few more wondered as one might wonder at an miles, though, and it was finished. It alien Hindu practice, how one person Impatiently Melicent pushed the would leave the land and spill itself into could be so pleased when he saw he had book away from her. It flopped to the the sea. The thought saddened Meli­ hurt another. ground. A soft thud. Tedious passage, cent. The Fraser seemed placid from "Caught you, eh, my little miss," he she thought. The blurb had promised where she sat and she enjoyed chortled. "Caught you lounging and exotic romance, lush Creole heiress, watching it; but she was wary of smoking like the la-dee-da ladies on charming English lord. What a lie. Into thoughts of that gross expanse, that Kingsway Road. Are you going to call for being old. What did that mean, 'into nullity which was the sea. a sherry too, eh? Are you going to do that being old'? What old person ever goes Abruptly, with nothing to alert her now?" He slapped his thighs with away? And she was too weary to trek to danger, the garage door clanged shut. pleasure. down the hill for another novel. It was As Melicent lifted startled eyes toward By then Melicent was on her feet. unfair - nearly seventy years of age - it, her body folded in on itself with Her drink spilled itself into the earth, but cigarettes, anything - and it was three dismay. So - he was back. J. Wilford the glass did not break. She altered her blocks over and four blocks down the Scott. She thought of him sometimes by facial expression; she braced herself to steep decline. Wilford had said she this business name. They had printed respond to his joke. Then with rapid, would love it, "their retirement home on stationery. She was Mrs. J. Wilford shuffling steps, that would seem to a the banks of the Fraser River". Scott. With a jerky movement she stranger like a parody of juvenile Sometimesshedid. But the hill. She had leaned over and smothered her delight, she minced toward him. "I want taken so many taxi-cabs since Wilford cigarette in the soft earth. Before she to give you," she cried, "a great big hug, had been gone. Not that he would ever had straightened, she felt her a great big hug of welcome."She batted know, and was it so terrible? The last husband's grotesquely extended her eyes, winked, even lisped a little. time she had walked the hill, she had shadow cover her small person. She She poured a rapid flow of words around had a strange dizzy spell. Brief, but kept her eyes raised while her hand him. "I don't care if we're on the back disturbing. fumbled in the grass and for a moment lawn for all the world to see. I'm going reclining She leaned back in her the setting sun extinguished the figure to give you a big hug and a kiss right sipped lawn chair, lit a cigarette and striding toward her. Then she saw his here. How do you like that. Not bad for more lemonade. Gradually she became smile. He was grinning widely. Her two seventy-year-olds who have been warm air cradled her. As content. The heart flopped at the sight. She married so long, eh. Romantic." Meli­ she might doze. Three she had no book remembered a dead fish she had seen cent liked the word 'romantic'. "I've time; she still had three days. There was floating, belly up, yellowish-white, missed you terribly." She rattled on more days of this blissful days. Three tinged with a faint stench of decay, about the yardwork which had been solitude. The setting sun at her back rocking in the shadows of her Battle kept up faithfully and the grass on the was hazy, but still powerful. The Fraser River. How many days after that had incline which had been hand-clipped, River emitted a moist fragrance tinged Wilford left her for the first time? Not and that it was really marvellous, with decay. Oddly soothing. A many. His smile at the river had been marvellous, he had been able to return meadowlark seemed to break open the more profound than his smile now. Why three days early. air nearby with its seeking, exultant cry. had he not told her then he was joining Indulgently Mr. J. Wilford Scott Her mother-in-law had called her the army? She did not know. Now, eased his wife back into the house. 'meadowlark'. "Our Melicent- however, after forty-odd years, she Kissing in public. He was not going to meadowlark. Just the useful creature knew his smile. This one meant he had make a fool of himself by kissing in we need on a farm." Melicent could not 'found her out'. public, even if she did not mind. comprehend sarcasm. She dropped the Melicent's look of dismay at having Nonetheless she could see him soaking thought. But it reminded her of the river her husband return unexpectedly and up her sugared words. She could see around the family farm. that curved find her smoking, when she had told the tensions of his lonely two months it was called, and she Battle River, him she was giving it up for him, after and long drive begin to dissipate. Her as hers. Nothing half as big thought of it the doctor had ordered him to stop - her effusiveness was welcome for a of course, but of an as the Fraser, look of dismay that he caught her change. They both knew he could dam both brilliant and opaque - aquamarine lounging and smoking changed when up the flow whenever he wished. Right an eerie whitewash. The brushed over she saw his smile. Her face collapsed. It now he wanted her, she knew; he it made her ache with joy thought of seemed to run together as colors do in a wanted to float on this holy river of 32 Branching Out goodwill, relax in the cradle of his home. to return, a very bad day. She expected about Howie. His summer job seemed to have tired Howie ..... a late supper. Other than As usual J Wilford Scott ignored to his bank. him more this year than it had since he alluding to the bank of lawn between the reference Melicent retired. their property and their neighbours, Now in the kitchen from table Melicent gushed no less than Melicent was even too distracted to pattered from stove to table, hand-clipped bank was usual, but she hardly heard what she throw in those little malicious lines to stove. The she thought. That was it. was saying. Long years of performances which helped to give her some sense of nothing to him, for a had given her a polish seldom matched balance in the midst of her outpourings. Her mouth looked resentful then she decided. She on any stage. It was a bad day for Wilford Soon she would be forced to tell him moment, and 33 September/October 1 975 batted her eyes again and shuffled "Now, now, mother, no back seat enough to sleep. toward him. "It's lovely, simply lovely, driving." Amicably. Melicent and Elaine stumbled on you could return today. You'll never "Yeah, yeah," the younger children with their chores. Melicent had learned guess. Howie is coming. Now don't eat echoed. Delighted by their father's rare that no children's affair could delay a too much. We'll have a late supper good humour, eager to ally themselves man's meal. She enclosed herself in a together. Isn't that sweet, the three of with him for once, they would desert state of semi-consciousness which us together. He'll be so pleased. Such their mother on the instant. And she had propelled her through her duties. fun surprises." been pleased by this. Did he ever know Sounds became indistinct, outlines of "Humph." Wilford did not look at how pleased? But she was not thinking objects blurred. Elaine's sobs and the her. With a jerk of his chair he was now of a drive through Fraser canyon. cries of the boys blended with the through the door and stumping toward Events had merged. It must have been moaning of the breeze in the fir trees at his small greenhouse. Melicent relaxed the move. the rear, and the twittering of a flock of immediately. Years ago the tension at a They were relocating again. sparrows on the front lawn. The merged time like this, the conflict between Another advancement. 'Anyone can get sounds beat against her temples. It was wanting to please both husband and ahead in this country' was Wilford's like the sea. Only the thud of the belt did children, would have been almost refrain. He had not regaled Howie much not combine with the other noises. If unendurable. When had she learned to with this sentiment in the last few she concentrated, if she heard every economize on heartaches, to save her years, however. Their pension was blow in full force, she could absorb agitation until the moment that he small. This time they were moving from these blows. Her children's pain would reappeared? Was it the night of the the country to Edmonton. Howie must be less, she thought. And so she had her blizzard? Howie had delivered his have been almost eighteen. If Wilford trance. She lived through that half hour newspapers to the last one. "Do or die, had not driven so fast, it might have as she had before and would again. It mother," he had said solemnly, giving been a good trip. Still she was always on was later that her real pain came, when the old saw its literal value. Indeed he edge when Wilford and the children her heart felt as if it would burst its cage had frozen the tips of his fingers and his were together. But this time Wilford, and splatter over the room. left cheek. Such an earnest boy. But he who finally had received his secure Frank had gone for a walk. Elaine was only eleven then and the rest were governmental position, was in a relaxed was awkward, disgruntled with her all younger. She must have learned mood. Howie had remained behind. He everlasting puzzle. She had carried it later, much later. Not a word of praise said he intended to join them later, but from the Alberta badlands on her lap. from his father. She had been he never did - always living somewhere The two boys had attempted to play bewildered. "Wilford, look up a mo­ in the vicinity, but never right at home. cards, had tried to be nonchalant. Their ment, can't you see what our Howie At the end though Howie's absence had faces were blotched and strained; their has done?" "Humph," he had said and not helped. Frank, over six feet tall even skin pulled white over their temples. stumped off. Where? To the basement then, was sullen. He had wanted to This was what Melicent could not bear, probably, or was he attending night remain with his brother. Mark and Joey the faces of the boys as they attempted school then? Wilford must have been were fidgety, teasing and tormenting to reconstruct their pride. home from the army. Demobilized. No each other, unused to prolonged Wilford had decided that this would more officer's pay, or Howie would not association with their father. Thirteen- be one of his rare evenings with the have been delivering papers. They had year-old Elaine, seated between her family. He seemed to be in a state of fine all worked. She had been nervous about parents, seemed to vacillate between satisfaction as he read his newspaper, starting again with singing pupils, but fear and attraction to them both. Elaine ambition forgotten. No one made the had kept her own money. Supporting was too thin to this day. Only a few mistake of alluding to the beating. Who them was Wilford's job. So many weeks ago Melicent had advised her to would challenge his right to discipline enchanting frocks illustrated in the study the hints in magazines. Steps his children? (Melicent thought of magazines. So romantic. No, it was could be taken to give the illusion of a Wilford's mother ..... longed briefly for later. She only noticed her new ability, capacious bust. that woman. If anyone could influence her serenity, after Mark married. Just a Feed them quickly, Melicent Wilford, it would be she.) She flattered few years ago in fact. thought, when they arrived at their new him, batted her eyes and shuffled Out on the lawn she retrieved her dwelling. Very quickly, maybe there is between the kitchen and sitting-room, glass, but she did not resume her seat. still time. "Elaine, oh Elaine, hurry." her shoulders and hips hunched around Lounging was over for a while unless Released from the automobile, beguiled her soft underbelly, all senses alert. She Wilford went fishing or had business in by Wilford's composure, Mark and Joey subdued her pain and waited for the town. A few drops of pallid yellow still in cavorted. They were carrying boxes, but chance to spill her love around the the glass ..... the Fraser looked so they cavorted when there was business children. When she dared, she serene. How could both colors be called at hand. They careened around the suggested popcorn. yellow? The transparent and the turbid. house for a second load. Then it came Elaine shot her mother a glance of She would like to know more about ..... as abruptly as the torrent of a pure hatred. Popcorn, indeed. Twenty colors. Could the subject be as complex waterfall to an ignorant boatman. years later Melicent learned that Elaine as music? As changeable? How many Melicent had heard the muffled roar, believed her mother could have times had she been driven through the but the boys were paralysed with prevented the beatings if she had Fraser canyon - terrified - the water astonishment. The belt slashed out..... wanted to. Popcorn ..... smoothing boiling, writhing, banging onto stone, first one and then the other. Frank, head things over again - her father at least, whipping down the canyon toward the down, carried boxes back and forth, his Elaine said years later, had had integri­ sea. neck engorged with rage, his hands stiff ty. "Not so fast, Wilford, please, oh and white. His father had not beaten "Fine," boomed Wilford, "just what please!" Was it the turbulence of the him in over a year, but she knew that he we need, mother. Wouldn't that just hit scene or Wilford's driving? She had no would take a walk after supper. The the spot for our first night here? Why are rights when Wilford was behind the stiff-spined army pace which he had you all soglum?" Playfully he ruffled the wheel. He could do anything. She had learned from his father would carry him boys' hair. Patronizing, happy, he no control. for miles before he would feel relaxed hustled them all intothe kitchen. He had

34 Branching Out a fine, free, open smile. And Melicent dinner for the harvesters. She had been Milady?" He spoke in a monotone but wondered at it in frank astonishment. up at 4:30 a.m. peeling the tubful of she did not notice. She was too giddy of Had he always felt his best after potatoes these men required. Gingerly her own sense of urgency even to see whipping the children? She could not she pushed one pot to the side and him, except as a blur. remember. replaced it with her own small kettle. "I want to go from here, Wilford. We She knew it was soon after And then she waited ..... her nerves must have our own home." She was Wilford's return from the army that she taut. Slowly the tiny bubbles began to telling him; she was not asking. She developed her mince, her placating form on the bottom of the kettle and looked at him straight ..... without a grovel. On the family farm she had around the sides. Her tensions wink, without aflutter "I must take care walked freely enough ..... quite freely for heightened. Would the water never of Howie in my own way. And now we'll a woman. boil? As the rolling motion commenced have two. They are my family." Her thoughts of those few years she felt the presence of the elder Mrs. Wilford simply stared ahead of him, were tinged with nostalgic yearning Scott behind her. his jaw muscles working. And then he because of her walks. True enough, she "Whatever are you doing? The men spoke slowly. had strode down to the river more often "Mother was laughing when I went to weep than to sing, butWilford had not Melicent whipped around in a pan­ in." He sounded incredulous. "She was been the cause. Melicent had not ic. laughing at me too." known how to please her mother-in- "Just take them bottles off right "Our own home, Wilford." law. What did she know of the elder now. How're we supposed to cook the "She said, 'Our Melicent- Mrs. Scott's surprise that her son had men's meal?" meadowlark is weepm' in the woods.' married at all. It was assumed he would "But the baby ..... Howie ..... it will She said that she could be arty herself, if continue a bachelor on the family farm; just take a minute." she wanted. She could make a rhyme he was over thirty, after all. Wilford was "Now ..... I said ..... they'll be back and dash the beans to the floor. She told as severe as his mother; for him also 'for we're ready as it is." Her mother-in- me she had swept up the broken glass, work was a moral necessity, but unlike law stood in the doorway before her, and she was laughing. She liked it her, he did not have a sense of the massive it seemed, her arms folded over you to get mad." ludicrous. Melicent was a city girl. She her chest. "We must have our own home. It and the older woman would attempt to Fury rose in Melicent. With a burst shouldn't be too hard. I could teach adjust to each other; generally they of energy she flung the kettle to the singing." would fail. Melicent was glad the floor. As she heard the bottles break, "I won't have her laughing at me." situation more amused Wilford than she whirled through the outer door, and "We could manage. I must take otherwise. It seemed to please him to was soon crashing through the trees care of Howie in my own way." see his powerful mother discomfited. toward her river. "What's that you say? The baby Melicent was so afraid he would decide "Mi My, "she heard the older woman .....that infant ..... is your family ..... (as she thought her mother-in-law had) call. "The baby doesn't need all that. Howie?" Melicent saw him looking at that she was useless Washin' 'em's good enough. Milly?" her hard ..... for the first time since he On a sultry summer day, Melicent And then she heard the other woman had come. "And the farm? My slipped into the kitchen to sterilize laugh - uproariously. livelihood? How can I let you ask this?" Howie's bottle. He was only four months When Wilford found Melicent she Suddenly he looked down. The dead fish old, but already she was nauseous with was standing rigidly near a pine, her rocked gently in the shallows. He tapped her second pregnancy. She usually hands fumbling with a cone she had at it with his boot. Then, with no retained the yellow viscid fluid for the scooped up in her retreat. He seemed warning, he swung around and gave a sake of Howie, whose eyes were such a surprised, as if he had expected to see rotted log which lay nearby a mighty deep blue she ached with the joy of it. her sobbing on the forest floor. For some kick. The sweet odor of rotten wood She felt compelled to remain strong for minutes she heard him coming toward filled the air He kicked again, dislodged him. A time or two however, she hid her and since first sensing his approach, the log and stomped on the scurrying herself near the river, tickled her throat the determination had grown within her insects which had sheltered there. with her finger and allowed the vile to ask for something, for a great favor. Melicent pressed her point. "We liquid to flow from her. She revelled in (As it turned out, the favor was one could save and buy, or homestead. We the aftermath, the sense of calm, of which would alter the course of their could start all over again. It would be release from pain. (She felt as placid as lives.) Melicent was ashamed of her fun. Romantic." the Fraser looked now.) And then she tantrum. She had tried, with such When Wilford turned around his returned to Howie. If she could not intensity, to be a capable person. Now eyes had gone as dead as the fish, but an nurse, she could at least anticipate his she felt as if she could not live with her unconscious smile had spread itself wants in other ways. And to do this was husband's family any more. She must over his face Upon see ing his smile, she increasingly trying. grasp the situation and give it a twist of seized his hand and kissed it in abject The elder Mrs. Scott was contemp­ her own will, somehow implant her gratitude. He told her, then, that he tuous. It was bad enough that Melicent personality on their lives and actions ..... would see what could be arranged was unable to nurse, but the notion of as if lives were dough which could be about moving. His voice was as soft as a sterilizing bottles filled her with out­ molded and shaped. She haddone what purr. Still smiling, he put his arm around rage. It was a waste of time, fuel, and she had been trained all her life to a void; her and assisted her back to the house. space on the kitchen range. As Melicent she had created a scene. She knew that Melicent had a few days of joy such entered the kitchen that August day, before terror of her husband and as she had never experienced before. she was relieved to see the fire had been mother-in-law could engulf her, she She exulted. She felt an inkling of what built up high. There would be no must make a demand herself. She was is commonly called power. Wilford must question, she thought, of fuel being rigid with her decision, and, for the first really love her, she thought. It was so wasted. Pots and mason jars for can­ time since she had known him, un­ new, this feeling, and unexpected, that ning string beans occupied most of the conscious of her husband's state of she did all she could to disguise it. She space. If she hurried, there would be mind. time before it was necessary to prepare Wilford strode toward her. "Well, cont. on p. 47

September/October 1975 35 music ROCK SLIDE SURVIVORS: BAEZ, COLLINS AND TYSON by Beverley Boss illustration by Barbara Hartmann

Joan Baez: "Diamonds and Rust" A & Baez work to date: there isn't a directly conductor Joshua Rifkin who has lent M SP45 27 political track on the album and her style an unmistakable classical Judy Collins: "Judith" Electra 7ES somehow, there seems to be much touch. Here, she uses two new 1032 more warmth. Apparently Baez has arrangers: Arif Mardin (who also Sylvia Tyson: "Woman's World" Capitol opened up to innovation and spontanei­ produced the album) and Jonathan SKAC 6430 ty and has shared her discoveries with Tunick. Their skill has resulted in what They appeared in the '60's, their her musicians. Where former one has come to expect from a Collins voices as pure as their devotion to arrangements were fairly standard, album - each song is an individual traditional folk forms and political these are more wide-ranging and picture in a gallery, its colors brilliant activism. The women of this folk scene, expressive in style and instrumentation. and chosen with care. though outnumbered by their male Again from the liner notes: "None of the New for Collins are the two rock counterparts, were nevertheless musicians could believe they were at a numbers "Angel Spread Your Wings" staunchly supported. But when the rock Joan Baez session. They had freedom and "Salt of the Earth" an old Rolling revolution shattered the simplicity and and an opportunity to express their own Stones song and two '30'stunes which, idealism of their style, it was only the art." with the wistfulness that is Collins' first ladies of folk - Joan Baez, Judy Something exciting is happening to special gift, seem to be an echo of their Collins, Mary Travers, and in Canada, Joan Baez and her art. And anyone who era. The rock songs are less successful Sylvia Tyson, who survived. has accused her of being humorless but they do lead Collins into some vocal That change occurred a decade ago should listen to her superb imitation of over-dubbing and background har­ and today, on the other side of the "rock Dylan on "Simple Twist of Fate," her monies which hopefully she'll continue slide" survivors of all kinds are casting first ever "rock and roll" number. to explore. about for new musical directions. It "Judith" is not as significant a The weakness here is again what seems significant that Judy Collins, departure for Judy Collins. She was you come to expect from a Collins' Joan Baez and Sylvia Tyson should each among the first of the folk artists to album: that is the occasional lack of release an album about the same time show a change. For some years she has vocal accuracy which has yet to in­ and, moreover, that each album should been choosing her material from un- terfere with the appreciation of a song represent some kind of change for the traditional sources: whether Broadway and seems to be improving. artist. musicals or the work of undiscovered Collins plays piano on many of the The new Baez "Diamonds and song writers. On many of her albums, tracks in her even flowing style. My Rust" is going to surprise anyone who she has worked closely with arranger- favorite is "Houses," perhaps the most may previously have admired her in­ tegrity but was somewhat bored by the sameness of sound from album to album. The liner notes do not ex­ aggerate when they state that the title track is "the beginning of a new musical direction and awareness for Joan, who understood what this song meant long before anyone else could imagine where it would lead her." An intensely personal examination of a dying relationship, this song's honesty and conversational quality are reminiscent of Joni Mitchell. Mitchell infactappears on the most remarkable track of the album, a non-lyrical number, "Dida," which includes another influence: the "cum" jazz sound of Tom Scott who worked closely with Joni Mitchell on "Court and Spark." Together with "Children and All That Jazz," another track that features Tom Scott and pianist Humpton Hawes, "Dida" represents a stylistic avenue that Baez has never entered before. But her enthusiasm and the excitement she is capable of generating is apparent on both tracks. Certainly this is the most personal

36 Rranr'hinn Out shimmering of her many beautiful com­ considerable scope. It is one woman's arrangements here, by Milan Kymlicka, positions view of the world, since all the songs are are sticky sweet and unimaginative. I her own, but that world is full of well- want to believe that this is no; because You have many houses created characters (Ellen and her ex- it is a Canadian product.... One for every season husband in "Bluebird Cafe"), personal "Woman's World" is significant on Mountains in your windows truths ("I find it's not so hard/ to be another level as well. In it, Sylvia Tyson Violets in your hands .... without you/ As it is to be with you seems to be at the point where many of when you're down") and touches of us find ourselves sooner or later - that Rooms that face the ocean beauty: situation where we have more or less Moonlight on your bed equal realization of both our strengths Mermaids swift as dolphins Yesterday's dreams and weaknesses and where we are Paint the air with diamonds like birds in the winter tempted by the variety of roles that are You are like a seagull Have gathered together available to us: As you sail. And flown "Houses" to the sun. "Yesterday's Dreams" My friends all say that I'm lucky By Judy Collins by Sylvia Tyson And I guess my friends should know Copyright 1975 © 1975 Newtonville Music Inc. I'm a woman in a man's world The Wildflowers Company With a woman's world to go to when Sylvia Tyson is half of Canada's There are songs for the country and she's low foremost duo and her career has been western market, songs that are close to tied closely to that of her husband, lan her folk music roots, as well as a bluesy "Woman's World" Tyson. Recently, however, she has late-night number "Time for a Change" by Sylvia Tyson beg unto perform as a solo and to further all of which reveal Tyson as both a "" 1968 Newtonville Music Inc. assert her individuality through her CBC versatile writer and performer radio series "Touch the Earth". A solo She is backed by many of Canada's However we choose to deal with album was inevitable and has arrived in better-known musicians: Al Cherney, the situation it is heartening to realize the form of "Women's World." Before Keith Jollimore, Red Shea, Doug Riley that these three women have managed you cringe at the title and suspect the and lan Tyson, who also produced the to survive and grow by believing in­ efforts of limited vision, realize that in album. Unfortunately, compared to the creasingly in the strength of their own fact this is a collection of songs of Collins and Baez albums, the string personal experience. ***

September/October 1975 37 boots MOUSETRAPS review by Eloah F. Giacomelli drawing by lona MacAllister

Theme for Diverse Instruments, by Jane Rule. Talonbooks, Vancouver, 1975, 185 pages, $4.95.

Whether visible or invisible, real or imaginary, there are always the four walls with their doors and windows - locked, unlocked, open, shut, ajar, doors and windows which people at times even smash open in an attempt to find an entrance or an exit. And then there are always the houses - well-padded, protective cushions; stifling, limiting cells or prisons; conventional, lifeless status symbols; much-needed tem­ porary retreats; or portable psychic spaces people might learn to carry along with them. Houses cluttered with furniture and objects that weigh people down but to which they often cling for dear life, because the fear of what might happen to them without the familiar props is even greater than the fear of being buried alive under their weight. In Theme for Diverse Instruments, a recent collection of 13 stories by Canadian writer Jane Rule, characters are very much aware of houses and walls and doors. Five of these stories have the word "house" in their titles; one has the word "gate". But in all of them, with the exception of "A Walk by Himself", houses as symbols are a recurrent theme. The cover painting, "Dream with House, Bed and Scraper", by Vancouver painter Judith Lodge, suggests the possibility of conjuring up some private, portable space - our psychic space - whenever or wherever needed to keep out or to keep in. Floating in an open, indigo-blue space, Lodge's house with its prismatic colors is unpeopled and uncluttered, the furniture just one large bed neatly covered with a multicolored quilt. Dreams are portable and can cross borders. In the story "Invention for Shelagh", the young woman "who writes on her walls on strips of newsprints" carries her space with her. She takes those strips down, types what she has written and then carries it with her in her 7,000 mile journey; "Shelagh takes down her walls and brings them to England. We sit in our rented house there and listen to her walls. That is how Shelagh makes home with us."

38 Branching Out Reading Rule's stories, the reader exists only in the blueprint. Because of cannot understand why his wife is not is reminded of Ivy Compton-Burnett, a this act of transgression, she is now her interested in having one: "Other writer obsessed with houses, late brother's prisoner. The boy himself, women want to buy houses. Other Victorian houses, stifling, destructive, despite his young age, has already women want their kids to have a yard to claustrophobic; peopled with parents, experienced the confinement of walls, play in. They like to reupholster their children, relatives, servants, tutors, to which everybody seems doomed, own furniture". His wife, however, masters, governesses, all of them regardless of age or sex: "Do you ever wants an island. feeding on and tyrannizing over each think, he asked, peering down at her, Stories like "Brother and Sister" other. Rule's houses, of course, are that you're inside a house?.... I mean, and "My Father's House" show Rule at nothing like that. First, her characters Dickey said, sort of built in and people her best as a fine short-story writer. live in mid-twentieth-century North don't know?" Both focus on the deep, tender America where horizontal and vertical Men, as every woman knows, relationship between a brother and a mobility are a way of life. Transience is always take up much more physical and sister - adults in one, children in the the hallmark of the fabric of our society. phychic space than women do. Some other. This relationship acts like a mirror As the narrator in the title story put it: women, however, might end up by that reflects in an oblique way some preferring the smaller space, as is the revealing truth about one of the Our tradition is transience, in war or case, for instance, of the two women in characters: the climax in each story peace. Family seats on this continent "Middle Children" who live together as coincides with the moment of self- turn into old people's homes, private lovers. They can easily find their needed revelation. In "Brother and Sister," the schools, power generators, and super­ psychic space anywhere. As a matter of brother, who cannot face the fact of his highways even before our mothers have fact, they choose to live in a big house weakness and failure, knows the extent hysterectomies, our fathers heart at­ whose rooms they rent out to male tacks, ourselves commissions or of his own pain only after he sees it students, even though financially they children. We move in and out of houses reflected in his sister. In "My Father's even more rapidly than presidents and can well afford the entire house for House," the six-year-old girl, whom the first ladies move in and out of the White themselves. Others, like the seemingly two boys accept as their playmate, House independent, self-sufficient, successful realizes that she will have to assert woman in "Brother and Sister", seem to herself if they are going to pay any real Second, Rule's characters are not as find their psychic space only within attention to her. Even in the picture in helplessly trapped as those created by some large physical space. "A big house her coloring book, she keeps thinking, Compton-Burnett, thanks to this very for someone who mostly lived alone" there is no girl and so, "it she was going mobility and transience that her brother muses. A big house which to be in the picture, she'd have to draw characterize North American society. she fills with her presence. The brother herself in". Rule's characters can break away from feels "the threat of little objects. Not Rule's narrative approach in these the confining, destructive limits of their exactly a cluttered room, just unex­ two stories is rigorously impersonal and physical or imaginary houses, and they pected things, like that dinner plate detached. The carefully selected, sharp­ often do so. "Nothing keeps you here," table and those painted rocks." ly delineated details are relevant and says the doctor to the narrator- For the housewife in "A Television essential; the prose is uncluttered, lean, protagonist in "If There Is No Gate" - a Drama," her home in an expensive elegant; the tone is low-keyed; action is woman undergoing treatment for a fashionable neighborhood is a safe, substantially presented by dialogue - mental breakdown. "There are no walls. comfortable prison to keep out the real everything is tightly-knit in the most There is no gate," the doctor states world, a world she only experiences economical and effective way. The emphatically. The protagonist, second-hand on her television screen. writer's preference for the detached however, as she packs her suitcases to The wars, the bombs, the violence she point of view works very well in her leave, wonders about "not what kept me sees on the screen during the news short stories. This detachment can be in but what kept me out." hour are "real to her, terribly real." And sustained in the short story, a genre People are always erecting walls, so she cannot believe in the reality of which focuses on one single event. In real or imaginary, like the little boy in the scene she has witnessed from her the novel, however, it posesdifficulties. "My Father's House" who is playing window: a bank robber, chased by In her novel Against the Season, for games with his younger sister on the policemen, dying in her own garden. To instance, Rule's unrelenting detach­ site where their father is building a this lonely housewife, "it seemed ment keeps the reader away from her house. So far only the foundation has unlikely that anyone would kill anyone characters, whom he never really gets been laid, but to the little boy the else on this street, where every child to know because the writer does not foundation is "the vast reality of the had his own bedroom and most men allow the reader to get any closer. small, accurate blueprint his father had either studies or basement workshops Not all the stories in this collection shown him." The sister, disobeying her to retreat into". Because men always have the same tightly-knit, flawless brother's instructions, walked through assume that women want this kind of fabric of the two just discussed. "My the wall of the dining-room, a wall that house, the husband in "House" simply Country Wrong", for example, which

September/October 1975 39 focuses on two days in the life of a Athena, out of a redwood tree, which we serious concern with the art of fiction: woman homosexual in San Francisco at call virgin timber, for all its phallic this recent collection of stories shows Christmastime, seems an excerpt from surprise". The story approaches a that she has been experimenting with a novel rather than a short story. The mythopoetic level - a welcome experi­ language, form, point of view, content. same can be said of "Invention for ment in Canadian fiction, and one hopes The narrator in the title story voices Shelagh," which offers fragments of the writer will return to this kind of some crucial problems of writing: images of three women involved in a imaginative restatement of experience We are trying to let all flowers bloom, relationship. Throughout this story the that she so successfully attempted in but, of course, prose is not a flower bed, reader feels just like a person who has "Theme for Diverse Instruments". a space, but time, one thin line of it, an been left out of a conversation. Although women and the problems Indian file of syllables which can explore In the title story Rule departs from they have to face in a male-oriented the field only moment by moment. Or fence, defining her usual objective, detached approach society are at the centre of Rule's fence it? The we is the our limits. Some of us are climbing it, a successful archetypal fiction, she has not fallen into the trap and creates trying to get out. But point of view is a portrait of an 83 year old domineering, of using fiction as a tool or weapon to concentration camp of time, not space, magnetic woman - a six foot tall promote women's rights and expose the and nobody can go until we are releas­ "Amazonian mother," "an absolute wrongs they have suffered. Rule can ed/­ female patriarch." To her children she write about such facts as growing up seems immortal: "....and we swallow female and homosexuality without Readers should bear this in mind while her, hook, line, and sinker, to burst full turning herself into a pamphleteer. Her reading Rule's stories. grown again, some sort of transvirgin work displays self-discipline and a

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40 Branching Out SOVIET AND CHINESE WOMEN review by Jennifer Bowerman

Women in China by Katie Curtin. upper-class feminists became subor­ large degree they have control over their Pathfinder Press 1 975 paperback $1.75 dinate to the general principles and own lives. expediencies of the revolution. The right to divorce is denied to Soviet Women by William M. Mandel. Working-class women demanded most women in China. Birth control and Anchor Press, Doubleday, 1975, paper­ more than suffrage. They demanded abortion are widely available, but exist back $3.50 and received employment rights equal to serve the state as a means of Of all the socialist countries, to those of men, equal pay for equal population control, rather than to probably Russia and China have receiv­ work, universal paid late-pregnancy and recognize women's rights to control ed most publicity in recent years. But early-maternity leave. Overnight, the their own bodies. It is perhaps these while reports from China have tended to status of women in Russia became by points that are central to Curtin's become more and more positive, the far the world's most advanced. criticisms of the Chinese system. For image of the Soviet Union has declined With the end of the civil war in her, women in China have no freedom as the increasing bureaucratization of China in 1949, the status of Chinese to determine their sexuality nor to that society has been more publicized. women also changed. They were given express it in any but approved forms. It is interesting to note that these the right to vote; prostitution and She says: "The price women must pay two books. Women in China, by a infanticide were prohibited, and virtual­ for the right to have sex is marriage, and feminist socialist, Katie Curtin, and ly eliminated in practice; new marriage the acceptance of the role of domestic Soviei Women, by an American who laws gave women rights to property, labourer. Organized social pressure has lectured extensively on Soviet inheritance, and free choice in against divorce and legal sanctions studies, William Mandel, are a reversal marriage, divorce and the custody of against sex outside marriage act to keep of this trend. Katie Curtin treats the children. As well, women began to enter women in many marriages that in a less Chinese revolution and the position of the work force in large numbers, and restrictive society would be regarded as women in China quite unsympathetical- child-care facilities began to be organiz­ oppressive " ly, whereas Mandel is very sympathetic ed on a mass scale. For me, Curtin's criticisms reflect to the position of women in Russia, and Perhaps the results of the socialist the major hang-up of twentieth century indeed, to Russian society generally. revolutions can be best seen now, and North America, our hang-up with sex. I Both books start with an historical Mandel's statistics on Russian women seriously question whether it is realistic review of the positions of women in are certainly very impressive. He shows or fair to judge one culture according to Russia and China before the that women's contribution to the work the sexual mores of another. Almost revolutions. Curtin opens with an force is equal to that of men. One of every visitor to China has remarked on examination of women in old China. three judges is a woman, and in the lack of overt sexuality, on the almost She demonstrates that a woman's role medicine, which Mandel says is the puritanical climate with regard to sex. in life was to bear male children, to highest ranking profession in the public At the same time, such visitors have perpetuate the family name, and to aid mind, "women make up seven of every also remarked on the apparent fulfill­ in work Indeed, women's degraded ten positions." In engineering, teaching ment of people generally, including marital status is best summed up by the and science, women are on a par with women. Ruth Sidel, in her book Women following proverb: "A woman married is men. Even in politics, women make up a and Child Care in China: A Firsthand like a pony bought - to be ridden or third of the deputies. However, in the Report, is one such example. whipped at the master's pleasure." topmost ranks of the Communist Party, Thus I am unable to accept as Some individual women, it is true, were which is, of course, the real source of serious Curtin's criticism of the lack of able to make their mark in Chinese power in the Soviet Union, women are sexuality of women in China To judge history, but on the whole the lot of almost invisible. Mandel tends to gloss one society according to the ideal tenets women was one of subjection and over this point. of another is to deliberately un­ suffering, as demonstrated by the Katie Curtin admits the gains that derestimate the achievements that following poem quoted by Curtm: women have made in China, both in the have been made. China has jumped How sad it is to be a woman! professions and the work force, but from being a feudal society racked by Nothing on earth is held so cheap notes that discrimination still exists, famine, plague and oppression, to a Boys stand leaning at the door and that clearly defined sexual roles major industrialized nation where Like Gods fallen out of heaven every such as child care and teaching are Their hearts brave the Four Oceans, citizen is assured of warmth, food, accepted The wind and dust of a thousand miles. rather than fought. Although shelter and dignity. In such a society, No-one is glad when a girl is born; in the factories women receive equal sex surely has its place, albeit as a By her the familv sets no store. pay for equal work, she says that in the natural and private function. Our Fu Hsuan rural communes women receive fewer western attitudes, so drastically shaped work points than men because they are by commercial exploitation, should Likewise, Mandel begins with an judged to be weaker. As well, they have never be used as standards for another examination of thepositionof women in to do housework, which is unpaid. culture. Tzarist Russia. Like the Chinese peasant Even Mandel admits that the gains China and Russia have both made women, Russian peasant women were made by Soviet women come to a full vast gains in the past seventy years. brutally oppressed. He examines the stop at the entrance to every home. Both Women in both these countries are beginnings of the feminist movement in women and men in the Soviet Union many times more equal than we are in Russia; he recounts tales of great regard child care and domestic duties as the west. To recognize that full equality bravery by countless individual Russian the exclusive domain of women. has not been achieved is merely to women. But with the great Marxist However, Russian women have the recognize that the process of becoming revolution, the demands of the early right of divorce and abortion, thus to a is perpetual. »»» September/October 1975 41 film

THE PASSENGER

review by N'eema Lakin-Dainow

Director - Michelangelo Antonioni that his former associate was engaged female protagonists of Antonioni's Producer - Carlo Ponti in arms sales to various African guerilla earlier films such as L'Avventura Cast - Jack Nicholson, Maria Schneider, groups. ( 1959), La None ( 1960U 'Eclisse ( 1962) Jenny Runacre, lan Hendry, Stephen In this journey to nowhere, Locke is and Red Desert (1964), they are com­ Berkoff, Ambroise Bia, Jose Maria joined by a nameless young architec­ parable to the women in Blow Up and Cafarel, Chuck Mulvehill. ture student (Maria Schneider), who Zabnski Point, who, as Rosen states in befriends him and becomes an ac­ Popcorn Venus, have been excised The films of Michelangelo An­ complice in this escape from his past. from the center of activity. Antonioni's tonioni explore the quintessential However, this new identity also concentration is focused upon the themes of the twentieth century; isola­ proves elusive. Many of his attempts to spiritual and political agonies and tion, alienation, and existential crisis. contact the arms purchasers under his aspirations of the male protagonist. His cinematic world is that of the new identity take place in landscapes Jenny Runacre designated only as "the spiritual and moral void; despair in the which embody elements of his past life. wife", and Maria Schneider as "the midst of the affluence produced by the It is only in a London church, when still girl" are juxtaposed and observed solely technological society. The characters in partially a captive of the past, and from Locke's, i.e. Antonioni's, point of his films are the embodiment of this unsure of his new identity, that Locke is view. existential despair. Individuation and able to make his sole contact with the Locke's flight from the redefinition are an impossibility. The rebel representatives. After the first meaningless, ritualistic and complacent Antonioni hero/heroine exists in a meeting, Locke is unable to make English upper middle class includes perpetual state of futility, the desire for further contact with the arms flight from and rejection of his wife as individual reaffirmation and self- purchasers. Pursued by agents of the symbolic of that class and type of direction constrained by an inability to government the rebels are attempting to existence. achieve these goals In the tradition of overthrow, as well as by his wife (Jenny Locke's wife is first glimpsed smok­ European directors, each character Runacre) and a former associate (lan ing a cigarette and watching a becomes just one more element in a Hendry), Locke once again becomes retrospective of his work on television. statement that is above all Antonioni's. involved in an odyssey with no purpose. She appears bored and impatient with Although Antonioni has been mak­ While The Passenger is a direct the pieties being spoken on screen. Her ing films in his native Italy since 1943, thematic and structural descendant of independence, intelligence, and he did not achieve general commercial all Antonioni's films, it owes particular willingness to challenge his ideas and success in North America until the allegiance to the developmental strain assumptions are evident in a flashback release of Blow Up. his first English in Antonioni's later work. As Andrew sequence where Locke has just finished language film, in 1966. The Passenger Sarris has stated, in Blow Up, Antonioni interviewing an African dictator. The is his third English film (the other was for the first time acknowledges his own dictator, surrounded by armed guards, Zabnski Point, 1 969) and only his fourth divided sensibility, half mod and half asserts that there are no rebel groups feature film in color. Marxist. In The Passenger, as in Blow operating in his country, nor are there The Passenger's protagonist, David Up and Zabnski Point, Antonioni con­ challenges to his rule. Locke refuses to Locke, (Jack Nicholson) is a television verts this confession into a personal question this assertion; his wife is journalist, attempting to complete a statement concerning the existential outraged and angered by his timidity. documentary about an unspecified crisis in modern technological society. When Locke returns to London, North African country. Locke is con­ Thus, David Locke is a traditional prior to making the first contact under sistently frustrated in his attempts to Antonioni subject; the victim of what his new identity, he stops at his home locate a particular group of guerilla Sarris has termed Antoniennui. As in and views his wife through the doorway fighters in the Sahara Unable to make Zabnski Point, the desolate desert peephole. He then quickly turns and contact with a guide, unschooled in the landscape mirrors the lack of interper­ leaves. local language, and unfamiliar with the sonal and spiritual sustenance in the In another instance, after arriving desolate desert landscape, Locke gives life of David Locke. For Locke, all the in a church during a marriage up his pursuit. In total resignation, he traditional guidelines for success, both ceremony, he reconsiders his new abandons any attempt to make contact in interpersonal relationships and identity. He then remembers occasions with the group. career achievement, are outmoded and of his own semi-crazed behavior; mak­ Upon returning to his hotel, he irrelevant. Yet, he is unable to change ing a huge bonfire in July, in order to discovers that a man with whom he has his present condition. Thus, he arranges anger, and thereby achieve a response become friendly, and who coincidently his own death, and assumes a new from, his wife. These thoughtsappearto resembles him, has died in the adjoining identity. However, meaning remains reaffirm his decision to abandon his room. Locke switches identities, and elusive and his role undefined. former life. begins a second journey. The dead The women in The Passenger also Antonioni's implication in these man's appointment book leads him to a have antecedents in Antonioni's sequences is quite clear. Locke's wife is German airport, where he discovers previous films. However, unlike the to be viewed as representative of the

42 Branching Out oppressive conditions he is attempting ty and despair, while not diverting to flee. The audience can therefore view attention to herself through a well Locke's actions towards her as defined and articulated personality. justifiable and understandable. Therefore not even the slightest attempt This is further underscored by her is made to explore the reasons for her sexual encounter with another man wandering, her abandoned career, or Subscribe to shortly after the announcement of her her restlessness and ennui. She says husband's supposed death. Her role as a merely that she is a former architecture BRANCHING OUT modern version of the "shrew" is student turned "bodyguard", i.e. protec­ sealed. Her pursuit of Locke across ting Locke from his wife and former several continents is presented as associates. merely a selfish desire to determine his The contrasting image of the two Please send me whereabouts, thereby satisfying her women is neatly juxtaposed in a se­ curiousity and enabling her to plan her quence in which Locke's wife is fran­ —— 6 issues for $5.00 life accordingly. tically telephoning the local police, in an —— 12 issues for $9.50 Inadvertently, she becomes an attempt to locate her husband, precisely accomplice to Locke's destruction. The as Schneider rescues Locke, the urgen­ trail she leaves while in his pursuit is cy underscored by the squeal of car —— payment enclosed followed by the North African agents tires. —— please bill me who eventually murder him. Like As stated previously, geographic Vanessa Redgrave in Blow Up. her terrain and architecture are often used independence and determination in the films of Antonioni to reflect both a Name ...... engage both Locke and Antonioni's society and individuals. In The hostility, because she is outside what Passenger, Schneider is identified with Rosen terms "the male sphere of the organic, chaotic buildings of the control". Her punishment is to be the eccentric architect, Gaudi, whereas indirect agent of her husband's spiritual Runacre is originally viewed in the Address and physical death. setting of a solid, uncluttered London In contrast Maria Schneider, in apartment. the role of "the girl", is cast spiritually if The use of diverse and beautiful not physically in the traditional mold of architectural and landscape settings, as the Antonioni heroine. She is passive, well as the sensitive implementation of City where Locke's wife is assertive; suppor­ color and striking cinematography, all tive instead of combative; and youthful­ contribute to the visual beauty of The ly, almost childishly, pretty as opposed Passenger. The film is a cinematic to the middle-aged attractiveness of masterpiece in terms of technique and Jenny Runacre. Schneider is obedient, camera work. Particular mention has Make all cheques or money orders yet distant; a totally undemanding been made of Antonioni's striking seven payable to: woman. minute single shot sequence which Branching Out In the tradition of many European encompasses Locke's death. Box 4098 However, in terms of thematically heroines, particularly those in the films Edmonton, Alberta of the French New Wave of the 1960s, exploring the concepts of human aliena­ Schneider plays to perfection the ex­ tion and the nature of meaning in T6E 4T1 istential heroine. In this role, she is modern society, once again a director restless and bored, intelligent but has opted for a male emphasis and Specify first issue of subscription inarticulate, passive and sexually com­ definition, in which women play a pliant. As such a character, her main secondary role, defined solely in terms purpose is to reflect Locke's and of their relationship with a male therefore, Antonioni's, feelings of futili­ protagonist.

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September/October 1975 43 CREATIVE GENIUS cont. from p. 31 the distribution of them varies from one unbroken from Aristotle and his con­ research also extends to artistic person to another. While it is assumed temporaries who, around 300 B.C., creativity. that normal women are or should be proclaimed that woman is an imperfect In 1960 Dr. Phyllis Greenacre 100 per cent feminine, the truth is that a man, without the ability to think. Today published an article, "Woman As Ar­ woman may be 30 to 40 per cent this prejudice is shown in the false tist" She collected material for this masculine and still function biologically assumption of what is feminine with work from her own analytic practice, as a woman. The woman with a large regard to nature, capacities and talents. and has tried to widen her knowledge of share of masculine components must These assumptions are created by the subject by reading biographical also function at other levels, whether human beings who, through material on women artists her introvert or extrovert world, or her generations, have been so well indoc­ Dr. Greenacre points out various sex life, which is not the same as trinated that the sex pattern has in many circumstances which, to her mind, bearing children. Such women may love cases become a mental barrier for prove that both biological and psy­ men, but they do not cease to exist as people of both sexes. chological sexual differences come into individuals; they may love doing Women must behave as ladies are play with regard to women's difficulties housework, but do not sacrifice expected to. Unorthodox behaviour in a in becoming creative artists. She writes themselves to it; they may bear children, girl is judged more harshly than in a boy. that in artistically talented human but do not dedicate their lives to them; According to her nature she is supposed beings, there is often the inward and they may be what is called feminine to be submissive, self-effacing, patient, struggle between the artist and what without expecting adoration. These serving, passive, humble and emotional she calls the "ordinary citizen", and women are denied the intense delight - but of course she wants to express this there may be a question of literal escape and feeling of security in submission, only to her family, or possibly as a nurse. from one identity to the other. She but by being free and standing alone She has no inclination to intellectual believes this conflict may be especially they experience something which has work, nor has she ambition, but neither disturbing to artistic creativity in been denied the majority of their sisters, does she have self-consciousness, women, because they feel an obligation says Mannes. This is, of course, a initiative or independence. to bear and raise children. somewhat popular and general way of These are merely some of the Dr. Greenacre also points out that expression, for masculine and feminine "ideals' psychologists find women when children are three or four years qualities cannot be con verted to figures, trying to live up to. They are the basis of old, they become aware of their sex. If but it does give a good picture of the Dr. Greenacre s conflict between the children do not get through this stage in problem. artist and the "ordinary citizen". Of a satisfactorily harmonious way, a Mannes adds that women who course there are only a few women blocking may occur. This blocking may simply must work creatively have to who have had the courage and per­ result in neurotic problems which, as learn to accept themselves and the sonality to show they were not "true" the child grows up, may be destructive losses that inevitably follow in the wake women - it was easiertosuppressone's to his or her creativity. Of course this of their gains What in this connect ion is inclinations, and to lie to oneself and applies to both sexes. But Dr. characteristic of creative women others. Greenacre, for reasons which are applies also to men who are unable to What, then, is creativity? Bach outside the scope of this article, believes compete, sensitive men who, without notes that a definition has not been women to be much more vulnerable in being considered effiminate, have more agreed upon, and she herself defines it this regard. feminine components than is con­ as the ability of an individual to advance Finally she mentions the theory sidered normal. Creative artists of both new and original products and ideas. that unsolved conflicts of one kind or sexes must learn to accept themselves Guilford says that ease, flexibility and another may cause the confusion which as they are, not try to be as society originality are some characteristics of often marks creative artists of both would like them to be. creative persons, and that to creative sexes, in sexual and other fields. This demand is more difficult for work belong recognition, production Psychologist Peter Stringer made a women to live up to than men. It takes and valuation. It appears then that study of male and female art students in independence and respect of one's own creativity does not go with the female London in 1 967. He concludes that the opinions not to care about public sex role, which has been fitted to the results do not show that deviation from opinion, and women have always been traditional role of housewife. The time a and intensification of sex roles are told that being independent and sure of housewife has at her disposal is cut into conditions of artistic creativity in men oneself is unwomanly. Again we find many pieces by the chores of which and women, but that • it is an indispen­ ourselves in a sexual pattern which housework consists, especially if she sable qualification, the proportional results from indoctrination. has children, and so her power of shortage of women artists to have Biologically, women are made to concentration weakens. But peace and asserted themselves may be due to the bear and suckle children. Butapartfrom concentration are necessary to creative hypothesis that western women are not this, how has it been decided what is work - another obstacle. able to bear deviation from the sexual feminine and what masculine? That is It is generally accepted that role. Stringer means that public opinion simply a long story of the struggle of one behaviour of a human being is a result of puts such pressure on these women sexto retain power over the other. It was the interaction between person and that they chose to try to adapt once believed that in the male sperm environment, and that the upbringing a themselves to the pattern. MacKinnon was a spiritual and creative element, child receives often determines writes that the male creative artist has and the man was thus considered the whether the child will be creative. not identified himself with his active part, botn spiritually and sexually. Recent studies seem to indicate that masculine role as much as his less The woman was passive, merely the children who are treated as individuals creative colleague, but is, on the con­ receiver, and consequently only able to and are allowed to plan their own lives trary, able to give vent to his feminine bear and raise children. The Swedish acquire a divergent way of thinking interests and impulses. author Asta Akenvall believes these which is more conducive to creative Marya Mannes says that every sexual theories are the real cause of the work than is the convergent way of human being is a composite of prejudice that women are incapable of thinking. The latter is indoctrinated in masculine and feminine elements, and creative work. This prejudice extends children who are protected, supervised, 44 Branching Out and brought up to do what is normal. The Psychoanalytical Quarterly, New Patterns of upbringing are governed by York, 1960 cultural norms, and as the girls' pattern Peter Stringer, "Masculinity-Femininity has always had stricter rules, it is as a Possible Factor Underlying the FALL conceivable that women have been Personality Responses of Male and obstructed in this way too Female Art Students", British Journal As Ellen Bach points out, there is a SESSION of Social and Clinical Psychology, 6, need for long-term investigations of 1967 ' creativity. In the studies already made, EXTENSION the importance of environmental D.W. MacKinnon, "The Personality cultural factors in creative behaviour Correlates of Creativity: A Study of COURSES has not been considered to a satisfac­ American Architects" in Creativity, ed. tory degree However, it is not possible P.E. Vernon, Penguin, 1970 to know anything about the abilities of Marya Mannes, "The Problem of human beings until they have had the Creative Women", in The Potential of opportunity to use them for a long time, Woman, ed Farber and Wilson, New WRITING A STORYBOOK and these opportunities must be more York, McGraw-Hill, 1963 FOR YOUR CHILD than theoretical. Psychological, social Asia Ekenvall, Manligt och kvinnligt This workshop course opens with and financial opportunities must exist idehistonska studier, Goteborg, the presentation and discussion of so that peace and concentration to work Akademiforlaget, 1966 (with a sum­ writing and illustrating techniques may develop the abilities and make mary in English) them flourish. Then we may be lucky used in the creation of storybooks enough to see the work of female J.P. Guilford, "Creative Abilities in the for children. geniuses, for geniuses are made, not Arts", in Research in Personality, ed. Date: Eight Thursdays commencing born. Mednick and Mednick, New York, Holt, September 25, 1975, 7:15-8:45 If all these opportunities are not Rinehart and Wmston, 1963 p.m. present, only the women who have the Fee $18.00 courage not to care about sexual patterns and other mental obstacles, necessary WOMEN AGAINST WOMEN and who of course have the OF PIONEER strength, will assert themselves. In all cont. from p. 6 HISTORY others the talent will die. Actually, it is WOMEN: THEIR LIVES working poor and an admirable and fantastic thing that would benefit both the AND WORK those not able to work, both the single there have been so many creative This course will acquaint the par­ parent and the married couple; we women artists. An uncanny feeling ticipant with the history of the would be nearer to the elimination of remains that still more have been buried pioneer woman of the prairie poverty than at any time in Canada's with gifts that never came to fruition. provinces during the period 1880 to history. Maybe they were never even discovered 1930. The daily struggles of both Many of Canada's poor are women to be there. rural and urban women will be and their children, and we will only examined. achieve these changes if all women, References Date: Eight Wednesdays commen­ both homemakers and career women, Anders Munk, Humanismens Biologi. cing October 8, 1975, 1:30-3:30 stop carping at each other's lifestyles Copenhagen, Berlingske Leksikon p.m and focus on the problem we all share. Bibliotek, 1971 Fee: $20.00 Once united, we might improve the Ellen Bach, Om begrebet kreativitet, status of homemakmg m Canada, and Gyldendal, 1970 Copenhagen, benefit all Canadian women and their Phyllis Greenacre, "Woman as Artist", children. ... THE SELF IMAGE OF WOMEN This course will provide an oppor­ tunity for participants to gam an CHERYL MALMO M.ED understanding of the development of women's self-image. Topics include sex roles, female sexuality, mental health, group identity, at­ COUNSELLING PSYCHOLOGIST titudes toward marriage and child- rearing, toward work and achieve­ ment. Date: Ten Fridays commencing announces the opening of her counselling and October 3, 1 975, 9:30-11:30 a.m. Fee $25.00 psychotherapy practice, specializing in the areas of personal, marriage, separation, divorce, child and family problems. For more information contact the Extension Department, Corbett Street, Edmonton Hall, University of Alberta 9705 -111 Telephone 432-3116. Phone 488-4990

September/October 1975 45 COMMENTARY the name game by Caryl Brandt

The way people are named implies a woman change her name upon of dealing with women can make something about the relationships that marriage: that is, no law states that she business transactions frustrating. A exist in society. In fact, one of the must. To keep her "maiden name", her request for a service (for example, a techniques used by cultural own name, is lawful; all a woman hasto library card,) in a married woman's anthropologists to discover the struc­ do is continue to use her own name former name, is suspect. Determination ture of power in a society is looking at consistently, even after marriage. may be necessary to obtain credit cards how people and things are named, and Some provinces still insist that or register a land title in a woman's own who has the power to do the naming. once a woman uses her husband's name. Children choose to use either their name for any purpose, from opening a Some documents can make such father's name or their mother's in bank account to changing her driver's dealings easier. Pocket sized copies of Ghana, and freely switch from one to licence, she has legally adopted his both your birth certificate and marriage the other. In many Latin American name. Then she is required to go certificate, both available from the vital countries, surnames include a lengthy through a formal change of name to statistics bureau in your province, may record of family history. Traditionally, return to her own name. This isa matter prove useful. A commissioner of oaths, married women in Canada take their of money, about twenty-five dollars for for little or no cost, can draw up an husband's name. the change of name certificate, plus affidavit or statutory declaration stating But a woman who establishes fifteen dollars for publication of the that you are married, to whom and herself in her own name may find it change. And in some provinces it is also when, that you are keeping your own impractical and even detrimental to her a matter of getting the spouse's consent name, and that you are responsible for career development to change her - even if the husband has long since left your own business transactions. Such a name upon marriage the scene, as long as a woman remains document may be all that is needed to One woman who hadn't hesitated married, she is not allowed to change reassure reluctant businesses and to keep her own name explained: back without his consent. government staff of both your rights and Provincial laws vary, and many are "That's who I am - the name I was born your intentions. Reassuring family and with. I just can't imagine changing now being amended to bring the matter of friends may be more difficult. that I'm just beginning to know and be names into better perspective. A phone Although many people are no myself." Another woman who kept her call to the local legal aid society or longer critical of common-law own name explained that by mutual women's centre can probably provide relationships, some people, particularly current information about the situation agreement, she wouldn't use her parents, may be upset that the sur­ in a province. husband's name, and he wouldn't use names leave doubt in the community But April Katz, a law practitioner in hers. about your marital status. Manitoba, points out: "There is no Whether choosing to lose identity Further social implications arise reason that you cannot commence to or not, many women lose touch with when children are born. Provincial laws former friends after marriage use your maiden name, or your single because vary, and some seem ambiguous, but at name, or your prior name, for any they can no longer be found by their own present most insist that the child take purposes. There is nothing illegal about names Could this tendency in our the father's surname if the couple is having an alias. Everybody thinks of an society towards "Mrs. John Smith" be legally married. In fact, when Alberta alias as something terrible and wrong, harmful psychologically - not to women recently amended its laws to allow but there is nothing the matter with an who are confident, but precisely to registration of a hyphenated name at alias unless you use this name for women who are not confident about birth, it specifically disallowed a child's fraudulent purposes." their own identity and seize upon this taking the mother's surname, "in the Intent to defraud is only one of the substitute? interest of decency and public policy." For some there are valid reasonsfor legal concerns; relationships in society Provincial laws attempt to protect changing. One woman who chose to are also significant. Our highly organiz­ children from a "stigma of illegitimacy" ed and structured systems require some change her name explained: "I had because the matter doesn't end with the decided that I wanted to change my sort of indication that a couple isa social name on the birth certificate. If a child is name because my father is a very unit. Why? Because application of some registered at school under a name that prominent practitioner. I didn't want to laws varies, depending upon whether is different from that of the father, social be identified with him when I started to one is married or not. For example, pressures from the school, community practise law, so I took my husband's under some dower acts, a spouse of a or classmates can still be unpleasant. name - to lose identity rather than gain a married person has specific rights with People in Canada are experiment­ new identity." respect to the homestead and personal ing: some have tried a hyphenated Another woman who chose to take property, but an unmarried person or surname; some have tried picking an her husband's name argues that her common-law spouse does not. So if the entirely new name; and a growing identity is a richer, more complicated surname is not the same, some other number of Canadian women are choos­ reality than just what her name is. And indication of the marriage relationship ing to keep the name with which they for her, identity is caught up in her first is needed. were christened. names rather than "her father's sur­ Keeping, using or returning to your As Canadians become more aware name." own name is relatively simple legally; that a married woman can legally keep What is important but socially, breaking tradition may be is knowing the her own name, the public will no longer options and consciously difficult making a automatically assume that a married choice. A lack of knowledge about women's couple will have only one name - his. A fair amount of research suggests rights as well as a reluctance on the part that Canadian law does not require that of companies to change their usual way 46 Branching Out THE FRASER RIVER smile of the night before, and of the night home." Howie was anxious now. cont. from p. 35 river. She responded to it without They both knew Wilford had heard the was more eager than ever to appease question. But there was no embrace. It bell. the elder Mrs. Scott and, because of an seemed minutes to her, while the smile And so they waited. accompanying confidence, more stayed fixed, before she recognized it for Melicent pattered from kitchen capable of doing so. They laughed what it was. Wilford's smile was of table to stove. She chatted about together. She was even more solicitous triumph. The time was August, 1938. Howie's job prospects. He had changed of her husband's well being than she How long had it been since she had work so often in the past few years that had been previously. She did not croon seen Wilford with this particular smile? she would not bring a sense of urgency to her baby now, she carolled to him Melicent swirled the few drops of into her voice. with joy. lemonade in the glass and then poured Howie was not to be distracted. His Wilford watched all this warily. And them out. Well, at least not since they anxiety seemed to rise with every Melicent saw her husband watching had had to be so careful with money passing second. He appeared coiled, her. As he demonstrated no other again. 'I'll enjoy myself anyway,' she ready to jump to his feet with a greeting change, she was pleased by this atten­ thought as she picked up her book and when his father appeared. I wish he'd tion and wanted Howie to receive some returned to the house. Her mince had come in, Melicent thought. She of it too. She displayed the baby before long since become mechanical, now it fluttered more rapidly with her his father more than was necessary. was exaggerated. Her feet felt stiff. preparations. And then suddenly she She dandled him, sang to him and Momentarily, she was distressed. Was looked over at Howie and felt vaguely lingered over the nursing. Although her she going to feel really dizzy again? But bewildered. Why was he so tense, she breasts were useless here, she unbut­ the vertigo passed. asked herself. He was a grown man toned a few of her bodice buttons and The front bell clanged. It now, almost forty. Why should he be felt almost voluptuous. She was reverberated throughout the house like waiting with trepidation for an old man delighted by the picturethat she and the a warning. But it did not produce its who had helped him so little? Suddenly baby must make. usual shock in Melicent. She had she was weary of them both. Let Wilford One evening when Melicent had wanted a softer tone, but had lost to come if he wanted to, or not at all. She prolonged the 10:00 o'clock feeding Wilford's desire to be prepared in any thought with surprise, 'I do not care.' even more than had become her custom section of the house or yard for the Melicent sat down. "Let's eat, ..... conscious of her breasts ..... con­ intrusion of visitors. When the bell rang, Howie," she said. "The food is ready." scious of her husband's eyes ..... she Melicent was emerging from the "But we can't. Father." suddenly hugged the baby to her and washroom, where she had taken a "Yes we can." She passed the turned to Wilford. He was frowning. couple of illicit puffs of a cigarette. She bread to Howie. "You spend a lot of time with the felt tired. She was too weary even to Wilford, the stench of compost still baby, don't you." To her surprise, his protest that Howie had used the front on his hands, looked confused when he voice was thick. bell again, after she had told him entered and found them half finished "You'll never be sorry because we repeatedly that he should feel free to let with their meal. He blustered, but move, Wilford. I promise. I'll make it up himself in atthe reardoor. But it was not Melicent merely said, with no apology to you. We'll be happy." as if she did not know why he stood at and no defiance either, "Wilford, the "As long as you get your own way, the front, like a caller, waiting to learn food is getting cold. You should wash up eh." whether or not he would be welcome. and come and eat. "She expected him to "But you said ....." Melicent was surprised that this create a scene, at least to scream at "We'll see whose will breaks first." knowledge did not cause the old familiar them. 'Let him,' she thought, 'it will be But again suddenly he was smiling. His heartache which she had come to just noise.' She continued to eat. being seemed flooded with joy. Ignoring regard as a condition of life. She greeted Wilford emitted a few disconnected what he had said, Melicent smiled gaily Howie as she had greeted Wilford. grunts and then did as he was told. He in response. She laid Howie carefully in "You'll be so glad to learn that Daddy looked hungry and tired. his cradle and tucked the covers around has come home. Now all of us can be During the remainder of the meal him, but she felt that no matter how together. We'll learn about Daddy's Howie responded, first to this one and much Wilford wanted her, she could not summer and have a cosy party, just the then to the other; turning, writhing, leave Howie for the night without three of us. But please Howie ..... come banging into stone, whipping down his changing his diaper. Finally, gladly, she into the kitchen while I prepare just a own canyon toward the sea. As usual, went to Wilford. 'But it's not a question few things. It won't be an elaborate Wilford did not notice his son's of will,' she thought to herself. meal, oh no, just a snack. I'm sure Daddy gyrations. Melicent just barely was It was the next day Wilford placed will be in soon. He's in his greenhouse aware. 'Mother birds push their his enlistment papers before Melicent. checking over his precious plants." fledglings from the nest,' she repeated Although it was not her will, something "Have you told him I was coming, to herself. To her disgust, Wilford had did break within her then, and it did not Mother?" Howie asked staunchly. been telling her this for years. But now, happen all at once. At first she merely "Why, yes, of course, he's a bit she too wanted it. 'What a relief,' she expostulated that, of course, when she tired, poor dear, from his long trip and thought, 'what peace.' Soon, she knew, had asked for a change, she did not will want to go to bed early ..... but he'll Wilford would rise abruptly ..... maybe mean he should place himself in be really pleased to see you." right in the middle of something Howie jeopardy. No, this was not what she "I'll bet," Howie replied sulkily. He was saying ..... and take himself off to meant at all. Not at all. Guilt, fear for was a slight man, a bachelor, who bed. She did not care. Howie would be him, confusion began to overwhelm always seemed to have an element of hurt and ashamed. Well, he would be her. She felt herself becoming appeal in his eyes. obliged to care for himself now. He, also, hysterical. His action had been tooquick "Now Howie, don't you start that, would leave soon. Then, she could have and with no forewarning. Then she saw not yet. You have no reason." another cigarette ..... a leisurely smoke his smile. It had an aura of warmth, of "Why didn't you telephone. by herself. familiarity about it. It was the same Mother? I shouldn't be here his first

September/October 1 975 47 people in this issue LESLIE BELLA GRETHE HOLMEN KAREN WAKAL Leslie Bella grew up in Birmingham, Grethe Holmen was a journalist in Karen Wakal has lived in Calgary most England, and has lived in Canada forten Denmark until 1969. She wrote a of her life and has had formal art years. She received a B.A. in Architec­ biography on Clara Schumann which training at the Alberta College of Art. tural Studies while in Newcastle, and was published in 1 970. Since then she She is presently studying independently has a graduate degree in Social Work has done extensive research on the and working on a freelance basis. from the Unjversity of British Columbia. subject of women painters, composers She is president of URGE (Urban Reform and writers in the 16th and 17th Group of Edmonton). This fall she will centuries. She has a long-standing JOYCE MCCART begin teaching Recreation and Leisure interest in matters concerning women, at the University of Alberta. and has been an active member of Joyce McCart grew up in Vancouver N'EEMA LAKIN-DAINOW several Danish organizations that deal where she worked in offices for eight with women's issues. She was also a years before enrolling in university in member of the Danish Consumer's N'eema Lakm-Damow is a graduate 1962. She graduated with a degree in Council and participated in a Committee Philosophy from Simon Fraser Universi­ student in Communications Studies at formed to make recommendations on Simon Fraser University. She is ty and attended graduate school at the the censorship of films. She visits University of Calgary. She then joined specializing in the area of film, and is Canada frequently. currently writing a master's thesis on her husband in forming a biological consulting firm. She has been general the role of women in the films of D.W. CARYL BRAND! Griffith. She has organized several film manager of the company for the past series concerning the role of women in Caryl Brandt graduated in TV arts from two-and-a-half years. She and her film, and has led seminars on this Northern Alberta Institute of family raise sheep and hay on a quarter subject. She is a filmmaker herself, and Technology in 1969. She worked as a section just outside Crossfield, Alberta. had an animated film selected for public relations officer for the federal showing in the 1974 Canadian Student government, specializing in audio­ JENNIFER BOWERMAN Film Festival. visual services, and subsequently spent three years in television production with Jennifer Bowerman is an education VIVIAN FRANKEL CBC Winnipeg. She is now a freelance officer with the Alberta Human Rights film director and radio broadcaster. Commission. She has a B.Sc. from the Vivian Frankel is an Ottawa freelance University of London and an M.A. in photographer. Recently she took a ELOAH F. GIACOMELLI sociology from the University of series of photographs that appeared in Saskatchewan. She is interested in the Information Canada publication Eloah F. Giacomelli was born and women and socialism. "Federal Services for Women." She raised in Brazil. She has taught in Brazil also prepared a travelling slide showfor at both the high school and university SUSAN POTEET International Women's Year. She is levels. In 1969 she immigrated to working on a book entitled Status 75 for Canada, and spent her first year Susan Poteet teaches women's studies the International Women's Year teaching at the Universitede Moncton, at Dawson College in Montreal. She is Secretariat. New Brunswick. She lived for a year in also a freelance writer, specializing in Ontario before moving to Vancouver, art and literary criticism. This year she GEORGINA WYMAN B.C., where she now teaches at one of organized a series of poetry readings at the community colleges. Her Powerhouse Gallery. Georgina Wyman lives in Ottawa where translations from the Portuguese have she works as a researcher. She has a appeared in many North American BEVERLEY ROSS wide variety of interests pertaining to periodicals, among them Mundus Ar- the status of women. tium. Prism International. The Malahat Beverley Ross is a songwriter and Review. The Antigonish Review, Poet musician who lives in Edmonton. She TERRI TERNI Lore and Branching Out. She is now a recently completed her B.A. in music Canadian citizen. and English literature at the University Terri Terni received her B.A. in psy­ of Alberta. chology from Chestnut Hill College in KATE O'NEIL Pennsylvania. She is continuing her LAST ISSUE studies in personality and perception through the medium of photography. Kate O'Neil lives in London, Ontario Erica Lazi, whose photograph of Kem She has been living in Edmonton for the where she and her husband operate a Murch and Erna Van Daele appeared in past three years. funeral home. She writes a regular the last issue, is manager of Beta Photos column for "Canadian Funeral Direc­ Company Ltd. in London, Ontario. She DONNA RAE tor" and edits the area monthly Cana­ immigrated to Canada from Hungary in dian Author's Association newsletter, 1956, and has since studied fine arts in Donna Rae is currently teaching in CRAMP. Her poetry has been published Canada and the United States. Edmonton. She has written poetry but is in various Canadian newspapers and Other photographs in the article presently more interested in the short little magazines. She also paints and "Straightjackets" were by Joris Van story form. does cartoons. Daele. 48 Branching Out Ann Dea has recently been appointed to the Federal Advisory Council on the Status of Women. The ACSW is composed of thirty people from across Canada who have been appointed to advise the federal government on issues which interest and concern women, and to recommend actions which it considers necessary to improve the position of women in society.

Its specific terms of reference include:

undertaking research on matters relevant to the status of women and also suggesting research topics that can be carried out by business, universities and voluntary associations;

establishing programs to correct attitudes and prejudices that adversely affect women;

consulting with women's bureaus, and provincial and voluntary organizations concerned with the status of women;

proposing legislation, policies and practices that will improve the status of women in Canada.

Ann Dea would like to hear from Alberta women about their concerns. She can be reached at 10316-133 Street in Edmonton (Phone 403-452-1245).

advertisement sponsored by the Alberta Women's Bureau Members of the IWY Secretariat staff in Alberta are available for slide and film presentations, seminars, lectures and workshops Coordinator Inger-Lis Gordon (centre) is available for engagements until the end of October. Field officers Shelagh Bannister and Patricia Marcmek have been travelling throughout Alberta in a van since mid-May. They will continue to visit communities in the province until the 30th of September. For information about presentations or for free literature, write to 4019 Vance Place, N.W., Calgary, Alberta. Phone 286-5011

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