Susan Shlom + Lynn Newman | Out From Under?
Mixed media on umbrella
Photo by: Rich Earle
Our creation reflects the advertising industry’s effect on women over the decades. Women were confined under the umbrella of the male gaze. Male advertising executives thought they understood who we were and what would entice us to purchase their products. The messages were often overt, sometimes subliminal, and are often still apparent in the media today. It would be lovely to say that we didn’t buy into this, but the sad truth is we, too, believed the goal was to be perfect, trim and toned, with our perfect home and wonderful children, serving lovely meals with ease and, of course, never showing our age. We could never measure up.
Hopefully, with the hiring of strong and influential women, the industry’s understanding of our interests and needs emerge from under these unrealistic and unhealthy stereotypical images. Seeing women for who they are - free, strong and empowered - celebrating a better future.
The question remains, “Out From Under?”
Out from Under?
Artists Sue Shlom + Lynn Edward Newman discuss their inspiration behind “Out From Under?” after reading the book Brandsplaining.
Susan Shlom is a Detroit area artist and educator. Currently, she expresses herself through acrylic and mixed media paintings that reflect the inner journey of all humans trying to make sense of this life. She prefers to create landscapes and layered abstractions that have an emotional point of view. Her penchant for shiny objects, and stunning sunsets inspire her to paint. Her work is in many private collections and shown in area art venues where she has won several awards. She holds degrees in Art Education, Art History and English. She also has a certification in Art Therapy. She is a wife, mother and grandma who believes that each day is a journey.