At WisCon Mari Kotani and I are having have A Cross-Culture Work Conversation. I'm expecting to learn a lot from this conversation with Mari. We've talked about our work often, but I think this conversation will open new areas of thought.
Mari will discuss cross-culture work in the specific context of her writings, her work with American fandom and her involvement in the Women of Japan, my photographic series exploring the variety of women who live in Japan. I'll be l discussing cross-culture work in the specific context of my Women of Japan project. (Note: discussing cross-culture work is not the same thing as discussing diversity issues in general or comparing cultures.)
There is an article by wild_irises, me, photography scholar Mika Kobayashi and Rebecca Jennison in the excellent online academic journal Japan Focus, Body Image in Japan and the US. If you're interested in cross cultural and social change work I think you'll find it interesting.
Last year we had a fascinating talk on the Metal, Beads, Fiber and High Geekiness about work, women, and art/craft. I'm looking forward to seeing where the Feminism, Craftswomen, and Art takes the conversation. I'm the moderator with panelists elisem and Mary Anne Mohanraj
There is a long history of feminism, craft and art by women. Women have always had societal, internal and external forces to deal with in relation to their work, both creatively and economically.The panel will discuss this in the context of the panelists' work, alluding to the historical context
Mary Anne said "I have all these anxieties about not being a 'real' artist, and how I shouldn't steal time fromwriting to 'waste' it on just crafts... And then on the other hand, I have these weirdly angry rebellious thoughts in my head. "
I'm excited.
Mood: Thoughtful
A Cross-Culture Work Conversation sounds like it's likely to be truly valuable to all involved. I look forward to hearing about it the next time we talk.