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Rating: 
Summary: Genius, yes, but let's not forget spinster
Review: I'm reading this now, and find myself unutterably depressed by the tone of Ms. Bloemnik's writing. It's obvious she researched this dedicated, dynamic, gifted painter and early feminist, but the book so far is pepperred with stupid, defeatist comments about why Florine never married- even as it cites Florine's own dislike of marriage in favor of her career and her vision of herself as dedicated to painting. Check this out: "Indeed, as with certain male artists, most of Stettheimer's energy went into formulating and creative work. It is not clear to what extent this was the result of an overwrought nineteenth century modesty, a desire to remain perpetually a young maiden (not married, childless), or anger against men and fear of marriage because of her father's desertion." Or maybe, say, she wanted to paint instead of having children. It was, after all, the late 1890's. Ms. Bloemnik says that Ms. Stettheimer considered herself a feminist and a serious professional painter and that she thought marriage and children would hinder her ability to paint, but in sentences like the gem I've just quoted, she makes it clear that it must, after all, have come down to neurosis. I'm a woman artist, and I'm inspired by Florine Stettheimer, but I'm also really scared that someone like Ms. Bloemnik, (who clearly thinks she is a feminist) will promote my work. It seems like Florine Stettheimer got more of a break in her own time than she did in this one. MS. Bloemnik, by the way, has written all the books on Florine Stettheimer, and is now the new director of the Guggenheim Los Vegas. And she recently wrote about Barbara Bloom, Lisa Yuskavage (!), and Laurie Simmons. God help them.
Rating: 
Summary: Giving an important artist her due
Review: In this wonderfully written book, Bloemink traces the life and work of one of the most fascinating women artists of hte 20th century. I was so excited to find a serious, comprehensive study of Stetheimer's work, and the late 19th Century European/American context in which it was written. Bloemink addresses the somewhat stiffling environment of the artist's family, and explores how her artword provided an escape while at hte same time chronicling her times with a perspicacity not seen in work by her contemporaries. An early feminist in her refusal to fulfill the roles forced on women of her time and social station, Stettheimer stands out by not using men - as spouse or gallery promoter - to further her career. An amazingly creative, analysis with sensitivity and depth. It is also interesting to learn about a woman who was socially reticent, traditional, and very private, who nonetheless carved out a significant art career. In many ways a more interesting artist than her contemporary and acquaintance Georgia O'Keeffe. Includes interesting discussions of sexuality, the role of theater, interior decoration, race and gender relations among the priviledged classes of New York during the decades after the first World War: this is not a simplistic or essentialist study but one that explores the subtleties and complexities of these issues from within the context of the times. A wonderful read for anyone intersted in women's studies or art during the period from 1890s to the 1940s.
Rating:
Summary: Left wanting to know more of who this fanciful artist was...
Review: Just finished this book last night and am left wondering who this incredibly gifted, decorative woman was. Her sister Ettie remains in my mind a jealous monster for having taken her scissors to much of Florine's personal papers and diaries...this is such a shame as we will never know the personal, driving force behind this talented woman. Reading about Florine felt more like reading about a vauge ghost...I just know there was so much more. The author did her best to unearth and explain this woman and her art but it felt more like I was reading someone's academic assignment, a master's theisis. However I am glad that this book was written....the pictures inside are incredible and allow a glimpse into the magical quality of this very important female artist the lovely Florine Stettheimer.
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