Painting Cat Ladies
You can find Cat Ladies in Courts
Lately, I’ve been painting cats and cat ladies.
Definitely, American politics has reintroduced the subject and image. Republican vice presidential nominee Sen. JD Vance’s criticism of prominent Democrats as “childless cat ladies” has unleashed memes, instagram posts, and some fury by many women, reclaiming the old sexist image as a call to action this election season. Amid the strong feelings on all sides, I plan to vote while also expressing humor in my art.
Why is being a cat lady an insult in the first place?
You can find Cat Ladies in Art Studios
In the past, deep inside I was a little afraid of being called the crazy cat lady. You know the image: a woman living alone with multiple cats and the faint smell of a litter box that no one has the nerve to mention. Unsocial, quiet (or worse) loud; a woman who talks to her cats and prefers a litter of kittens over a household of babies. Just steps away from being a hoarder or worse, homeless. Part of me has always loved the freedom of this feline enthusiast.
You can find Cat Ladies on Buses
Maybe she isn’t unhinged and unpredictable; she’s passionate and enthusiastic about something not instilled or owned by men.
Maybe a woman who chooses cats over babies isn’t fanatical or nutty, she is devoted and and animated by the whole animal kingdom rather than just her species or perpetuating the outdated roles of women. A cat lady knows the power of choice because a cat, although domesticated, is an animal that is not easily swayed.
Women have endured worse insults than “childless cat ladies”.
After all, this age-old sexist trope started dangerously with the association of cats and witches back in Europe in the 1300-1500’s and emigrated to Salem in the 1700’s. I now appreciate that it is fear mongering, this image. Really Cat Ladies along with cats have that independent “I don’t care what you think” attitude. Cats personalities are fierce, gentle, independent, affectionate, and they aren’t easily coerced by food like domesticated dogs might be. They don’t need a human. If a cat chooses you, then you are lucky. And so, too, maybe candidates should feel so lucky.
Having no children of my own and having the gumption to vote each election cycle and being independent, educated, and animal loving, I’ve chosen to celebrate Ladies and their cats this October and November.
Saint Joan of Arc as a Cat Lady because cat ladies are in churches and cathedrals, too
Sakagawea lead Lewis and Clark. Cat Ladies are on expeditions,too.
Some days after watching the news, I prefer the company of cats, so I guess in my heart