Inspiration Abounds
Friday, January 23, 2009 at 12:49 PM 
Screenprint by artist Amy Browender
We keep thinking of Isabel Toledo's words to Mrs. O: “Thank you for being so optimistic and for giving us all so much inspiration.” They could not be more true. Several weeks ago we heard from Amy Browender, a spirited, thoughtful and highly articulate high school senior from St. Paul, Minnesota. Amy shared with us a screenprint she created as part of her high school's International Baccalaureate program. Her inspiration was an Annie Leibovitz photograph of Mrs. O published this fall in Paris Match.
Touched by her work, we called Amy to learn more about her inspiration and process. Amy caught Mrs. O fever in late summer 2008, captivated by a woman whose "ideas and style transcend age, race and culture," qualities that Amy believes "make an icon timeless." The original Paris Match photo "epitomizes Mrs. O's grace and beauty," she said. In developing her screenprint, Amy wanted the focus to be on Mrs. O's individuality, to portray her as the icon she is. Accordingly, she kept the asthetic simple, using black ink on canvas. Amy's teacher gave her a B- for the effort; in our book, she's deserving of an A+.
Amy has opened a shop on Etsy, where she's selling t-shirts and canvases of the print.
Art
Reader Comments (27)
What a clever idea! I absolutely love that picture of Mrs. O. It's one of my favorites, so how nice that it has been adapted in such a creative way. (For those who have not seen the original, here it is: http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3240/3026243982_8b7ea8ffc2_o.png
And it has a sister image: http://images-cdn01.associatedcontent.com/image/A3465/346574/300_346574.jpg)
I may actually have to snag one of those t-shirts.
I think the picture is beautiful. Amy, great job. You deserve an A++++! Love ya baby!
What a B?? No way..Amy's work deserves at least an A if not an A+. Great job Amy, your art work is very inspirational.
OMG, only a B- (her teacher is CRAZY!) this is by FAR and A+++++++ like the above comment said
LOVE IT!!
What a harsh teacher! I would have to know what the exact assignment was...but I have a hard time thinking such a cool idea only merits a B-. Anyway, what a great design. And what a great picture of Mrs. O!
These shirts are pretty funky! I am not really a t-shirt person, but this is one I would definitely wear.
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=19487412
By the way, I just did a search on Etsy for Michelle Obama. There are so many little handmade knick-knacks! I think it's adorable. From earrings to pins and magnets and posters. Some of them are really cool. I recommend you guys check them out. There are currently 85 different items (many of which feature her hubby as well).
Mrs. T, this would be a fun idea for a post, maybe even a monthly or bi-monthly feature. You could highlight some of the Mrs.O-inspired handmade items. The artists would be thrilled to have the exposure and it would be fun to keep track of the cool things they come up with.
A B- ?! I have never understood art teachers.
When I was in college, I had a painting class. One of the assignments was to paint a self-portrait using only shades of black and white. I worked diligently on this project and was excited to finally turn in it for the studio crit.
Well, the painting professor gave my painting an F ! I was mortified and never received a satisfactory explanation of her decision. I did get back at her by giving her a terrible review at the end of the semester - which I sincerely felt she deserved.
Amy - your piece is great and inspirational and sophisticated. Keep being creative and don't let grades, or instructors who may not understand or agree w/ your aesthetic hinder you.
Thanks for sharing your piece w/ the blog.
Agreed...who knows what the teacher was grading on but it looks like an A to me. Plus, with the whole independent art world going crazy for Barack, I like seeing Michelle get some love. Without him she would still be an amazing woman and role model!
We rarely get A's in the class, but everyone knows that this piece is definitely A+ worthy. Again, well done Miss Browender! Can't wait to see more shirts!
Definitely "A" work!
Midwest girls are so smart and talented! :)
Love love love the image. Timeless. Mrs O puts me in mind of so many classic beauties. This is a snapshot right out of 1952. And 1965. And, apparently, 2009.
As we know nothing of the assignment, and I know nothing of American marking - being a teacher in Europe - it is hard to tell whether Ms. Browender's work was marked correctly. However, I wouldn't have given her top marks either, as this isn't a really original work - she works from a photo which in itself is quite a piece of art and thus copyrighted.
Ms. Browender has done a good job, but in the ways of original art, there are a few steps still to go.
I just ordered a t-shirt. I love these! A+++ for Amy!
@ Mrs N, actually copyright law works a little different here in the states, as the constitution encourages people to in a way bounce ideas off of each other (which is the basis of the copyright laws here), as long as it is not the exact replica...there is a metaphor in US law in regards to copyright laws saying that you can "pass your flame to others, without having to extinguish your own," therefore promoting creativity in others.
also, for educational purposes, copyright laws do not apply, so its definitely not a copyright
but I definitely do not know about the general European philosophy on this, so I see where you are coming from, and I have learned something new about European law today...lol :-)
About copyright: I didn't mean Ms Browender's picture was against the copyright law's (which are quite international through the Berne Convention for the Protection of Literary and Artistic Works) - as you're indeed free to be inspired by other people's work as long as you do not copy. How close you can be to the original work is hard to say. There is a case in Sweden now, where a photographer is upset by what he thinks is a copy of his work:
http://www.dn.se/DNet/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=2206&a=829136
As I teach copyright, I'm eagerly awaiting the outcome of this case ;-)
About marking: We don't know the exact assignment Ms. Browender was given, so it is certainly difficult - impossible - to say how it should have been marked. To say Ms. Browender's teacher must be "crazy" though, is rather offensive, I think.
But, I dare say, we are certainly on the outskirts of the subject for this site. Let's stick to your new First Lady's dresses! And may I congratulate to your new President - there are many of us outside the U.S. who hope he will make a change for all the world!
i love the tshirts. i will be buying one next pay day. very creative.
Please click on the Paris Match link in the article. It takes you to the Annie L. photo on which the sketch is based.
THIS is the Mrs. O I expected to appear on Inauguration Night. This is the transcendent beauty and fashion icon I had hoped to see emerge. Where is this side of her sophisticated and advanced fashion identification?
This is clearly a call for a stylist who understands how to transform Mrs. Obama, not by adding to, but by revealing her powerful inner beauty.
Very cool print.
I know Amy Browender! Shes sooooo cool! So is this shirt! AND KNITTING x 7!
rickydee - You have a point in terms of the stature of the picture and how it would've been amazing on Tuesday.
But, a few things to keep in mind. She had NO TIME to get ready since Teddy got ill and put the entire schedule behind by 2 hours (that's what I've read anyway).
Also, there's something about the way she and Mr. O matched and appeared as ONE. They were like a fairytale that evening. They looked regal during the day...the evening look was very romantic, IMO. She looked like a bride and he looked like a groom. This is a new life for them, and they looked like a couple entering a new life together. I really believe her dress was picture perfect - although I feel bad that she had difficulty with the length.
Kind of Warhol-ish. I'd buy it.
Less is more...
This artist did a wonderful job. As a former teacher, I appreciate her ability to synthesize and subsequently create. My daughter is getting one of these shirts for her birthday.
Amy, this is so exciting! I'm so proud of you!!!
My tee shirt is fantastic :)
It was a disappointment that Mrs. Obama did not include a outfit by an African-American designer in her inaugural wardrobe. As the Black Artists Association has stated, I hope that she will do so in the future.
Su Jay, that is such silly nonsense. As if Michelle sits around picking her outfits based on the race of the designer. Someone will find a way to complain over absolutely anything she does, that's for sure.