Lost Artist

I had this paper I had to write for my History of Women in Art class. The paper required that I go to a locale museum, view a painting, photo, or drawing by a female artist. Sounds simple enough, right.

I arrived at the museum super early, no traffic that day. So I entertained myself by taking a few pictures outside of the museum. There was this great stone face, reminded me of Easter Island. Then, as usual I got distracted by the great plants, flowers, and trees here in Hawaii. This tree was amazing, It had this huge fruit on it, like the size of cantaloupes. So, of course I took a few pictures of it.

I finally headed inside as the doors were being opened, and was directed to a docent, hoping to have them help me speed up the process. The docent immediately directed me to a piece of art by Meleanna Aluli Meyer, a beautiful painting of a Ku god, done in blues. Unfortunately it was displayed in a part of the museum that does not allow photography, and the painting was done in collaboration with another artist (Soloman Enos), creating almost a mural. I decided against this as my subject, because of the fact it was not a solo work, and because I couldn't photograph it. I did however write all the information down in hopes that someone else had taken a picture of it and posted it out there on the internet. This was in anticipation of maybe needing a Plan B. I posed my dilemma to the docent, hoping that he could direct me towards something else by a female artist; and blow me away, he said that was all there was. I could not believe this, how could there be nothing else there by a female artist? He did tell me to check out the portrait gallery and maybe there might be something there. I headed up to the third floor portrait gallery, where there were some botanical prints that were acquired by women, but did not positively state that they were drawn by a woman, so I continue on. I discovered this beautiful painting titled "'Ulu". 'Ulu is the Hawaiian name for breadfruit, and coincidentally that was the fantastic tree that was out in front of the museum that I was taking pictures of. I decided that this was a sign, this painting was the one I was suppose to use. The painting was done by Margaret Girvin Gillin (1833-1915) ca 1880. I copied the information written under the painting. "Margaret Girvin Gillin was unusual in her time, for she was successful enough as an artist to support her three children as a single parent. A native of Canada, Gillin studied in France before moving to California in 1869. Her time in Hawaii extended from 1880-1884. 'Ulu (breadfruit) trees are known for their beautiful dramatically shaped leaves along with their edible and decorative fruit. This lovely depiction of an 'ulu branch was originally purchased from the artist by Bernice Pauahi Bishop in 1884, it is therefore appropriate that today it is exhibited here in the museum that honors Pauahi's memory."

So I am walking on clouds now, I have my painting, was able to actually take a picture of it, and based on the information given, I was fairly confident that I would be able to find out plenty about the artist and the actual painting on line. Stumbling upon this painting happened rather quickly, so I headed to another portion of the museum, partly because I was there and I couldn't help myself, and partly because I am always looking for Plan B and Plan C.

The Bishop Museum is displaying three very large Ku wooden idols (probably 6 feet tall, not counting the pedestals) . This is the first time they have been reunited in over 190 years so I wanted to check that out as well. You will never guess what was on one of the plaques in front of the statues......"All three images are made of 'ulu (breadfruit) wood, a kinolau, or body form of Ku. Ku is said to have sacrificed himself for the good of his people during a time of famine. From his remains grew the first 'ulu tree, the fruit of which is a staple among many Pacific peoples." I could not believe it, I knew that I could work this into my paper.

I finally get home, and figure I will do some research on the artist. There is nothing out there about Margaret Girvin Gillin!!!! I spent numerous hours on google, images, and web. I went through college databases, art encyclopedias .....nothing. The only thing out there about Margaret Girvin Gillin, is just the connection to the Bishop Museum, and an auction site that is selling a painting by her. This woman supported her family with her art (not an easy task as a woman in the 1800s and early 1900s), where was all the information on her, and her bodies of work. I find that I am very disheartened by this, and it makes me sad that her and her work can not be readily found on this great world wide web that we all use so much. I don't like thinking that she may vanish from the world of art.

Turns out backup plans are a good thing, unfortunatley none of mine worked out. Had to resort to Plan D.......you will have to stay tuned for that.....