15 Inspirational Quotes by Georgia O’Keeffe Celebrating Female Empowerment
In a world where artistic expression and social progress intertwine, the profound wisdom of Georgia O’Keeffe, one of the 20th century’s most celebrated female painters, continues to resonate.
Beyond her iconic works, O’Keeffe’s thoughts and quotes inspire generations of individuals who champion equality and empowerment.
This article delves into the timeless insights encapsulated in 15 of Georgia O’Keeffe’s most compelling and inspirational quotes. These words not only reflect her remarkable artistic journey but also encapsulate the essence of women’s empowerment and gender equality.
If you want to see where you can view Georgia O’Keeffe’s artworks, please read here.
Table of Content
Georgia O’Keeffe: A Celebration of Women's Empowerment
Georgia O’Keeffe: A Celebration of Women’s Empowerment
Georgia O’Keeffe, an iconic artist of the 20th century, celebrated not only the beauty of the world around her but also the strength and empowerment of women. Through her artwork and life, O’Keeffe became a symbol of a woman’s ability to break free from societal constraints and find her own voice.
Her striking paintings of flowers, landscapes, and abstract forms were not just about aesthetics; they were a declaration of her independence and self-expression. In a world dominated by male artists, O’Keeffe boldly carved out her space with her vision and talent, proving that a woman could conquer the art scene.
Moreover, her choice of subject matter, such as the sensuous curves of flowers and the intimate details of nature, challenged the conventional perception of femininity. She showed that women could embrace their sensuality and strength without conforming to traditional norms.
O’Keeffe’s life itself was a testament to women’s empowerment. She lived on her own terms, far away from the urban art centres, in the rugged landscapes of New Mexico. Her independence and determination paved the way for future generations of female artists, inspiring them to pursue their passions and assert their artistic identities.
Her legacy continues to inspire women to this day, reminding us all that we have the power to shape our destinies and leave an indelible mark on the world.
15 Inspirational Georgia O’Keeffe Quotes
Here are 15 quotes by Georgia O’Keeffe that inspire feminism:
1. “I’ve been absolutely terrified every moment of my life - and I’ve never let it keep me from doing a single thing I wanted to do.”
This quote by Georgia O’Keeffe is a testament to her courage and determination. It inspires women to push through their fears and pursue their dreams.
2. “I know now that most people are so closely concerned with themselves that they are not aware of their own individuality, I can see myself, and it has helped me to say what I want to say in paint.”
In this quote, Georgia O’Keeffe encourages women to embrace their individuality and express themselves freely.
3. “I have already settled it for myself so flattery and criticism go down the same drain and I am quite free.”
This Georgia O’Keeffe quote inspires women to be confident in themselves and not be swayed by the opinions of others, whether positive or negative.
4. “I decided to start anew, to strip away what I had been taught.”
This quote by Georgia O’Keeffe encourages women to challenge the status quo and break free from societal norms.
5. “I have things in my head that are not like what anyone has taught me - shapes and ideas so near to me - so natural to my way of being and thinking that it hasn’t occurred to me to put them down.”
This quote will inspire women to trust their instincts and follow their intuition.
6. “To create one’s world in any of the arts takes courage.”
In this quote, Georgia O’Keeffe encourages women to be bold and take risks in order to achieve their goals.
7. “I feel there is something unexplored about woman that only a woman can explore.”
This quote by Georgia O’Keeffe highlights the importance of female empowerment and encourages women to explore their full potential and take up space.
8. “I found I could say things with color and shapes that I couldn’t say any other way - things I had no words for.”
In this quote, Georgia O’Keeffe encourages women to use art as a means of self-expression.
9. “The men liked to put me down as the best woman painter. I think I’m one of the best painters.”
This quote is a reminder that women should strive to break free from gender stereotypes, aim for excellence in their chosen field and realise their own worth.
10. “I have lived on a razor’s edge. So what if you fall off? I’d rather be doing something I wanted to do.”
This Georgia O’Keeffe quote inspires women to take risks and pursue their passions without fear of failure.
11. “The days you work are the best days.”
In this Georgia O’Keeffe quote, she inspires women to find joy in their work and pursue careers that they are passionate about.
12. “It’s not enough to be nice in life. You’ve got to have nerve.”
This quote by Georgia O’Keeffe encourages women to be bold, assertive, and confident in all aspects of life.
13. “I hate flowers - I paint them because they’re cheaper than models and they don’t move.”
This quote challenges traditional gender roles associated with femininity and encourages women to break free from societal expectations.
14. “Nobody sees a flower - really - it is so small - we haven’t time - and to see takes time like to have a friend takes time.”
Georgia O’Keeffe highlights the importance of taking time out of our busy lives to appreciate the beauty around us.
15. “You are one of my nicest thoughts.”
Georgia O’Keeffe’s quote is a beautiful reminder that we should cherish our loved ones.
My Final Thoughts: Georgia O’Keeffe’s Inspirational Quotes
As I reflect on Georgia O’Keeffe’s inspirational quotes and her role in female empowerment, it is clear that her influence transcends the boundaries of art and gender. O’Keeffe was a pioneer, a woman who fearlessly shattered the glass ceiling in the art world and left a legacy that continues to empower women today.
Her quotes, like her art, resonate deeply with the essence of empowerment. O’Keeffe’s ability to capture the beauty and strength in nature, particularly in her depictions of flowers, serves as a metaphor for the resilience and potential within every woman.
She showed that women could be unapologetically themselves, embracing their sensuality, independence, and creativity without compromise. In doing so, she paved the way for countless women to follow their passions and break free from the constraints of a male-dominated world.
In conclusion, Georgia O’Keeffe’s inspirational quotes serve as a beacon of empowerment, reminding us that we all have the power to redefine our narratives, challenge the status quo, and embrace our unique identities.
For more inspirational and motivational quotes from other artists, please read here.
I hope you have enjoyed these quotes, I would love to hear your thoughts on them, please feel free to email me and let me know at [email protected].
If you enjoyed this blog post, you might like…
