The Craft Stigma by Erika Pearse
The gendered differences between the painter and the sewer
Image: Pexels
I think it's safe to say that the art world has been largely male dominated throughout history.
Historically, women artists have either been banned from practising, not granted the opportunity to be an artist at all, or simply omitted from history with their legacies downplayed. If you google 'the best painters of all time,' Leonardo da Vinci, Vincent van Gogh and Pablo Picasso are all amongst the mentioned nine artists at the top of the page. All nine artists listed are male identifying, with not a single woman named. The 'Fine Artist' was a man. An intense painter or sculptor who was held up in his studio, thinking of nothing but refining his craft. And yes, I know, without explicitly saying the feminist’s nightmare phrase: not all men, but not all male-identifying artists share the same story. I am aware that class also plays a part here. But what these men did have in common was that their gender identity did not prevent them from progressing in the art world. Therefore, it was associated with masculinity, pointing to emotionlessness, and power.
The artist vs the crafter
With the prestigious, traditional 'art world' associated with masculinity, this was, of course, no place for a woman. The painters and sculptors harboured far too much genius, excellence and public sphere interaction for it to be appropriate 'women's work.'
In Victorian England, for example, middle class women were confined to their homes, often relying on domestic servants. On the other hand, working class women worked in factories or workhouses to support their families, often struggling to make ends meet. In both instances, even for middle class women who would've been granted more opportunities than working class women, both were largely denied access to the world of ‘fine arts.'
If not working long and strenuous hours during the day to provide for their families, women were locked away in the domestic sphere. They were left at home and taught to sew. Crochet. Knit. Embroider. This was women's work, and it was associated with femininity, weakness and delicateness. And these practices were always regarded as unnecessary and decorative, with the work and meanings attributed to them undervalued as a result.
This history has left a lasting scar on the attitude towards ‘feminine-related’ crafts over the years, for women, men and non-binary people who have over the decades been treated less seriously or mocked for their ‘female’ work.
Manliness and crafting
'When women embroider, it is seen not as art, but entirely as the expression of femininity.' - The Subversive Stitch, Rozsika Parker.
With craft activities that were regarded as predominantly decorative associated with femininity, and with toxic masculinity rife in society, the male pressure to align with the ‘ideal’ masculine man has drawn men away from craft activities over the years.
Once again, with the trusty google search, googling 'hobbies for men' signposts you to the likes of woodworking, writing, gardening, cooking, photography and video games. All, of course, valid hobbies for anyone to take up. But, in the same way that I am an artist and a writer as a woman who identifies with my femininity, a man who identifies with their masculinity may also want to take up stereotypically 'feminine' hobbies, such as embroidery, knitting, paper crafts or pottery.
We need to work to provide spaces for men to participate in these hobbies so that they can fully express themselves, or work to encourage more men to attend workshops that they may otherwise shy away from. We should advocate for this so that men no longer have to face bullying from an early age for simply attending a ballet class. Or, so that men can knit on the bus without being deemed effeminate or unmanly. In the long run, breaking down barriers men face to express themselves enacts positive mental health change.
Creative hobbies and mental health
'Research shows that people with hobbies are less likely to suffer from stress, low mood, and depression.’ - Head To Health
Hobbies are beneficial to our mental health, gender identity regardless. It's not only the activity itself that can help with mental health, but also the sense of community that can come from participating in hobbies collectively in groups, in workshops or classes and learning together.
Creative hobbies in particular can allow us to express ourselves and our emotions, hence the increased knowledge about art therapy services. The expression of emotion is something that has been largely discouraged for men as a result of the pressures from toxic masculinity. Men are taught to repress their feelings rather than address them, which is why it is so important that we actively reach out to men and encourage outlets for them to engage in creative hobbies, so they can express themselves as they wish to.
Together, with the assistance of organisations such as Guy Cry Club CIC, we can dismantle the historic idea that stereotypically ‘women’s’ hobbies are just for women. We can emphasise that they are equally beneficial to men, allowing them to express themselves individually or collectively. Crafts can be a form of healthy distraction from negative thoughts too, acting as a break from day-to-day stresses. With more encouragement, starting from early on, men and boys will hopefully no longer feel ashamed of creative hobbies they may have, including crafts. And that even with the feminine connotations of these activities, they will no longer be seen as something to shy away from.
Written by Erika Pearse
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This article was written in association with Mindless Mag. By partnering with the social change platform Guy Cry Club CIC could connect with their network of global storytellers who then produced a series of articles exploring masculinity, mental health and creativity. Find out more about Mindless Mag and the brilliant work they do below.
