I know that “body image”, “size acceptance” and “self-esteem for women” are not generally fun topics!
So one of the things I try to do with both my art & writing is to take a light-hearted look at things that can often be emotional and serious for many, many women. My illustrations are usually happy women, comfortable in their bodies, going out in the world with a positive attitude.
As an illustrator, I love seeing how women’s bodies have been interpreted by various artists.
Occasionally I find one who also seems to have a sense of humor and light approach.
So here we have “Hilda”, created in the 1950’s by Duane Bryers.
Hilda, this young, cute, curvaceous, smiling redhead carries wood in the nude!
She rides a bicycle in a bikini with a puppy in a basket! And talks to a phone on a tree!?
And does many other silly things that are quite ridiculously retro-funny (kind of like recipes that feature Jello).
As an illustrator, I find her quite adorable in a bygone pin-up style.
But the thing that makes me love her is the fact that she seems to be going on about her business
(no matter how bizarre) with a great show of glee!
Golly Gosh, ask me to carry driftwood while strolling naked on a windy beach and I guess I’d be giggling too!
Images of women have always been idealized in one way or another.
Pin-ups are just another variation of women filtered through the eyes of a male artist.
But its hard, for me at least, to feel too much irritation at this somewhat patronizing portrayal of a woman.
She’s just too cute and funny and silly.
And, she seems perfectly comfortable in her own skin, something that many of us struggle with on a daily basis.
As always, I appreciate your comments and feedback!
I love Hilda! I also adore your artwork. Have a great weekend!
Hilda is adorable and absolutely beautiful, despite being some man’s fantasy (really–carrying wood naked????). Your creations are also beautiful, and they are much more realistic in their endeavors!
I found a website that has information and illustrations by female pinup artists, from about 1930 to the present.
http://thepinupshop.blogspot.com/2008/01/modern-feminism-throughout-history.html
thanks for sharing!:)
She is adorable. Thanks for sharing.
Anne-Marie
I find Hilda inspiring. She enjoys her body and is doing something (however strange) instead of lying around looking sexy. I can forget the artist is male and imagine her a feminist who loves her sexy body and couldn’t care less what others think of it.
She really is a fun character, sexy in an innocent way, even nude in a modest way.
Thanks for sharing! I found more of her at http://members.tripod.com/hilda_art-ivil/hilda3.html I love that she even has the unavoidable roll/crease between her upper and lower body! Make me remember that “big” doesn’t mean “not sexy”
Yay Hilda!!! Thanks for sharing. I love this. A plus-size hottie Stopping by from SITS!
joyce ballantyne,ruth deckhard pearl frush zoe mozert . all pin up artists. all gorg. work. also peter dribben loved the bigger gals too. check it out!