Refusal To Be Cast as the Observed 2008 18X24 Acrylic and Pigment Stick by Anna Montgomery
for Camille Claudel
Mode de vie
‘Men have expelled you
from the world of symbols…’
born of the culture
knowing eyes ready
to absorb aesthetic influence
caught in gender’s ontological ruse
cast as muse
Le artiste (le future)
‘and yet they have given you names…’
Rodin’s model, mistress
influencer, collaborator
sculptor, painter, a creator
but never equal (non pair)
Le mûr age (fermeture)
‘They say the language you speak
is made up of signs that rightly speaking
designate what men have appropriated.’
poverty and obscurity
now cast out these are
your gifts from society
one that finds no place for
‘a revolt against nature:
a woman genius’
you work, you destroy
anger spirals inward
La fatalité (destinée)
‘They say the language you speak
is made up of words
that are killing you.’
committing you
doctor’s try to convince
Paul to let you out
he refers to you
in the past tense
lying in a communal grave
no one claims you
Camille Claudel public domain
Notes: Camille Claudel was a French sculptor and painter. Art critic Octave Mirbeau called her ‘a revolt against nature: a woman genius’. She was a genius destroyed by the concept of gender and her society. ‘Men have expelled you from the world of symbols and yet they have given you names . . . . They write, of their authority to accord names, that it goes back so far that the origin of language itself may be considered an act of authority emanating from those who dominate . . . they have attached a particular word to an object or a fact . . . . They say the language you speak is made up of words that are killing you. They say the language you speak is made up of signs that rightly speaking designate what men have appropriated.’ is from Les Guerilleres by radical French feminist Monique Wittig. Camille Claudel’s surviving masterpiece which dealt with the dissolution of her relationship with Auguste Rodin was called by several names: The Mature Age; The Destiny; the Way of Life; The Fate. After her break with Rodin she fell into poverty and obscurity. Her younger brother Paul had her wrongfully committed to a mental institution where she eventually died and was buried in a mass grave.
The Emplorer by Camille Claudel
Linked at dVerse Poets Pub for Open Link Night #12 – please join us http://dversepoets.com/2011/10/04/openlinknightweek-12/
Chromapoetica 
Heartbreaking tribute, full of the fire of creation displayed and denied. Love the interplay of quotes with your words!
Thank you Gene, I like how you’ve put this; I look forward to reading your poem.
dang…refers to you in the past tense..a communal grave..such a sad fate tot he end of the tale…our words can condemn us all in how we use them or choose not to…
Yeah, that family brutality really struck me too, thanks for the visit Brian.
Such little moments and word we let out can really come back to haunt, can definitely be seen through your tribute.
Hey Patt, I’ll be by to read your poem soon.
Oh wow, you did it again amazing piece from you. Such a sad way for anyone to have to die. She obviously was a woman of much talent and, a woman before her time.
a really lovely piece of work from you as a tribute to another artist.
Thank you! I seem to be on a tribute to artists and writers kick at the moment. I don’t question I just write :).
so sad..but similar things happened to many women at that time…women who somehow didn’t fit into the system…they worked hard and fought for respect but only few had people backing them up…excellent tribute to a fascinating woman anna
Too true, thank you for your encouragement Claudia, it’s always deeply appreciated.
It’s a bit depressing finding out how many poets, artists, musicians and other creative beings (of both genders) ended their days in a madhouse, or were barely able to get out, only to die in some other repellent way. Creative women, if they were listened to at all, appear to have been used like notebooks for creative men to crib out of in that era(and many others, perhaps even now.) The terrifying lack of power over one’s own fate in this poem, symbolized in that mass grave, the death of individuation, of self, is chilling. A very well written and cogent piece, with a frightening message–to truly confront and question authority one has to be willing to pay a very high price.
True, I have a poem about that but I’ve been holding on to it (I think it needs another re-write). Yes, all the French is another version of her masterpiece which occured to me I could use to define periods of her life. Thank you for your deep engagement and close reading, it’s always appreciated. I look forward to reading your poem.
‘Refusal to be cast as the observed’ thankfully now we won’t end up in an institution if we attempt that feat, I loved the mix of your gorgeous painting, your words, and the ‘cast’of her sculpture refusing to be cast, lovely layering of meaning..it sort of hurts the heart to read of such a gifted woman’s descent into poverty and loss of freedom..we still have a way to go until women, however gifted or not ,are given equal respect and autonomy, in many lands and to a lesser extent, even on home soil… I found this very moving & a very touching tribute indeed…
One hopes not, I’m so happy you saw the layers here. We still have far to travel to see equal status for all women in the world. Thank you for stopping in it’s always a joy to see you here!
Love the picture…love the story even though it’s sad…it has taken a long time for women to be accepted and seen …a moving tribute.
Thank you for your kind compliment. I’ll be by to read your poem soon.
every generation seems to have it’s struggles in society… how sad
Very true, thank you for reading.
insightful and provoking – a well considered poem anna – displaying depth and understanding
and some memorable lines and ideas
‘They say the language you speak
is made up of words
that are killing you.’
an amazing inclusion
I knew you’d appreciate the philosophy. Embarrassingly I once composed and performed a modern dance to that excerpt by Monique Wittig, in my defense it was for a grade and I was 19 :). I always appreciate that you look at the ideas behind my work; it helps me feel seen as an artist (if that makes any sense – like I’m speaking English not gibberish).
I’m not sure what to say. I’m stunned by the cruelty of the story while being amazed at your talent. Such a hopeless knowledge when those that you love refer to you in past tense.
Beth
Thank you Beth, it is a terribly cruel story that is magnified by the fact that she internalized so much and began destroying her own work. Your compliment is deeply appreciated.
Anna, thanks for writing this piece- I’ve been painting for a little while now-completely for fun and completely amateurish-and I’ve always enjoyed the aesthetics Art itself offers, yet I would see a piece, and perhaps get the artists name, but never think much about it since- I’ve started, perhaps a product of my own gaining interest in the medium, to gather little study sessions for myself- nothing too intensive by any means, but I’ll find an artist check out a bit about their work-if I like what I see I delve in more- long story short- I also like the stories behind the artists-I feel it’s both influential (for them) and important for us to recognize- as it can grant insight. Anyhow, this woman sounds very interesting to add her to my list- so thank you for that. As for the piece, well your poetry is always amazing- this is no exemption-perhaps different somewhat- but equally on par with what one, ok, me in this case, have come to expect reading your work. I really enjoyed the piece here- and sorry for the monologue, just thought I’d share:) Thanks again.
You don’t ever need to apologize for long comments, I enjoy them. I try to approach each poem with a sense of how to best convey meaning and sometimes with the philosophical poems I like to employ power word play and other times I want to stab with simplicity. Thank you for hanging in there with me through many presentations and styles. I think your study sessions are a natural outcome of your increased engagement and it will only improve your art to learn about other artists. I have a good sized library of books that I return to again and again (and grow when possible) as I engage the spiraling depths of artists that speak to me.
Wow, what a sad end to her life 😦 Makes me thankful to live today. I can’t believe how many women were seen as mentally ill for having ideas and opinions. Ugh. I think you’re amazing, Anna. I always learn something new every time I visit, so thank you 🙂
Me too Lori, so glad you learn something new every time! Thank you.
This is my kind of post, Anna! Stunning visual art, cleverly employed diction and phrasing, and a brief history lesson to boot. Wonderful!
Thank you Kim! I’ve missed you; I look forward to reading your poem (running over there now). So glad you enjoyed the art, you lovely artist you.
Thank you so much, Anna! Camille Claudel was one of my favourite women in art history and I’ve sort of lost track of her. The photo you’ve included was, I believe, the cover of a book I had and I’d stare at her picture, thinking we’d probably have been friends…this around the same time as the movie came out (late 80s). I love your use of images: your beautiful painting, Claudel’s work, and het portrait.
You’ve captured her beauty and tragic circumstances wonderfully. I like how you’ve repeated the word ‘cast’ and for me relates to her relationship with Rodin and as her existence as an object; useful in the capacity of beauty, but something that could be set aside or ignored.
Will be rediscovering her, thank you : )
-Eva
I always love when I find the reader I’ve written a poem for, it seems you are that reader for this piece. I saw the movie as a teenager and was deeply affected by the story. That’s precisely the purpose of ‘cast’ and I appreciate you highlighting it here. Thank you very much for your visit and comment.
Thanks, Anna : )) Yes, I felt the same about the movie. I think I need to see it again!
very compelling. A++++++. anger spirals inward. lots of great lines, but this dawns the yard. excellent. i luv learning new things.
http://henryclemmons.wordpress.com/2011/10/04/for-george/
Thank you Henry, the poem hinges on the anger. I love learning new things too – thanks for the A++++++ the schoolgirl in me is giddy :).
Still difficult for women to make it – there are glass ceilings in place maybe particularly in the arts. The male artists have been “using” us for millennia. Good take on feminism in the arts. Well done, Anna. G.
Yes, today in the arts women are paid something like 45% of what men earn – it’s 77% for most other professions. Art is still a backwater – at least we have the Guerrilla Girls. Thank you so much for taking the time to read and comment.
What a sad ending to the story of a talented woman; excellent tribute and story, Anna. Always learn something here! 🙂
So sorry about the delay in displaying your comment – it was lost in spam but rescued this morning! I look forward to reading your submission, thank you for your kind comment.
Oh Anna.. this is so well constructed… the interplay of others’ words and your own.. in the name of self-representation. A wonderful piece. This is the heart for me:
caught in gender’s ontological ruse
cast as muse
I always leave your blog feeling enlightened.. thank you..
So happy you included her work so she could also speak for herself.. 😉
Thank you Becky, I’m thrilled to hear you find something of value each time you visit! I cherish your feedback, especially today the acknowledgment of the construction. I try to form each poem with the subject in mind. As she was a sculptor I wanted to create a similar undergirding structure for this poem as she would have for a sculpture. And yes, it would be a terrible disservice on my part not to allow her to speak for herself.
This is excellent writing. You hooked me especially right at the first stanza. This brings to mind the tone and feel of Ezra Pound’s reflections on culture in his early years. Very refined and intelligent poem and I enjoyed it a great deal.
Steve, I appreciate your kind compliments and look forward to reading your work today.
And thank YOU for the generous comments you left on my site.
I look forward to reading more of your work!
I learn of yet another artist I have not encountered before.
This is a very tragic story. I guess those who make extraordinary art are sometimes so way ahead of everyone in some ways that their creations seem frightening and bizarre. Artistic people are often portrayed as mad wild types. Today it might seem amusing, but back 50 years ago and further, this sort of thing is never taken lightly nor tolerated much. Women were also by default considered easily maddened, more susceptible to being possessed or some such, such was the prejudice held.
Yes, early psychology tended toward the label hysterical though they diagnosed her schizophrenic which seems unlikely (even the doctors tried to convince the family she didn’t belong in the institution). I always enjoy your visits, thank you.
This piece drips acid, woman. The acid of corrosive thinking, entitled paternalistic bullshit, and the burning of the villagers with torches in the face of anything that defies their comfortable conventions. “Who is this Streep broad? Cast her as the girlfriend and move on…”
But it also drips the acid of bizarre distortion and lunacy. The revolt against nature that is a woman genius, a person of color who wants to sit at the lunch counter, or a gay who would like to get married. Who is running this asylum anyway? Dr. Tarr and Professor Fether, men of learning, hard at work. Which way is out, I want to get off!
btw, I loved that you created a bouquet for Hedge, in her comments. That was neat!
I have become a big fan of yours, Anna.
Thank you Fireblossom, some of this acid has etched its way into me. Chemical burns can be the most painful, and not always initially visible (like the brutality society inflicts). Hey, if you find the exit let us know I think a lot of us would be willing to escape! I love Meryl too, have spent a lot of my adult life in nonprofits working toward social justice, and believe that denying gay marriage is fundamentally about denying full citizenship (aka very wrong). I should really use the f-word more often but now that Sarah Palin has claimed she’s a feminist I’ve been a bit confused and outraged. There’s a great article about that at Jezebel.
> to absorb aesthetic influence
I like that. Then again, I’m a fan of beauty.
Me too.
‘They say the language you speak
is made up of words
that are killing you.’ — very powerful, those lines!
An artist and their art share a relationship that no one else can EVER put a finger on I guess…
And your poem seemed to nail that very idea so beautifully…with just the right dosage of intensity in it! Lovely!
Yes, a relationship that is vital to the wellbeing of the artist. Her work was paramount to her and created so much misunderstanding within her relationships. Thank you for your insight Kavita, so lovely to see you posting again.
Look forward to the day when inequity is erased in the Arts — but quite a ways to go — much more even playing field in the business world. Excellent post and poem!
Oh zumpoems, me too. I have worked in the corporate sector and was rapidly promoted and I led an organization in the nonprofit sector but with arts they still advise women to expect attention very late in their careers (like in their 70s and 80s). I have a long wait ahead of me and I’ve been an active artist showing for 10+ years. Thank you for your comment; I’ll be by to comment on your poetry soon.
Anna—
This is a stellar tribute to a brilliant artistic woman who was subjected (like so many before/after her) to extreme patriarchal biases. Your exceptional words choices and arrangements have given the reader a powerful glimpse of this injustice. Sadly, woman all over the planet are still treated as lower class and often times the outright property of such evil and powerful oppressors.
Bravo. This is stand out poetry.
Yes, the UN reports on the state of women indicate that while most countries have decided it’s a good idea to provide health care and education to women and girls they still have little political and economic power (even in western liberal democracies). Thank you for your lovely encouragement.
This is so powerful.
Thank you Mama Zen!
Fantastic post Anna! With every visit I learn and grow ~ You’ve a true gift, hope you know that, and I hope the world is ready to receive it. Loved the write, and the reference. You never leave a reader hanging!
Thanks Tash, you sure know how to put a big smile on my face!
the story of Camille Claudel (as are so many stories of this world) is a sad one. You show this in your moving poetry.
you pull it off…this Tragic tale of un-respected genius and the confrontation against French society and once her sole support, her father, was gone, her family –some say– turned on her. Who knows.
You do write some interesting poetry with substance here, I must say. thank you.
Yes, I don’t know the truth about her family, probably no one knows the whole truth. Thank you for stopping by and reading!
fascinating poem and story, too.
Thanks Sheila, great to see you! I’ve been enjoying your photo updates in between the poety posts.
such a heart breaking tribute this story is so fascinating I love your poetry and it is such a pleasure to come here and read your poem thanks you so much
http://gatelesspassage.com/2011/10/04/memories/
Thank you for continuing to come and read my poems and for your lovely encouragement.
your words are packed with energy and colors.
killing lines, well done on a sad story.
What a wonderful compliment Morning, thank you.
An interesting meditation/lamentation upon Camille Claudel and the fate of any woman who tries to be the artist instead of the “art wife.” Even in our own time “poetess” has been a perjorative, too. And women seem to be systematically erased from the canon.
The noted critic Harold Bloom continues to sneer at Addrienne Rich, for example.
There is much work yet to be done for women’s equality.
Yes, there is much work left to do, I think of it as the muse becoming creator, we seem to accept women as procreators but resent (as a society) the encroachment into creator territory.
Wonderful tribute. Written beautifully!
Here is my entry:
http://jackedwardspoetry.blogspot.com/2011/10/everyone.html
Thank you Jack, so nice to meet you!
I learned so much from this post. Am rather in mourning for her at the moment, and appreciate the power of your poetry for this new knowledge, this old feeling, today.
Thank you Lydia, wonderful to see you again. I’ll be by to read your work very soon.