Howard Miller
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The now iconic image “We Can Do It” was painted in 1942 by by Pittsburgh artist J. Howard Miller as part of a series for the Westinghouse Company’s War Production Coordinating Committee. Miller used an image from the wire service that’s thought to be seventeen year old Geraldine Hoff who was a metal-stamping machine operator. It was actually only shown to Westinghouse employees in the Midwest for a two week period and it wasn’t until the early eighties that the image was rediscovered and became famous through it’s association with feminism and woman’s empowerment.
“I’m not bad, I’m just drawn that way.” – Jessica Rabbit
There’s something special about pin-up art. They’re idealized images that are erotic without being graphic. A pin-up is a throwback to a simpler time when a bit of art could be a motivator and not just another X rated click. Arguably pin-ups objectify women but it’s just as true that it’s an art form embraced by modern women who feel empowered by Bad Girl Art. Rockabilly chic, Suicide Girls, Dita Von Teese; The pin-up is out there and alive in performances, photography, fashion music and tattoos
Amazing how a good pin-up can motivate people one way or the other chuckle.