SEPTEMBER 1 • 2022 | 45

“Men Control the
Narrative,” a piece in
The FET!SH Project
by Laura Earle.
Photo by Laura Earle

ed two conceptual pieces for the project.
Earle’s artistic process always begins with the source
material, which was having the 15 FET!SH artists,
including herself, read Brandsplaining. In a group set-
ting, each artist would then share her experience from
her findings.
Earle’s inspiration for combining art with social
activism came early on after hearing a talk by feminist
artist Suzanne Lacy at the University of Michigan. Earle
was living in Ann Arbor at the time and participated
in a study group, akin to a book club, with a group of
women at Congregation Zera Avraham.
“We were a homegrown community of women who
got together to discuss topics of all types. It’s like the
Jewish tradition of “chavrutha,
” where we gather togeth-
er and learn together. This Jewish model of learning
has a very strong influence on me and is definitely a
strong component in how I curate my projects,
” said
Earle, who is one of four Jewish artists participating in
the FET!ISH Project, along with Susan Shlom, Lynn
Edwards Newman and Idelle Hammond-Sass.
In addition to curating and presenting FET!SH, Earle
is co-collaborating, for the second time, with Norwest
Gallery Owner Asia Hamilton to present Womxnhouse

22, opening Sept. 17. Earle and Hamilton have brought
more than 16 artists together to create an immersive
exhibition in mediums that include storytelling, film,
fiber art and photography at Hamilton’s childhood
home. Her home is now an artist residency and gallery
space in Detroit that was inspired by the 1972 feminist
project Womanhouse.
“
As a curator, I am passionate about moving toward
a more equitable, just and sustainable world for all of

Artist and curator Laura
Earle in her studio working
on her pieces for the
FET!SH Project. To her left
is “Measuring Up,” and she
is sewing a second look
called “Men Control the
Narrative.”

continued on page 46