At Artzmania, we love celebrating creativity in all its forms! And with International Women’s Day fast approaching, what better time to shine a light on the amazing contributions of women in the arts and crafts world? From painters and sculptors to DIY crafters and fiber artists, women have left an incredible mark on the creative industry. Here are some fun and fascinating facts about women in the arts that you might not know!
- The First-Named Artist in History Was a Woman
Think the earliest artists were men? Think again! The first recorded artist’s name in history was Enheduanna, a fascinating historical figure. She was a high priestess in the city of Ur, in ancient Mesopotamia (modern-day Iraq), around 2300 BCE. She is widely considered the first known person in history whose name is attached to their literary and artistic works, she created poetry and hymns, making her one of the first known creative powerhouses! She was both an artist and a poet, her art was considered more literary than visual; so much so that it inspired temple decorations, statues, and ceremonial objects used in religious rituals that have been in existence for over 4,000 years.
- Women Used to Hide Their Identities to Get Noticed
For centuries, female artists and crafters had to work under fake male names or remain anonymous to have their work taken seriously. Many societies believed women were not capable of intellectual or artistic genius. Certain artistic fields, like history painting, were considered “too ambitious” for women. Some of these women include- Judith Leyster (1609–1660) – A talented Dutch Golden Age painter whose works were later misattributed to male artists like Frans Hals, Rosa Bonheur (1822–1899) – A French realist painter known for her animal paintings, and Alma Thomas (1891–1978) – One of the first African American women to gain national recognition as an artist, but her work was often overshadowed by male contemporaries. Even famous authors like George Eliot (Mary Ann Evans) and J.K. Rowling followed this tradition in literature!
3. The 18th Century Had a “DIY Queen”
Before Pinterest and YouTube tutorials, there was Mary Delany, an 18th-century woman who created stunning, intricate paper collages of flowers—so realistic that botanists used them for reference! She first got inspired by a fallen geranium petal that landed on a black table, then she began cutting tiny pieces of coloured paper to create a perfect floral replica. What started as a personal craft quickly became a massive collection of over 985 botanical collages, all made with hand-cut paper, layered so precisely that they looked like painted illustrations. Her collection, known as the Flora Delanica, is still admired today and is preserved in the British Museum. She started crafting at 72 years old, after the death of her second husband, proving that creativity has no age limit.
4. Women in Quilting Helped Abolish Slavery
During the 19th century, quilts (thick, warm blankets made by sewing together layers of fabric into decorative patterns) weren’t just cozy—they were powerful. Some historians believe that women used quilt patterns as secret signals to help guide enslaved people along the Underground Railroad. These quilts were often hung outside on fences or windows, appearing as simple decorations, but actually serving as silent signals that gave instructions on how to travel safely. Talk about crafting with purpose!
5. The Most Expensive Artwork by a Woman Sold for $44 Million!
For years, women’s artwork sold for significantly less than men’s. But in 2014, Georgia O’Keeffe’s painting, Jimson Weed/White Flower No. 1, changed the game when it sold for a whopping $44.4 million—the highest auction price for a female artist at the time! Georgia O’Keeffe (1887–1986) was a trailblazing American modernist painter best known for her vibrant flower paintings, New Mexico landscapes, and bold cityscapes. She defied gender norms in the male-dominated art world and became one of the most influential artists of the 20th century. The painting was originally created for the Radium Hospital in New Mexico, reflecting O’Keeffe’s deep connection to nature. The buyer of the painting was the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, founded by Walmart heiress Alice Walton, ensuring the work would be displayed publicly.
6. Women Are Leading the DIY Craft Revolution
In today’s world, the arts and crafts industry is booming, thanks to creative women worldwide. Different platforms have empowered millions of female artists and “DIYers” to turn their hobbies into successful businesses—proving that creativity isn’t just fun, it’s profitable too! For example, Cath Kidston, who started out by making hand-sewn home decor and accessories- she built Cath Kidston Ltd., a global brand known for floral and nostalgic designs in fashion, homeware, and accessories. Also, there’s Anna Bond who started by designing custom wedding invitations. She then grew Rifle Paper Co. into a globally recognized stationery and lifestyle brand, known for its floral and whimsical art. And then there’s Yagazie Emezi of Nigeria, who majored in Handmade Photography & Visual Storytelling with DIY documentary photography, collages, and storytelling. She gained global recognition for her self-taught craft, working with organizations like National Geographic and the World Press Photo Foundation
7. Some of the Most Famous Murals Were Painted by Women
Ever admired a giant, breathtaking mural on a city street? Many of the world’s most famous muralists, like Maya Hayuk and Faith XLVII, are women transforming urban landscapes with their colourful, larger-than-life artwork. In Nigeria, we have our very own Ceracerni and one of her most notable works, “The Allegory of the Sun” located in Lagos, Titi Omoighe and her murals at Terra Kulture, Fatimah Tuggar’s public art installations and mural-inspired digital works have been exhibited globally, including at the Smithsonian National Museum of African Art and Layo Bright whose works have been displayed in Lagos and New York.
If you’re a woman reading this, do you know that every time you paint, craft, or create something new, you’re adding to the long, amazing history of women in the arts? Whether you’re a professional artist or just love DIY projects, your creativity matters and deserves to be celebrated! So next time you pick up a brush, a glue gun, or a skein of yarn, remember—you’re part of a powerful tradition of women shaping the art and craft world!
