Artists John and Ruth Waddell
The Reluctant Muse
Throughout history, when two artists have come together it has
often resulted in one holding back to let the other flourish. This
insightful and intimate documentary is about husbands and wives,
about sacrificing one's artistic dreams for marriage and family,
and about the role of women in the world of art. It is one of the
best documentaries ever made exploring the psychological,
interpersonal, and sociological aspects of being a creative artist
in our time. John and Ruth Waddell met at the Art Institute in
Chicago more than 45 years ago. They shared a love for the arts and
for each other. The film examines the life events and societal
influences that led one young artist to diminish her own artistic
endeavors and to channel her creative energy into the creative life
of her partner. The issues that have confronted this partnership
through the years are universal: family, finances, and infidelity,
to name a few. This remarkable interdisciplinary work is essential
viewing in a variety of courses in art, psychology, women's
studies, sociology, and anthropology; it is also excellent for
general adult audiences. Produced by Amy Waddell.
A fascinating exploration of the
relationship between work and the passion for one's career and how
men and women work out the balance between these two factors in the
context of their shared lives together. An excellent film for
courses in women's studies and American culture, as well as
anthropology classes dealing with kinship, mariage and the family,
gender relations, and art. --
Nancy Lutkehaus, Prof. of Anthropology, Univ. of Southern
California, and Editor, Visual Anthropology Review
An honest portrait of a complex
marriage. You'll think about art, about husbands and wives, about
growing older, but most of all you'll think about your own life. I
highly recommend this for public libraries everywhere. --
Sarah McGarry, Phoenix Public Library
Louisville Artswatch Film and
Video Festival honoree American Psychological Assn.
honoree
