Interwoven Narratives of Personal Growth and Material Use from a Feminist Perspective

Abstract

Based on feminist theory, this article focuses on the profound connection between material use and personal growth in the artistic practice of female artists. By analyzing the creative cases of authentic female artists such as Anni Albers, Betty Woodman, and Shi Hui, the article explores how material use serves as a narrative vehicle for women to break gender stereotypes and express their identity, and how personal growth feeds into the innovation of material language. The study finds that women's reinterpretation of materials labeled "feminine," such as fiber and ceramics, not only deconstructs the material gender order in traditional art but also becomes a crucial growth path from private experience to public expression, from self-doubt to identity affirmation. Drawing on authoritative art historical literature, artist interviews, and public exhibition materials, this article analyzes these processes from five perspectives: theoretical foundations, media functions, interwoven mechanisms, practical dilemmas, and practical implications. The article aims to provide theoretical references for understanding the interplay between individuals and materials from a feminist perspective, while also offering practical insights for contemporary women to achieve self-growth through creative practice.