Breaking into the bearded boys club
Erin Dollar challenges gender roles with “I Made You A Beard”
By Alysse Dalessandro
Published: July 29th, 2009 | 9:15am
Many women go to great lengths to remove facial hair: from painful waxing, threading, or plucking to costly laser treatments. One Portland-based crafter decided to save face through challenging gender roles with “I Made You A Beard.” Erin Dollar proudly bears the nickname “that beard lady” and she tells us about her love for Frida Kahlo’s ‘stache and who she wishes would rock a fake donegal beard.
Tell us about your crafting history.
My mom always encouraged my crafty, DIY tendencies, and kept a lot of my early artwork. One of my favorites is a comic book I made about a family of rocks. I was a funny kid, and I think this is something that has carried through my whole life — wanting to have fun with art, and crafting things in a playful way.
How would you describe what you make and what is the concept behind it?
While I'm a printmaker at heart, I've been spending most of my time this year making fake beards. The original concept behind it probably had more to do with making fun of all the hip bearded and mustachioed dudes I'd see around the San Francisco Bay Area, but it has turned into something much more interesting. I've realized, through people's varied reactions to the beards, that this project has a lot to do with gender roles, and what we expect crafty women to be creating.
What came first: your love of art or your love of beards?
While I'm becoming known as "that beard lady," I still consider myself an artist first, and a beard maker second. I feel like I've broken into a strange boys-only subculture over the last year. As a feminist, it's fun to examine these little pockets of culture that are supposed to be "dudes only," to see what we might be missing out on.
What kind of beard do you like best?
It's impressive when guys dedicate themselves to growing very long beards. At that point, it's a huge part of their identity, and takes on a lot more meaning than a haphazard goatee. I sympathize with guys who can't grow a beard; I've gotten a lot of emails from facial-hair-challenged dudes, thanking me for leveling the playing field a bit. Just like real beards, fake beards seem to take on different personalities. I love taking that to the extreme, wondering, "What kind of personality would a person with a long pink beard have?"
Who are your favorite bearded fellas (or ladies)?
Edward Gorey rocked a pretty great beard! Frida Kahlo's moustache is equally impressive, and a feminist statement I'd like to emulate in my own beardy project. Her moustache could kick a scraggly hipster beard's ass any day.
If you could have any one person wear one of your beards, who would it be?
This is a tough one. Barack Obama could follow in Lincoln's footsteps by wearing a fake donegal beard for a day or two. If that happens, I'll retire — doesn't get much better than that.
How would you describe the crafting scene in Portland?
It's a really supportive community, even for someone like me, who is working from home like a recluse. I've found that I don't have to as much explaining to people here: when I tell a Portlander about the beards, the usual response is "Oh, of course you do! That's great!" There is a huge diversity in what artists are making in Portland, and it seems like Portland attracts some of the most open-minded, free thinkers in all fields. Sometimes I think I could only be doing this in Portland.
What are some of your favorite spots in Portland for beard-spotting?
Stumptown coffee shops are always littered with beards, but my favorite recent beard-spotting was a guy with a long beard riding his bike. He was riding downhill, and his beard was swept back over his shoulders like a cape!
Where do you get inspiration?
Long walks always bring fresh ideas; I try to take as many as possible. Conversely, the internet is really a magical place; I've discovered many bizarre beard communities online that are really inspiring. Beardos tend to be pretty interesting people, and I've been surprised by how many artists, writers, and otherwise creative people I've been introduced to through my connection with the world of beards.
Visit imadeyouabeard.blogspot.com or shop for a beard of your own at imadeyouabeard.etsy.com
Issue #35
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