Mindy Gabriel, Firefighter (Upper Arlington, Ohio)
In his powerful series, Women’s Work, photographer Chris Crisman explores and challenges the age-old idea of gender-based jobs. To promote gender equality and support feminism, he captures portraits of strong females who prove that all work can be “women’s work.”
The inspiring photographs feature women posing in their places of work, including a fishing boat, a mine, and a woodworking studio. Each subject is dressed in what she’d wear on a typical day, from helmets and other protective gear to overalls and t-shirts. Additionally, the female figures are shown working with tools traditionally thought to be appropriate only for men. These implements include axes, shovels, mallets, and even heavy machinery.
Crisman was inspired to start the series in 2016. After learning that one of his friends knew a female butcher—and realizing that he had never met a woman with this profession—he decided to meet and photograph her. Pleased with the experience and outcome, he began documenting other inspiring women with male-dominated jobs. Furthermore, as a father to a young son and daughter, Crisman wanted to find a way to show them that “their dreams have no limits and that they have parents supporting them to dive into anything they feel passionate about.”
Fortunately for us, Crisman fully intends to continue the series, which he views as an ongoing piece of art. “There are so many people that we would still love to include in the project, but we’ll get there,” Crisman told APE. “I believe that Women’s Work is the type of project where the purpose does not have an expiration date.”
In his Women’s Work series, Chris Crisman challenges gender roles by capturing captivating photographs of women doing “men’s work.”
Sadie Samuels, Lobster Fisher (Rockport, ME)
Leeann Johnson, Haul Truck Driver (Round Mountain Gold Mine, NV)
Carla Hall, Metalworker (NY)
Christina Burris, Brewer and Operations Manager (Philadelphia, PA)
Mira Nakashima, Designer and Woodworker (New Hope, PA)
Heather Marold Thomason, Butcher (Philadelphia, PA)
Judy Bowman, Process Operator (Round Mountain Gold Mine, NV)
Beth Beverly, Taxidermist (Philadelphia, PA)
Jordan Ainsworth, Mill Operator (Round Mountain Gold Mine, NV)
Kris Alvarez, Senior Geologist (Round Mountain Gold Mine, NV)
Nancy Poli, Pig Farmer (Saylorsburg, PA)
Carol Warn, Leach Pad Operator (Valmy, NV)
Chris Crisman: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter
h/t: [Bored Panda, APE]