Art history reflects the Western compulsion for...wanting to set things apart, classify them, put them in some sort of order, and then study them and interpret them."
Yet artists don't want to be placed in boxes.
When you look at a work of art, whether it's created with fiber, marble, paint, clay or wood, what's your first impression--design, color, meaning/message? Or do you wonder about the artist's gender, ethnicity, religion, politics, sexual orientation? If so, what does that information offer you vis à vis the art?
Do you find yourself categorized as a male/female (or other designation) artist? If so, has that hindered or enhanced your public presence? Has it annoyed you or made you smile? Do you appreciate being grouped with similar-seeming artists?