Gwen Tuinman
Gwen Tuinman is a novelist, born and raised in rural southern Ontario. Fascinated by the landscape of human tenacity, she writes about people navigating the social restrictions of their era. Her storytelling is influenced by an interest in bygone days. As a mentor, she helps women writers to shed emotional armour so they can reclaim their self-expression, dream bigger and learn to guide themselves through new creative risks. Gwen lives in the Kawartha Lakes region with her husband. Her forthcoming novel will be published in the spring of 2024 by Random House Canada.
Gwen Tuinman 
October 30, 2014 at 7:44 am
I wonder whether, back in the day, performers such as these (whether men or women) more often experienced pleasure over their unconventional work pursuits compared to, what I imagine might be at least a sometime desire to be off the road and living a more conventional settled life.
November 4, 2014 at 6:55 am
I’m sure their choice to join the circus was a “double edged sword” — pardon the pun. The Victorian era seemed so constricting and conformist. There must have been the pleasure you suggest, but I wonder if they weren’t ostracized by their families for their choice.
October 30, 2014 at 7:26 pm
I wonder what inspired them to pursue a career in the performing arts and whether it was something or someone.
November 4, 2014 at 7:00 am
Nadine, your comment is sparking a short fiction idea for me. I’m starting to think circumstances that may have lead these women to the moment of the photographs. Mmmm. I do love curating wonder:) Thanks.
November 1, 2014 at 4:29 pm
I wonder if circus life was as romantic as I imagine it – I doubt it, I imagine it was very hard.
November 4, 2014 at 7:06 am
I think you hit on a good point. The glitz and glam undoubtedly covered up a myriad of unattractive goings on. Have you ever read “Water for Elephants” by Sara Gruen? I highly recommend it.
http://www.harpercollins.ca/books/Water-Elephants-Sara-Gruen/?isbn=9780006391555
By the way Andrea, I’m so glad you’ve stepped out from behind your tree. Great to see your lovely face:)