Patricia O’Rourke,

Lives: Williamsburg, Brooklyn Teaches: Computer graphics at Long Island City High School, Queens
What is your “real” job? Feminist artist
Why choose teaching as a second job? I want to make a difference—plus we get great benefits like vacations and pensions. Though I’ve shown at museums and sold some pieces, I need to keep my day job.
What’s your art like? I’ve created huge four-foot vaginas—the show was called “The Vagina Openings” — and I’ve done a few pieces with my own pubic hair on handmade paper stretched over canvas. Also, I’ve created a series of paper condos that had dick heads, because the first few condos in Williamsburg were so phallic-looking.
What do your students think about your work? I have to be tactful about what I say in class. But the rest of the time I’m an artist—I’m free to express all my creativity.
Do your bosses know? I don’t feel I have to keep it quiet, they know. When I exhibit, I bring postcards and show them in the teacher center.