Compassion
Digital Drawing
Femessence Series – Vulva Portrait Art for radical self acceptance
2023
A collective journey of radical self acceptance, worth & opportunity to receive adoration.
My intention for this series of work is for increased embodiment and spiritual awareness. It’s an opportunity for women to see, appreciate, accept, and approve of themselves, and realise their power and ability to create (magic, life, relationships, art).
Whilst the subject matter has evoked reactions and conversations around culture, gender specific values, experiences and opinions, this is not intended to be political. More of a self appreciation and acknowledgement of the spiritual and creative power of the feminine essence. Hence – “Femessence”
Acknowledging women’s sacred space and building a relationship with our bodies is a process which can bring you back into alignment and understanding. Simply, I believe we are created to create. By acknowledging our creative centres and power as females, this is a step towards creating the life we desire.
The artwork created is not mine; it’s the beauty of others represented on paper. It was a co-creation and I thank and appreciate every one of the participants in this series; for their grace, beauty, vulnerability and bravery.
As an arts therapist it’s not about the end piece entirely, it’s about the process of making the art and the beauty of the journey behind the piece – from the photography, to the conversations, to the displaying of the final pieces and emotions that occur, and the gifts that are exchanged after the work is “complete”. It’s a forever evolving experience – the start of a new intersubjective relationship.
Thank you to all for joining the experience and being a part of the creative process.
Age 39
Ethnicity British
Have you given birth vaginally? No
Why did you choose to get art of your vulva?
To continue deepening the connection to my Self, my body, my femininity and my sexuality. To be able to remind myself everyday of the beauty of my Yoni.
What was your relationship with your vulva/body before the artwork?
I guess my relationship with my vulva had been quite nondescript. I had been taking the time to deepen that relationship, but it just wasn’t a part of myself I’d really been fully aware of.
My relationship with my body had been quite traumatic for most of my life, until recent years when I began healing and understanding and loving my body.
Has your relationship with your vulva/body changed post artwork process?
Definitely – I feel more grateful and connected to my Yoni. I feel more proud of her and how she looks and what she’s experienced and more open to express that part of myself through my relationships.
If you could give your teenage self advice about your body image, what would you say?
Your body is your best friend. Nothing your mind has been programmed to believe about your body to this point is true. If you do only thing in this life, be sure to make it loving your body every single day. Everything you ever need and desire will be born through this connection.