One of the things many women, and many men, don't realize is how entirely modern language fails when it comes to naming a woman's genitalia. People applaud themselves for progressively using the word "vagina" without realizing that the word itself means "sheath" - as in, to sheath a sword. A reference, which thereby defines a woman by the way she is in service to a man. Additionally, vagina technically refers solely to the inner vaginal canal and does NOT include the external genitalia including, the vulva and clitoris. So, to call my paintings vagina paintings would be highly inaccurate. Herein lies the dilemma. One of my most influential teachers, Regina Tomachauer, introduced me to the word pussy and I haven't gone back (with the exception of talking to my son, who I taught the word vulva). I love using 'pussy' as both a reclamation and for the simplicity of one word to refer to all the parts. Plus, it's a little bit naughty and a little bit shocking for people which is always fun.
Paintings are priced according to size and material. Works range from $800, for the witnessing and live sketch, to $5,000+ for larger works. Each piece is different, just as each woman is different. Smaller pieces, typically 2.5'-3.5'' in length, are priced between $2-3k. Medium sized works, typically 3.5'-4' in length, are generally priced between $3-4k. Larger works, typically 4.5'+ in length, are priced at $5k+. I have never known a pussy who wished to be painted smaller than 2.5' but should that occur, we can work with it. I make every effort to have this work remain accessible to women who experience a strong pull and occasionally offer payment plans. Additionally, there is a scholarship fund women may apply for if the desire is strong and the funds are weak. It starts with the desire, if you feel a pull, ask, and we can go from there.
Each piece, and each woman, is a little bit different but in general we start with what I call the Witnessing. The Witnessing can be commissioned in studio or virtually. If live, I will take a few reference photos, which are kept confidential and erased upon completion of the piece. To commission a work or to inquire further please write to witness@vulvere.com or phone +1 (503) 329.3921.
This project so far is entirely made up of women who saw/heard about my work and expressed a desire to be witnessed. Most are commissions and every so often I will reach out to have someone model in response to a call arising within myself. I am always humbled and honored by women's desire and courage in this work. It is a profoundly powerful process and I take every measure possible to make the process an experience of being truly seen, translated and honored inside an environment of incredible safety.
For those interested in modeling - contact me to be put on a waiting list. From there, I will reach out to you if or when there is space and a pull. Models have first rights to the resulting painting for 72 hours after its completion, after which the works will go for sale to the public.
Let's be real here for a second, having your inner self witnessed, literally and metaphorically, can be scary as sh*t. No joke. Completely. It is also some powerful a** sh*t and incredibly worth doing. Pardon my language, but it's true!. If you feel the pull of desire then I would encourage to you go for it, irregardless, or even because, of your fears around it. Having your pussy painted is rarely going to be something that translates as a sensical action. Just accept that. But as Mama Gena would say, "The antidote to shame is not outrage. It's outrageousness." Participating in this experience of outrageousness and vulnerability has the potential to radically change your life and how you feel about yourself on all levels, and to me, thats worth facing some fear for.
Yes. If you want to explore who you are, be witnessed, reclaim some part of yourself or your sexuality and are open to wherever the experience takes you then this is a perfect thing for you. I have had women use this as a tool to reclaim their pussies from abuse, and women use it to have a visual reminder who they are, and even women do it just to face insecurity over how their pussies look (it took me four paintings before I came around to the look of mine! haha!). It really can be what you make it or need it to be. On the other hand, this is not an experience for everyone. If you suspect you will have a hard time staying present in your body in the experience, are very attached to having a 'pretty' result, or just have big amounts of pressure/expectations for yourself or your painting in general, this is probably not for you right now. We are talking about pussies here, and we all know they do not like to perform under time constraints, pressure, expectation, or criticism! We all know this (try forcing an orgasm while criticizing yourself! yikes!). But done from a place of curiosity and self love? You can't fail. For what it's worth I have yet to witness a woman that I didn't end up finding absolutely extraordinary, or who wasn't deeply moved and grateful for having had this experience.