Magical Vagina in the Sky

On January 7th, my brother's girlfriend Paige gave birth to my beautiful niece, Sloan!

She is the most amazing baby, and I am so amazed at Paige’s strength and resilience to have created life.

Paige delivered Sloan in a pool at their apartment- with just one midwife and my brother. Everything went great except for a tear that caused them to go into the hospital for some stitches. I cannot imagine the strength, mental toughness and calmness Paige (and Conor as a support system) must have had to do that at home! It inspired me to paint this magical vagina. There is really something incredible about the power of the female body during labor and that strength inspired this piece.

I wanted to this representation of a vagina to seem like a gate which life enters, that creates ripples in space and time. I emphasized a sense of scale in the image so it was this huge magical, colorful thing to be worshiped and celebrated in all its glory. 

The vibrant colors and swirling patterns represent the energy and vitality of this remarkable part of the body. I also believe that by celebrating the vagina, we can help to break down the taboo that so often surrounds it. It’s a body part- and a really special one.

Sometimes I am met with speculation and hesitance when I work on these kinds of paintings. I hear a lot of times-“Why would you want to paint that?”

Well, a million reasons but right now because it’s inspiring to me. And we’re all here because of them so whats really the issue?

Truthfully, I didn’t go into this painting with the idea of making all this commentary. I was playing around with patterns and colors on this wooden canvas board and then stepped back and thought it somewhat resembled a vagina.

Then- all those birth thoughts, excitement for new life, a real sense of positive change in our families life- I wanted to celebrate that. And not just the vagina- but the women behind it.

I have always had a deep reverence for the female body and the amazing things it is capable of- but really my nieces birth made me completely reassess that strength! I am so grateful for all the wonderful women who have raised me and loved me. Im so grateful for the women who have raised and loved the people I love- Paige and also my partner John.

I just wanted to create a fun bright tribute to the door to life- and yes its pink- but thats also my favorite color. (As well as rainbow which I sprinkled a little in there)

I’m so blessed to have a wonderful new addition to our family. I’m so thankful for Paige for being the magical- inspiring- nurturing mother she is and to Conor for being a wonderful- kind- fun and calming dad. I am so excited to see their beautiful family love and grow and inspire me.

I still want to add and build a little more on this painting- maybe attach some glass butterflies or flowers.

I will keep you updated!

Grace