Historically, female nudes in art have presented women’s bodies as either objects of desire or as moving inspirations for creating artistic beauty. Often, we view representations of nudity as either embarrassing because we believe it should not be shared in public or evil because it diverts us (usually men) from a proper focus on a spiritual or rational path.
Instead, the nudity in this piece suggests the woman’s strong confidence in her own power and in the power of women, in general. Also, the letter-like symbols that surround her as she dwells in inner focus suggest a dialogue with a higher spiritual path that emanates from the wisdom of her body.
Voice of an Age
Instead, the nudity in this piece suggests the woman’s strong confidence in her own power and in the power of women, in general. Also, the letter-like symbols that surround her as she dwells in inner focus suggest a dialogue with a higher spiritual path that emanates from the wisdom of her body.
In the same year I completed this sculpture (2006), women’s advocate Tarana Burke coined #MeToo as a way to empower women who had endured sexual violence by letting them know that they were not alone and that many other women had suffered similar experiences. Eleven years later, the hashtag went global after a viral tweet by actress Alyssa Milano. However, the modern feminist movement truly began in 1963 with the publication of Betty Friedan’s book, The Feminine Mystique.
My own artistic career in sculpture roughly parallels this 60 year period. And, as many of you know, my work derives from the belief that intuitive inspiration, usually associated with the feminine, needs to be re-empowered to an equal footing with the rational/scientific orientation that dominates our contemporary worldview. I believe this balance holds the key to creating better solutions for living into the future.
For me, the woman in this piece represents a new kind of artist’s muse. She invites us not only to overcome the marginalization of women, but also to empower a more balanced approach to solving the challenges of our age. Her introspective gaze suggests that we nurture the inner language of intuition as an equal companion alongside the rational insights of science. This could bring balance to how we live with one another, as well as the plants and animals with whom we share the planet.
I feel inspired that a powerful woman yoga teacher has chosen to embrace this image as a muse for her home and practice.
May the power of the feminine live as a blessing in your life.
