Sex, Faith and Marriage, Sunday 22 August 2010
23/08/10 09:49
Last night on ABC TV Compass interviewed
three couples from three faiths, Hindu, Muslim and
Judaism. They were asked about their beliefs
regarding sex.
The Jewish couple spoke about how menstruation impacts on their sex lives. Orthodox Jews do not have sex during a woman’s period, nor for seven days afterwards. The time of menstruation is significant in Jewish ritual and a woman learns that her body is sacred and that sex is sacred. The husband and wife do not sleep in the same bed during this time. Then, after 12 days without any contact with her husband the wife has a ritual bath called Mikvah and is blessed, cleansed and made ritually clean. She is then ready to return to the marriage bed and resume sexual relations. Often there is a sense of excitement as she returns home ready to greet her husband. Her desire has been rejuvenated.
There are many misconceptions surrounding Mikvah. It was wonderful to see how this ancient tradition is practiced in a modern society. Each women’s privacy was respected and hygiene was strictly controlled.
I loved the passionate way that the wife, Timmy described her experience of being in separate beds, “It makes you yearn to be with your partner.” Kalman describes the husband’s view, “That’s the time to rejuvenate. Because you are forced to instil a control, you are forced to draw close to each other emotionally, you talk to each other.” This periodic separation deepens the relationship!
I’m sure the monthly break in sexual demands is rejuvenating for both husband and wife. She is not pressured to be constantly available and he does not suffer as much rejection because the rejuvenation time is understood and he does not make needless advances.
Personally, I would find the 12 days without contact every month extremely difficult and I do not observe this practice. I do however take breaks on my own visiting friends and relatives and have done so throughout my marriage. When I return home from a break, we are excited to see each other, we are attentive to each other and our relationship is rejuvenated.
The Mikvah ritual is a refreshing contrast to today’s modern western culture which is over sexualised. Western culture puts a lot of sexual expectations on relationships. Men feel pressure to prove their manhood and women feel pressure to be constantly sexually attractive and to acquiesce to the lustful demands of their partners even when they feel no desire themselves.
One example of these attitudes is the book “365 nights: A Memoir of Intimacy” by Charla Muller, Berkley Publishing Group, 2008. ISBN: 9781741964240.
Charla Muller wanted to give her husband a memorable and significant gift for his 40th birthday. She decided to give him sex every night for one year, the “gift”.
It was an amazing effort. I agree that the “gift” was motivated by love for her husband, but it is also based on the assumption that a good wife is constantly sexually available.
This assumption makes a woman a sex object at the whim of a man’s lust even within marriage. This has the potential to become exploitative of women, meeting only the man’s needs without any consideration for the woman’s experience. Even Charla defines sex in terms of his ejaculation (P72). Unfortunately, many men loose respect for women once their lusts are satisfied. If the husband expects his wife to be constantly sexual availability then sex becomes the wife’s obligation and her refusal is taken as a rejection of his manhood. He may take any sexual rejection so badly that he becomes coercive or even violent as a result.
Charla admits that her husband felt rejected, writing, “I know you’re avoiding sex and it bums me out … I’m your husband for Pete’s sake, not some cheesy college guy looking to get lucky.” (P215) The assumption is that a wife should not refuse her husband.
Perhaps if Charla was permitted rejuvenation times, she would say yes more often. Instead, she puts in a marathon effort gives her body as a “gift”.
When a woman has no desire, sex becomes a chore, a performance or even a transaction. Charla tries to gloss over this aspect of her “gift” but it is clear that she has had enough during the last few weeks of the “gift”.
“Geez, do you think you could try a little bit more?” He said.
“What do you mean?” I asked.
He sighed. “Could you pretend you’re interested in this? I mean could you woo me a bit?”
Try? Woo? What does he think I’ve been doing the last eleven months of my life? (P234-235)
It is clear that her husband has continuing expectations. A husband with the expectation that a good wife is constantly sexual availability is generally not very appreciative.
What Charla has done may have been good for her marriage, but it is a potentially dangerous precedent to use as an example to emulate. It sets up unrealistic expectations of marriage in men because many women will not be able to achieve this amount of sexual availability due to a whole range of justifiable reasons.
There does seem to be a gulf between men’s lusts and women’s capacity. As Charla writes, “Brad will want sex and will resent having to ask for it. I will not want to have sex after two babies and fifty-four workhour weeks and will resent having to have it.” (P243)
Charla describes women getting Doctor’s certificates as a way of extending postpartum sexual abstinence. (P75) Surely a ritual time out is better than this deception?
Judaism gives sexuality a structure that honours the needs of both men and women. The Mikvah looks like a peaceful place where women can be refreshed and recover their energies and the 12 days of abstinence makes the husbands more appreciative of the physical side of marriage after the 12th day finally arrives!
You can read another review of 365 Nights here and two radio interviews by Amy Freese of Designher Living on WSRadio.com - 03 and 04.
The Jewish couple spoke about how menstruation impacts on their sex lives. Orthodox Jews do not have sex during a woman’s period, nor for seven days afterwards. The time of menstruation is significant in Jewish ritual and a woman learns that her body is sacred and that sex is sacred. The husband and wife do not sleep in the same bed during this time. Then, after 12 days without any contact with her husband the wife has a ritual bath called Mikvah and is blessed, cleansed and made ritually clean. She is then ready to return to the marriage bed and resume sexual relations. Often there is a sense of excitement as she returns home ready to greet her husband. Her desire has been rejuvenated.
There are many misconceptions surrounding Mikvah. It was wonderful to see how this ancient tradition is practiced in a modern society. Each women’s privacy was respected and hygiene was strictly controlled.
I loved the passionate way that the wife, Timmy described her experience of being in separate beds, “It makes you yearn to be with your partner.” Kalman describes the husband’s view, “That’s the time to rejuvenate. Because you are forced to instil a control, you are forced to draw close to each other emotionally, you talk to each other.” This periodic separation deepens the relationship!
I’m sure the monthly break in sexual demands is rejuvenating for both husband and wife. She is not pressured to be constantly available and he does not suffer as much rejection because the rejuvenation time is understood and he does not make needless advances.
Personally, I would find the 12 days without contact every month extremely difficult and I do not observe this practice. I do however take breaks on my own visiting friends and relatives and have done so throughout my marriage. When I return home from a break, we are excited to see each other, we are attentive to each other and our relationship is rejuvenated.
The Mikvah ritual is a refreshing contrast to today’s modern western culture which is over sexualised. Western culture puts a lot of sexual expectations on relationships. Men feel pressure to prove their manhood and women feel pressure to be constantly sexually attractive and to acquiesce to the lustful demands of their partners even when they feel no desire themselves.
One example of these attitudes is the book “365 nights: A Memoir of Intimacy” by Charla Muller, Berkley Publishing Group, 2008. ISBN: 9781741964240.
Charla Muller wanted to give her husband a memorable and significant gift for his 40th birthday. She decided to give him sex every night for one year, the “gift”.
It was an amazing effort. I agree that the “gift” was motivated by love for her husband, but it is also based on the assumption that a good wife is constantly sexually available.
This assumption makes a woman a sex object at the whim of a man’s lust even within marriage. This has the potential to become exploitative of women, meeting only the man’s needs without any consideration for the woman’s experience. Even Charla defines sex in terms of his ejaculation (P72). Unfortunately, many men loose respect for women once their lusts are satisfied. If the husband expects his wife to be constantly sexual availability then sex becomes the wife’s obligation and her refusal is taken as a rejection of his manhood. He may take any sexual rejection so badly that he becomes coercive or even violent as a result.
Charla admits that her husband felt rejected, writing, “I know you’re avoiding sex and it bums me out … I’m your husband for Pete’s sake, not some cheesy college guy looking to get lucky.” (P215) The assumption is that a wife should not refuse her husband.
Perhaps if Charla was permitted rejuvenation times, she would say yes more often. Instead, she puts in a marathon effort gives her body as a “gift”.
When a woman has no desire, sex becomes a chore, a performance or even a transaction. Charla tries to gloss over this aspect of her “gift” but it is clear that she has had enough during the last few weeks of the “gift”.
“Geez, do you think you could try a little bit more?” He said.
“What do you mean?” I asked.
He sighed. “Could you pretend you’re interested in this? I mean could you woo me a bit?”
Try? Woo? What does he think I’ve been doing the last eleven months of my life? (P234-235)
It is clear that her husband has continuing expectations. A husband with the expectation that a good wife is constantly sexual availability is generally not very appreciative.
What Charla has done may have been good for her marriage, but it is a potentially dangerous precedent to use as an example to emulate. It sets up unrealistic expectations of marriage in men because many women will not be able to achieve this amount of sexual availability due to a whole range of justifiable reasons.
There does seem to be a gulf between men’s lusts and women’s capacity. As Charla writes, “Brad will want sex and will resent having to ask for it. I will not want to have sex after two babies and fifty-four workhour weeks and will resent having to have it.” (P243)
Charla describes women getting Doctor’s certificates as a way of extending postpartum sexual abstinence. (P75) Surely a ritual time out is better than this deception?
Judaism gives sexuality a structure that honours the needs of both men and women. The Mikvah looks like a peaceful place where women can be refreshed and recover their energies and the 12 days of abstinence makes the husbands more appreciative of the physical side of marriage after the 12th day finally arrives!
You can read another review of 365 Nights here and two radio interviews by Amy Freese of Designher Living on WSRadio.com - 03 and 04.
"Period Piece" a success
12/08/10 14:29
My recent solo exhibition, “Period Piece” was a
success. Many people came to the Huw Davies Gallery to
see it. The photos generated some animated discussions
about women’s bodies and about menstrual health. Many
women were deeply touched to see images that articulate
how they feel on the inside. There were even some men
who had discussions with me and developed some
understanding of the deep impact menstruation can have
on a woman’s life. It was very encouraging to realise
that my art photos had communicated sensitive issues so
effectively.
During my research for this exhibition, I was alarmed and shocked by the extent of suffering that women with Endometriosis experience. Endometriosis can be an extremely debilitating disease and it is not well understood. Many women suffer in silence because this disease is so unseen. One of my aims is to articulate this pain in a way that affirms the dignity of the suffering women and promotes further research into treatments.
I pledged a portion of the sale proceeds to be donated to Endometriosis research. Several images sold permitting me to donate $186 to Endometriosis research.
The opening night of “Period Piece”
During my research for this exhibition, I was alarmed and shocked by the extent of suffering that women with Endometriosis experience. Endometriosis can be an extremely debilitating disease and it is not well understood. Many women suffer in silence because this disease is so unseen. One of my aims is to articulate this pain in a way that affirms the dignity of the suffering women and promotes further research into treatments.
I pledged a portion of the sale proceeds to be donated to Endometriosis research. Several images sold permitting me to donate $186 to Endometriosis research.
The opening night of “Period Piece”
"Period Piece" openning
21/05/10 12:03
Welcome to my solo exhibition, “Period Piece”.
You may see a preview, look at the catalogue;
Period Piece catalogue
You may see a preview, look at the catalogue;
Period Piece catalogue
Anatomy For Beginners - SBS
19/05/10 11:20
On Tuesday evening 18 May, I watched a programme on SBS
TV, “Anatomy For Beginners”.
This has been a fascinating series of documentaries showing how our bodies work by dissecting plasticised cadavers and by skilled painting on live nude models. Presented by pathologist Professor John Lee, Dr Gunther von Hagens expertly and deftly dissects the human body in a way that shows how the various organs and systems connect.
I watched the episode titled “Reproduction” and was amazed at the intricacies of the inner working of a woman’s body. Dr von Hagens had a series of foetuses in different stages of development. I was looking forward to the different phases of the womb during the menstrual cycle.
Yet not one word was spoken about menstruation! How can a programme about human reproduction ignore menstruation??? Menstruation is fundamental to both woman’s fertility and her sexual availability. We were told the full workings of ejaculation. Why not menstruation??
Dr Gunther von Hagens dissected a womb yet did not explain about the lining and preparation for implantation, nor the menstrual cycle that cleans and replenishes the womb.
This oversight confirms to me that there is still a great deal of silence and denial of menstruation. Despite our scientific culture, there is still an unwillingness to acknowledge this important part of a woman’s body. Menstruation occupies up to one quarter of a woman’s life during her fertile years. This is a lot of time and it impacts on a woman’s life in important ways.
But Professor John Lee and Dr Gunther von Hagens did not think it important enough to even mention during an episode devoted to reproduction!!
You can see the episode on this link;
http://www.sbs.com.au/documentary/program/anatomyforbeginners/index
This has been a fascinating series of documentaries showing how our bodies work by dissecting plasticised cadavers and by skilled painting on live nude models. Presented by pathologist Professor John Lee, Dr Gunther von Hagens expertly and deftly dissects the human body in a way that shows how the various organs and systems connect.
I watched the episode titled “Reproduction” and was amazed at the intricacies of the inner working of a woman’s body. Dr von Hagens had a series of foetuses in different stages of development. I was looking forward to the different phases of the womb during the menstrual cycle.
Yet not one word was spoken about menstruation! How can a programme about human reproduction ignore menstruation??? Menstruation is fundamental to both woman’s fertility and her sexual availability. We were told the full workings of ejaculation. Why not menstruation??
Dr Gunther von Hagens dissected a womb yet did not explain about the lining and preparation for implantation, nor the menstrual cycle that cleans and replenishes the womb.
This oversight confirms to me that there is still a great deal of silence and denial of menstruation. Despite our scientific culture, there is still an unwillingness to acknowledge this important part of a woman’s body. Menstruation occupies up to one quarter of a woman’s life during her fertile years. This is a lot of time and it impacts on a woman’s life in important ways.
But Professor John Lee and Dr Gunther von Hagens did not think it important enough to even mention during an episode devoted to reproduction!!
You can see the episode on this link;
http://www.sbs.com.au/documentary/program/anatomyforbeginners/index
"Period Piece" - 20 May to 6 June 2010
11/05/10 11:04
Exciting news!
My solo exhibition, “Period Piece” will be held in the Huw Davies Gallery, Manuka Circle, Griffith, ACT.
Period Piece is a statement of respect for women’s bodies, not a response to men’s fantasies. The subtle eroticism and sexuality are used to express what being a woman feels like, with a focus on what menstruation means and feels like in emotional and philosophically symbolic terms.
Because all clothing is a product of a particular culture and time in history, many of the women in “Period Piece” are naked. Nude bodies reduce the distracting influences and are therefore timeless. I use black and white to represent any woman regardless of ethnicity. These images express experiences common to all women.
In many cultures and in the past women have been taught to feel shame about menstruation. There are many rituals and exclusions that frame the menstruating woman as dirty, polluting and someone to avoid. My photographs challenge these prejudices and tabus. My images are confronting, dramatic and surprising, but they are also beautiful and designed to enhance women’s perception of themselves.
Secrecy, prejudice and lack of knowledge can have health implications for vulnerable women. It is difficult for some women to candidly discuss their menstrual problems even with doctors. This body of work helps to open that dialogue. To support women’s health I am donating 10% of sales towards endometriosis research.
I am thrilled that Dr Anne Sneddon, specialist from Canberra Endometriosis Centre will open this exhibition.
The exhibition features 14 original digital photographs printed on archival rag (Canson) in a limited edition of 25 signed prints.
“Period Piece” images are not shown on this website. Ten of the images have not been exhibited before.
You are invited to the opening at 6:00pm on Thursday 20th May.
My solo exhibition, “Period Piece” will be held in the Huw Davies Gallery, Manuka Circle, Griffith, ACT.
Period Piece is a statement of respect for women’s bodies, not a response to men’s fantasies. The subtle eroticism and sexuality are used to express what being a woman feels like, with a focus on what menstruation means and feels like in emotional and philosophically symbolic terms.
Because all clothing is a product of a particular culture and time in history, many of the women in “Period Piece” are naked. Nude bodies reduce the distracting influences and are therefore timeless. I use black and white to represent any woman regardless of ethnicity. These images express experiences common to all women.
In many cultures and in the past women have been taught to feel shame about menstruation. There are many rituals and exclusions that frame the menstruating woman as dirty, polluting and someone to avoid. My photographs challenge these prejudices and tabus. My images are confronting, dramatic and surprising, but they are also beautiful and designed to enhance women’s perception of themselves.
Secrecy, prejudice and lack of knowledge can have health implications for vulnerable women. It is difficult for some women to candidly discuss their menstrual problems even with doctors. This body of work helps to open that dialogue. To support women’s health I am donating 10% of sales towards endometriosis research.
I am thrilled that Dr Anne Sneddon, specialist from Canberra Endometriosis Centre will open this exhibition.
The exhibition features 14 original digital photographs printed on archival rag (Canson) in a limited edition of 25 signed prints.
“Period Piece” images are not shown on this website. Ten of the images have not been exhibited before.
You are invited to the opening at 6:00pm on Thursday 20th May.
Labiaplasty
04/03/10 11:13
Last night I watched “Hungry Beast” on ABC TV. This
program, presented by plucky young people, picks
out interesting and controversial snippets of news
and themes. To quote from their website, “ It
covers everything from the silly, to the serious,
to somewhere in between; always from a different
perspective.” Last night was an article about
labiaplasty. You may view this online on the
following web address. I am writing this link out
in longhand, separately because the clip contains
images of genitals and talks about genital
surgery. These images are rated as M15+ and if
such material offends you, do not click on the
link;
http://hungrybeast.abc.net.au/stories/labiaplasty
There were two aspects to the report;
1. the censorship laws that allowed full frontal nudity only if labia are not visible
2. the increase in the number of real women having plastic surgery to cut off their perfectly normal, healthy labia.
The censorship laws are accommodated by some magazine editors by manipulating photographs of women and trimming their labia digitally within Photoshop. The women models remained healthy and intact, but of course the image is a construction, not a true representation.
Unfortunately the publishing of these altered images gives the public the impression that labia are not normally visible. Normal women are seeing their genitalia as ugly and in need of modification. The plastic surgeon called it “surgical improvement”! Of course he would, it helps his business to call it improvement. I am horrified by this. Surely labiaplasty is genital mutilation. All surgery carries risk, infection, poor workmanship, healing problems, scarring, loss of sensation, even death from complications. This is a lot of risk for something that is not even a true representation of women and is totally unnecessary.
Censorship laws are supposed to protect the population from damaging sexuality, not promoting genital mutilation!
There is also a possible connection with pedophilia. Sexually immature girls have small labia that are not visible from the outside - “a single crease” to quote the Photoshop artist. When a woman reaches puberty, she grows breasts and labia. These are normal secondary sexual characteristics of womanhood. The censorship laws are requiring adult women to look like little girls! If men become habituated to these images, it is a small step to finding under age girls themselves sexually arousing and desirable.
Censorship laws are supposed to protect under age girls, not turn them into objects of desire!
Our culture already sexualises under age girls to a great extent causing enormous suffering to women. This is one more example. You can read more about the sexualisation of girls in, “Getting Real” edited by Melinda Tankard Reist, published by Spinifex, 2009.
http://hungrybeast.abc.net.au/stories/labiaplasty
There were two aspects to the report;
1. the censorship laws that allowed full frontal nudity only if labia are not visible
2. the increase in the number of real women having plastic surgery to cut off their perfectly normal, healthy labia.
The censorship laws are accommodated by some magazine editors by manipulating photographs of women and trimming their labia digitally within Photoshop. The women models remained healthy and intact, but of course the image is a construction, not a true representation.
Unfortunately the publishing of these altered images gives the public the impression that labia are not normally visible. Normal women are seeing their genitalia as ugly and in need of modification. The plastic surgeon called it “surgical improvement”! Of course he would, it helps his business to call it improvement. I am horrified by this. Surely labiaplasty is genital mutilation. All surgery carries risk, infection, poor workmanship, healing problems, scarring, loss of sensation, even death from complications. This is a lot of risk for something that is not even a true representation of women and is totally unnecessary.
Censorship laws are supposed to protect the population from damaging sexuality, not promoting genital mutilation!
There is also a possible connection with pedophilia. Sexually immature girls have small labia that are not visible from the outside - “a single crease” to quote the Photoshop artist. When a woman reaches puberty, she grows breasts and labia. These are normal secondary sexual characteristics of womanhood. The censorship laws are requiring adult women to look like little girls! If men become habituated to these images, it is a small step to finding under age girls themselves sexually arousing and desirable.
Censorship laws are supposed to protect under age girls, not turn them into objects of desire!
Our culture already sexualises under age girls to a great extent causing enormous suffering to women. This is one more example. You can read more about the sexualisation of girls in, “Getting Real” edited by Melinda Tankard Reist, published by Spinifex, 2009.
Bare feet
10/02/10 11:18
Recently, I stayed in a hotel. When a guest stays in a
hotel, it is important to feel ‘at home’ and relaxed.
As I did not leave the building, I went to the hotel
restaurant in bare feet. The concierge sent me back to
my room to put my shoes on.
This is an interesting illustration of different meanings. I have travelled to many places, especially in Asia, where taking shoes off is a sign of respect and cleanliness. Yet this time, bare feet was seen as not good enough.
I think it is the notion of public and private space. The restaurant is in the hotel lobby and considered public space, because people can come off the street to patronise the restaurant. Whereas other parts of the hotel, such as the pool and spa, are considered private space, for hotel guests only and bare feet is acceptable there. In fact, I met a couple in the lift with bare feet, on their way to the pool (as indicated by their carrying of towels).
This is an interesting illustration of different meanings. I have travelled to many places, especially in Asia, where taking shoes off is a sign of respect and cleanliness. Yet this time, bare feet was seen as not good enough.
I think it is the notion of public and private space. The restaurant is in the hotel lobby and considered public space, because people can come off the street to patronise the restaurant. Whereas other parts of the hotel, such as the pool and spa, are considered private space, for hotel guests only and bare feet is acceptable there. In fact, I met a couple in the lift with bare feet, on their way to the pool (as indicated by their carrying of towels).
Child nudity
08/02/10 10:34
On 6-7 February, The Weekend Australian
published a Getty Images photograph on
page 17 (editorial, 4 Feb 2010, #964628761 by Mario Tama), from
earthquake ravaged Haiti. The picture featured
four children in a tent city constructed as
temporary shelter for the homeless. Two of the
children were nude.
I have written about different types of nudity before (10/07/2008). Child nudity has been discussed a lot recently in Australia especially in relation to art. The discussion centres on the idea that if a child naked and is under 16, which is the age of consent, then, by definition, the nudity is pedophilia. As stated in The Independent, 8 July 2008, “But for Ms Johnston, and like-minded people, all nude images of children are sexual and should be banned.” I disagree with this simplistic explanation. I am not excusing pedophilia. Sexual exploitation is a serious crime and can have serious developmental consequences for growing children. However it would be sad to be so afraid of sexual exploitation that artists and journalists are not permitted to explore other meanings. Nudity has many meanings and purposes.
If children are told that their body is shameful and they need to be embarrassed every time they have their clothes removed, then later when they are adults, sexual relationships may become difficult. When shame is imposed upon children without also an obvious respect for the human body, they loose respect for their own bodies and become uncomfortably self-conscious and may develop body image problems. This is a loss of innocence.
In fact, nude photography can enhance a person’s body image and can be a healing tool. Ellen Fisher Turk has been photographing young women with eating disorders for some fifteen years. Fisher Turk’s therapeutic photographs show the young women’s bodies in a new light and they begin to see themselves as beautiful. It is a healing process.
In The Weekend Australian the children’s nakedness expresses vulnerability and loss. Their nakedness emphasises that they have lost everything. There is no hint of eroticising the children. They are photographed in a documentary style. The photographer has a high viewpoint as if he/she is much taller than the children emphasising that the children are small. The children’s lack of clothing is not contrived nor staged, it is simply how they are. They really have lost everything. These children truly are innocent and the photographer has captured their innocence and vulnerability with great skill and respect.
I have written about different types of nudity before (10/07/2008). Child nudity has been discussed a lot recently in Australia especially in relation to art. The discussion centres on the idea that if a child naked and is under 16, which is the age of consent, then, by definition, the nudity is pedophilia. As stated in The Independent, 8 July 2008, “But for Ms Johnston, and like-minded people, all nude images of children are sexual and should be banned.” I disagree with this simplistic explanation. I am not excusing pedophilia. Sexual exploitation is a serious crime and can have serious developmental consequences for growing children. However it would be sad to be so afraid of sexual exploitation that artists and journalists are not permitted to explore other meanings. Nudity has many meanings and purposes.
If children are told that their body is shameful and they need to be embarrassed every time they have their clothes removed, then later when they are adults, sexual relationships may become difficult. When shame is imposed upon children without also an obvious respect for the human body, they loose respect for their own bodies and become uncomfortably self-conscious and may develop body image problems. This is a loss of innocence.
In fact, nude photography can enhance a person’s body image and can be a healing tool. Ellen Fisher Turk has been photographing young women with eating disorders for some fifteen years. Fisher Turk’s therapeutic photographs show the young women’s bodies in a new light and they begin to see themselves as beautiful. It is a healing process.
In The Weekend Australian the children’s nakedness expresses vulnerability and loss. Their nakedness emphasises that they have lost everything. There is no hint of eroticising the children. They are photographed in a documentary style. The photographer has a high viewpoint as if he/she is much taller than the children emphasising that the children are small. The children’s lack of clothing is not contrived nor staged, it is simply how they are. They really have lost everything. These children truly are innocent and the photographer has captured their innocence and vulnerability with great skill and respect.
Valentine's Day
05/02/10 21:26
Valentine’s Day is not a big thing in Australia, just a
bit of fun. In the spirit of fun and in celebration of
love and passion, I have added a couple of new photos
to my ‘Artistic Nudes’ page.
My next show will be ‘Shed Nudes’, held at the Artists’ Shed in Queanbeyan, NSW. A variety of talented artists participate, showcasing different styles and interesting treatments of the human form.
You are welcome at the opening at 7:00pm, Thursday 18th February 2010
14 Foster St
Queanbeyan, NSW
My next show will be ‘Shed Nudes’, held at the Artists’ Shed in Queanbeyan, NSW. A variety of talented artists participate, showcasing different styles and interesting treatments of the human form.
You are welcome at the opening at 7:00pm, Thursday 18th February 2010
14 Foster St
Queanbeyan, NSW
Apreciation
16/12/09 17:10
One artist who exhibited during the PlanEx10 Art and
Craft Show was so impressed with my photo of her, she
sent me this email;
"Dear Margaret,
I was very impressed with the photos you took at PLAN on Sunday last and would be very grateful for a photo of Tricia and me with the certificate. Usually I look dreadful in photos, to the point of embarrassment, but yours made me look more normal.
Best wishes,
Salwah."
"Dear Margaret,
I was very impressed with the photos you took at PLAN on Sunday last and would be very grateful for a photo of Tricia and me with the certificate. Usually I look dreadful in photos, to the point of embarrassment, but yours made me look more normal.
Best wishes,
Salwah."
PlanEx10 Art and Craft Show
05/12/09 15:12
Every year, for the last ten
years, Canberra Friends of Plan have hosted an Art and
Craft Show to raise funds for a development project. This
year the money raised by PlanEx10 is going to projects to
improve access to clean water and sanitation for schools
and the community the Kisarawe District, Tanzania.
Canberra Friends of Plan wish to thank Bob McMullan MP for opening the PlanEx10 Art and Craft Show in Canberra on Friday 27th November. I took some photos of Bob McMullan, one is posted on his website.
Bob McMullan MP is the Parliamentary Secretary for International Development Assistance and Member for Fraser. He is also a long term supporter of Plan International. He opened the first Plan show ten years ago and has maintained an active interest over the years. His opening address covered many issues including access to clean water and sanitation. These issues affect girls and women more directly than boys and men. In many parts of the world, including Tanzania, girls and women have the responsibility of obtaining the daily water for the household. This may require walking many kilometers or queuing for hours at a village well or pump. Improving access to clean water and sanitation has obvious health benefits. It also frees women from hours of drudgery, giving them time to learn skills, improve farming or develop businesses.
Bob McMullan also promoted the book "Because I am a Girl" which you can download from Plan's website:
http://www.becauseiamagirl.com.au/the_evidence.html
He described how his own daugher's life has been influenced by sponsoring a girl of similar age. His daughter noticed some similar interests and she saw the common humanity of girls the world over. His daughter also noticed the extra work load and pressures that poverty places on girls in developing countries.
This year was the best show ever with the most number of paintings sold, the highest value of craft sold and a great number of visitors.
Over the years, the Plan Art and Craft Show has supported local and emerging artisits some of whom now exhibit regularly. The quality and professionalism of the artists was impressive. I exhibited three images; "Angel of Life and Death", "Sleeping Beauty" and "Red Riding Hood".
Below are photos I took at the opeining.
Bob McMullan and Tricia Frake
PlanEx10 Art and Craft Show 2009
I exhibited three images; "Angel of Life and Death", "Sleeping Beauty" and "Red Riding Hood"
Canberra Friends of Plan wish to thank Bob McMullan MP for opening the PlanEx10 Art and Craft Show in Canberra on Friday 27th November. I took some photos of Bob McMullan, one is posted on his website.
Bob McMullan MP is the Parliamentary Secretary for International Development Assistance and Member for Fraser. He is also a long term supporter of Plan International. He opened the first Plan show ten years ago and has maintained an active interest over the years. His opening address covered many issues including access to clean water and sanitation. These issues affect girls and women more directly than boys and men. In many parts of the world, including Tanzania, girls and women have the responsibility of obtaining the daily water for the household. This may require walking many kilometers or queuing for hours at a village well or pump. Improving access to clean water and sanitation has obvious health benefits. It also frees women from hours of drudgery, giving them time to learn skills, improve farming or develop businesses.
Bob McMullan also promoted the book "Because I am a Girl" which you can download from Plan's website:
http://www.becauseiamagirl.com.au/the_evidence.html
He described how his own daugher's life has been influenced by sponsoring a girl of similar age. His daughter noticed some similar interests and she saw the common humanity of girls the world over. His daughter also noticed the extra work load and pressures that poverty places on girls in developing countries.
This year was the best show ever with the most number of paintings sold, the highest value of craft sold and a great number of visitors.
Over the years, the Plan Art and Craft Show has supported local and emerging artisits some of whom now exhibit regularly. The quality and professionalism of the artists was impressive. I exhibited three images; "Angel of Life and Death", "Sleeping Beauty" and "Red Riding Hood".
Below are photos I took at the opeining.
Bob McMullan and Tricia Frake
PlanEx10 Art and Craft Show 2009
I exhibited three images; "Angel of Life and Death", "Sleeping Beauty" and "Red Riding Hood"
Naked Flames - Escape ArtFest 2009
19/10/09 22:39
This spring has been
unusually cold. It was clear that the number of visitors
to Escape ArtFest were down on previous years. Even some
of the hotels had “Vacancy” signs. Despite this, Naked
Flames was well received and the opening was well
attended.
Again there was an interesting variety of arts - textiles, sculpture, paintings and photographs.
The theme of Naked Flames was articulated in various ways. Jodi Stewart had passionate lovers embracing in private to contrast with Barbie Robinson's public kiss in Paris. Pauline Mager's photographs of women were imaginative fantasies that contrasted with Malcolm Smith's more direct, sharply articulated and carefully constructed style. Ian Baird had a candid photograph of a group of revelers enjoying an evening show. Richard Lamond and Paul Haslam created amazing flame sculpture with wood and metal that reminded me of the destruction of forests, yet it had a symetry and grace that reminded me of a Lotus blossom. Alan Baptist's skill with drawing was a delight to behold. His work is amazingly detailed. Marie Lund showed the secret love of bees deep within flowers.
There were many other interesting artists at this well received show.
Here I am with two of my images at the opening.
Again there was an interesting variety of arts - textiles, sculpture, paintings and photographs.
The theme of Naked Flames was articulated in various ways. Jodi Stewart had passionate lovers embracing in private to contrast with Barbie Robinson's public kiss in Paris. Pauline Mager's photographs of women were imaginative fantasies that contrasted with Malcolm Smith's more direct, sharply articulated and carefully constructed style. Ian Baird had a candid photograph of a group of revelers enjoying an evening show. Richard Lamond and Paul Haslam created amazing flame sculpture with wood and metal that reminded me of the destruction of forests, yet it had a symetry and grace that reminded me of a Lotus blossom. Alan Baptist's skill with drawing was a delight to behold. His work is amazingly detailed. Marie Lund showed the secret love of bees deep within flowers.
There were many other interesting artists at this well received show.
Here I am with two of my images at the opening.
House sale photos
20/09/09 07:07
I was asked
to photograph a home that is
for sale. Of course, my photos need to show the home
looking good and inviting. The pictures show the
different rooms and living spaces and the garden. With
care I was able to show some of the outlook through
the windows.
The vendor was pleased with my photos, and gave me a bunch of flowers and a bottle of wine as a Thank You!
The vendor was pleased with my photos, and gave me a bunch of flowers and a bottle of wine as a Thank You!
Tamara - The Centrury Project
20/08/09 09:41
Frank Cordelle has kindly given
me permission to show a photo from The Century Project that
relates to my theme. All of the women who pose for
Frank Cordelle choose their own setting. Tamara
chose to express this part of her life in this way
without any distractions. Frank’s high view-point
makes her look smaller and gives her some
vulnerability, yet her direct look shows strength,
dignity and is completely devoid of shame.
Tamara”s poem is beautiful and expresses heart
aspects of menstruation that many women feel but
do not know how to express. Thank you for your
boldness Tamara.
Menstruation is a significant part of most women’s lives and our society tries to ignore it. There are few places where a woman can express how she feels about her periods. This site is one place where women’s expression is welcome. Send me your ideas, images, favourite sites, favourite books and I will post your comments, with your permission, of course.
The photo and poem below was published in the book: "Bodies and Souls: The Century Project" copyright © 2009 Frank Cordelle.
“The moon,
like a prospective grandmother,
keeps time.
In an empty womb,
I create space
for process.
Pale yolk
runs from me,
malnourished and alone.
All that is mine
breaks
apart
in grief
becoming
rich pulp,
the ripe fruit
of my most internal decomposition.
It gathers like angry water
beating blood
against
flush,
tender walls,
crashing comfort,
painfully pulsing
out of me.
It flows wide
spilling, furiously,
red
onto the altar of my soul,
to which I bow in need of You
in body,
in blood.”
Tamara
Menstruation is a significant part of most women’s lives and our society tries to ignore it. There are few places where a woman can express how she feels about her periods. This site is one place where women’s expression is welcome. Send me your ideas, images, favourite sites, favourite books and I will post your comments, with your permission, of course.
The photo and poem below was published in the book: "Bodies and Souls: The Century Project" copyright © 2009 Frank Cordelle.
“The moon,
like a prospective grandmother,
keeps time.
In an empty womb,
I create space
for process.
Pale yolk
runs from me,
malnourished and alone.
All that is mine
breaks
apart
in grief
becoming
rich pulp,
the ripe fruit
of my most internal decomposition.
It gathers like angry water
beating blood
against
flush,
tender walls,
crashing comfort,
painfully pulsing
out of me.
It flows wide
spilling, furiously,
red
onto the altar of my soul,
to which I bow in need of You
in body,
in blood.”
Tamara
ABC Science - Reflections on the Moon Photo Competition
07/08/09 17:28
ABC Science has awarded my
photo, “Rise and Fall”, a Highly Commended in the
Winter Science competition
“Reflections on the Moon”. It is 06 in the
series.
The Moon is a long way away by human standards, but it has a profound influence on life and the ocean especially. Many fish breed in estuaries created by the rise and fall of the tides. There are many species that live on rocky shores that rely on the renewal of the tidal waters, animals such as oysters, sea anemones, sea urchins, starfish, cockles, crabs, fish fry, and numerous sea snails and sea weeds such as mermaid’s necklaces, kelp, sea lettuce.
The tides affect erosion of coasts and the shape of beaches. If a storm, heavy rain and a high tide happen together, a beach can be completely destroyed or a lagoon breached.
The Moon has a powerful influence on us all.
The Moon is a long way away by human standards, but it has a profound influence on life and the ocean especially. Many fish breed in estuaries created by the rise and fall of the tides. There are many species that live on rocky shores that rely on the renewal of the tidal waters, animals such as oysters, sea anemones, sea urchins, starfish, cockles, crabs, fish fry, and numerous sea snails and sea weeds such as mermaid’s necklaces, kelp, sea lettuce.
The tides affect erosion of coasts and the shape of beaches. If a storm, heavy rain and a high tide happen together, a beach can be completely destroyed or a lagoon breached.
The Moon has a powerful influence on us all.
The Century Project
10/07/09 18:44
Recently, during research for my art, I saw the very
powerful photography of Frank Cordelle.
Frank Cordelle has created a photography exhibition called “The Century Project”. He has photographed girls and women from birth to 98 years of age. These are women who have faced struggles and problems with their bodies. Their stories, in their own words, accompany the photographs. Some of the stories are confronting, some are angry, some are sad, some are joyful, some are a triumph. All of the stories are intimate person experiences.
Frank has photographed the women in the nude to express their vulnerability and their humanity. Cloths can enhance some parts of the body and hide parts of the body we find difficult for various reasons. Cloths express culture, social status, occupation and wealth. These nude images cut through much cultural clutter and gets past assumptions and prejudices to see the real woman underneath. Sometimes clothes hide things so well that health issues are not address properly and the woman does not even know what is within the normal range for a female for her age.
This project is extremely important. Even healthy women struggle with body image because the media display so many ‘perfect’ images of women’s bodies all around us. When women have health and other body image problems, they can feel that they are inferior somehow. The shame some women feel about their bodies can restrict and limit their lives. For example, many women limit their participation in sports, especially swimming. These limitations are unnecessary, often inconvenient and in some cases even harmful.
The Century Project gives women dignity and a voice. It has changed the lives of some women who have felt alone, disregarded, afraid and ashamed of their struggles. This project has given many women the courage to treat their bodies with respect and inspired some women to get the medical care they deserve.
The Century Project is beautiful and has been shown in 63 colleges around the USA and has been viewed by thousands of people.
You can obtain your own personal copy of the exhibition in a book called “Bodies and Souls”.
Frank Cordelle has created a photography exhibition called “The Century Project”. He has photographed girls and women from birth to 98 years of age. These are women who have faced struggles and problems with their bodies. Their stories, in their own words, accompany the photographs. Some of the stories are confronting, some are angry, some are sad, some are joyful, some are a triumph. All of the stories are intimate person experiences.
Frank has photographed the women in the nude to express their vulnerability and their humanity. Cloths can enhance some parts of the body and hide parts of the body we find difficult for various reasons. Cloths express culture, social status, occupation and wealth. These nude images cut through much cultural clutter and gets past assumptions and prejudices to see the real woman underneath. Sometimes clothes hide things so well that health issues are not address properly and the woman does not even know what is within the normal range for a female for her age.
This project is extremely important. Even healthy women struggle with body image because the media display so many ‘perfect’ images of women’s bodies all around us. When women have health and other body image problems, they can feel that they are inferior somehow. The shame some women feel about their bodies can restrict and limit their lives. For example, many women limit their participation in sports, especially swimming. These limitations are unnecessary, often inconvenient and in some cases even harmful.
The Century Project gives women dignity and a voice. It has changed the lives of some women who have felt alone, disregarded, afraid and ashamed of their struggles. This project has given many women the courage to treat their bodies with respect and inspired some women to get the medical care they deserve.
The Century Project is beautiful and has been shown in 63 colleges around the USA and has been viewed by thousands of people.
You can obtain your own personal copy of the exhibition in a book called “Bodies and Souls”.
Mamuli Gift
06/07/09 18:14
I recently met a lovely woman from Sumba, Indonesia. She was
visiting Canberra for a short time. We discussed
many interesting topics and we both discussed
gender issues in our respective cultures. My soul
was warmed by someone from another culture who was
able to be frank and honest with me about
sensitive issues.
She saw my art and encouraged me to continue exploring the meaning of womanhood and menstruation in many cultures. It was moving that my images spoke to her so strongly despite our different backgrounds.
When she left, she gave me a Mamuli pendant as a memory of our connection. I told her I will wear it to the opening of “Naked Flames” exhibition. Mamuli are symbolic representations of the vagina and are made with precious metal. They are treasured within families and are passed from mother to daughter as an heirloom or bride gift.
I will treasure this Mamuli. Thank you my friend from Sumba.
She saw my art and encouraged me to continue exploring the meaning of womanhood and menstruation in many cultures. It was moving that my images spoke to her so strongly despite our different backgrounds.
When she left, she gave me a Mamuli pendant as a memory of our connection. I told her I will wear it to the opening of “Naked Flames” exhibition. Mamuli are symbolic representations of the vagina and are made with precious metal. They are treasured within families and are passed from mother to daughter as an heirloom or bride gift.
I will treasure this Mamuli. Thank you my friend from Sumba.
Naked Flames
15/06/09 11:03
You are all welcome to come to the opening of “Naked
Flames” as part of Escape ArtFest 2009. This is a group
art show held from Saturday 3rd to Sunday 11th October
2009.
Hibiscus Gallery
15 Wallaroy Drive
Burrill Lake NSW
Opening celebration, 4:00-6:00pm Saturday 3rd October, Hibiscus Gallery.
I have been working on a few photographs that show my interpretation of Naked Flames. These are new photographs, not seen before, cheeky, unusual and a bit provocative. One of my images has been chosen to publicise the show on the official ArtFest website. Just click on the Naked Flames tab.
Hibiscus Gallery
15 Wallaroy Drive
Burrill Lake NSW
Opening celebration, 4:00-6:00pm Saturday 3rd October, Hibiscus Gallery.
I have been working on a few photographs that show my interpretation of Naked Flames. These are new photographs, not seen before, cheeky, unusual and a bit provocative. One of my images has been chosen to publicise the show on the official ArtFest website. Just click on the Naked Flames tab.
Body Painting
02/03/09 21:00
Medical students have always had difficulty studying
anatomy using flat book images. There is a big
difference between a flat page and the real living
body. The way the organs and muscles fit together, the
three dimensional curves, the scale and size and
variety of body types. Here is a novel way to bring the
body to life and teach anatomy. See this article from
Australia’s ABC;
Body Painting Helps Anatomy Lessons
I like the way the body is used as a canvass. It gives the illusion that the skin is transparent. This is humanity in the raw and shows that we are all the same under our skins. There is no racism, no preconceptions. In a way this art is confronting how we experience our bodies and shows us all as vulnerable.
So is this Art? Should the model be nude? Personally, I think the model should be nude as a logical continuation of the painting. The underpants do not add to the learning at all and detract from the effect, they look contrived. The effect reminds me of Damien Hirst, “The Virgin Mother”. I think underpants would look silly on her too and even runs the risk of changing her from a body to a sex object.
However, this body painting exercise looks like a great learning experience. I’m sure it is fun to do also. Perhaps I should learn anatomy!
Body Painting Helps Anatomy Lessons
I like the way the body is used as a canvass. It gives the illusion that the skin is transparent. This is humanity in the raw and shows that we are all the same under our skins. There is no racism, no preconceptions. In a way this art is confronting how we experience our bodies and shows us all as vulnerable.
So is this Art? Should the model be nude? Personally, I think the model should be nude as a logical continuation of the painting. The underpants do not add to the learning at all and detract from the effect, they look contrived. The effect reminds me of Damien Hirst, “The Virgin Mother”. I think underpants would look silly on her too and even runs the risk of changing her from a body to a sex object.
However, this body painting exercise looks like a great learning experience. I’m sure it is fun to do also. Perhaps I should learn anatomy!
Seven Periods with Mr Gormsby
01/02/09 11:08
At the Wharenui
Download a 6meg .mov clip.
Seven Periods with Mr Gormsby, is a humorous, bold and irreverent TV programme from New Zealand about a fictional boys high school starring David McPhail. Tepapawai Boys High is threatened with closure and the school attempts a variety of activities and avoidance tactics to avert the inevitable. Mr Gormsby is an ‘old school’ style teacher with a plethora of politically incorrect attitudes and behaviours that highlight the absurdities of life. The students are rambunctious and defiant about learning almost to the point of being unteachable, but they do not want the school to close either. The result is a comedy that makes many social comments on education and human frailties, as the students and teachers co-operate to fight a common enemy, the Education Review Office (ERO).
Mr Gormsby with the Education Review Officer
In Series 2, episode 6 titled “An Inspector Calls” tackles the often avoided topic of menstruation. Mr Gormsby uses implied menstrual customs to avert the ERO inspector from inspecting a wharenui, a traditional Maori meeting house. He blurts out a string of menstrual euphemisms and confronts the ERO inspector. The fear is that a menstruating woman would reduce the sacred power of the carvings in the wharenui. There is often a relationship between fear and respect, for example, a strict and disciplined teacher often has the respect of the students. The mystic power of a woman to create life engenders both fear and respect and must be treated carefully. Part of the insult for the ERO inspector is that a woman’s menstrual status is considered a personal and private matter in western culture, irrelevant to her ability to perform her duties.
Many traditional cultures had restrictive and sacred customs associated with menstruation. Although Mr Gormsby’s aim is stalling the ERO inspector, there is evidence that menstruation required specific treatment in traditional Maori society. This is an article describing some menstrual customs in Australia and New Zealand, New Zealand Institute, 1904. Full article can be found in the National Library of New Zealand.
A more modern article gives a Maori interpretation of celestial bodies and describes the moon in female symbology. Some traditional cultures required women to have exclusion in separate huts, during their menstruation. One example is of Ethiopian Jews who settled in Israel Journal of Feminist Studies in Religion. This exclusion allows women space and privacy under the protection of purity rites. In highly patriarchal societies, this totally female space was potentially a refreshment, a time out for women.
Photo - Margaret Kalms
Please, do not get the impression that Maori culture is stuck in the past. Wharenui are a cultural focus for Maori life both past and present. A descriptive background and short history of wharenui is found in this Education Resource, used with kind permission from Wellington City Gallery, Te Whare Toi. This resource includes definitions of many Maori sacred words and explains how symbols of today’s modern world view are incorporated into contemporary Maori ideas.
Modern art is revitalising the wharenui with new building techniques, technology and modern symbolism. Here is a wonderful modern rendition of a wharenui by a modern fractal artist, Rerewhakaaitu, which includes a description of the meaning of wharenui that is well worth reading. The Chrysalis Seed Trust magazine which explores the intersection of art and faith, describes the potential for Maori tradition to be integrated with the Christian faith in meeting houses. Many wharenui have become churches.
This integration of indigenous culture with mainstream (western) culture has not happened to the same extent in Australia. Seven Periods with Mr Gormsby is an amazing blend of the issues of indigenous culture and spirituality with mainstream and can teach us all to look life directly in the eye and face many difficult issues with courage and bold, good humour.