My creative inspiration: the power of the goddess

by Pamela Wells

ABSTRACT

During my research to paint figurative paintings of women depicted as everyday goddesses, I realized few artists have creatively engaged in Shibari rope art, bondage, and BDSM since it is still considered a taboo topic. It is controversial because it touches on topics that are difficult for most cultures to openly discuss, including female sexuality as it relates to personal identity, sexual health and well-being. After creating and publishing the “Affirmations for the Everyday Goddess” deck, I began painting Shibari bondage scenes. My Shibari performance, photos, videos and artworks question my culture’s norms of how female-identified people can engage in intimate contact, whether it is non-sexual or sexual intimacy. By shining a light on sexual taboos, I want to show my viewer that there is nothing to be afraid of. The worst thing to do is not question the beliefs that frighten us due to shaming and misunderstanding. 

My own life story is integrated with the message of my fine artworks. That journey is about transcending gender and behavioral expectations to discover a more congruent and empowering definition of myself. I was born a white female in the United States in what I considered to be a restrictive and self-limiting environment. What I discovered from researching the foundations of goddess iconography has given me a positive validation of my own feminine sexual identity and the freedom to explore spirituality and altered states of consciousness. Because sex is a taboo topic, especially if you are a cisgender female, people don’t recognize how positive, self-affirmation of feminine desire and sexuality are essential to healthy self-esteem and identity. The artist pioneers who are redefining a woman’s right to openly explore feminine sexuality, such as Madonna, Beyonce, and Lady Gaga, are my role models for creative expression about empowered, gender identified female sexuality. I hope that I can inspire others through my artworks to join me in this important conversation.

DEDICATION

This current series of artworks is dedicated to my beloved James whose love, encouragement and creative support has enriched my soul and inspired me to have the courage to complete this research. And to my beloved Michael whose love and unwavering commitment has given me the opportunity to envision a more beautiful world.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

I would like to acknowledge everyone who played a role in my creative accomplishments. First of all, my parents, who supported me with love and understanding. Without you, I could never have reached the current level of success I have had in my life. Secondly, my colleagues at LCAD who gave me the encouragement to realize I am an artist as I created this body of goddess and bondage artworks.