the divine feminine
vancouver - march 8, 2019
A photography showcase celebrating women from different cities, ages, races and upbringing to create a discussion about what it means to be feminine for each individual. The inspiration came from wanting to bring powerful women together and celebrate one another for our differences. Speaking our truth as individuals helps to elevate the voices of women as a group. This show was intimate and that translates through the portraits.
Each woman came to shoot in the state they felt most powerful in. No matter if she is stripped bare or in full make-up, you see them for who they truly are. They were asked a series of questions about who inspires them, what they would say to the next generation of women and what femininity means to them. Please enjoy their truth.
vulnerable, exposed and beautiful.
angie
montreal, canada
As a woman it’s important to say what we think and what we want. To be free. For centuries we've been oppressed by the fear of man; it's time to embrace an open discussion surrounding our femininity and sexuality.
There will always be something making you feel like you need to conform, but I don't care. I do it my way. If you follow everything and everyone else how can you ever hope to find yourself?
Our society has changed so much thanks to women throughout history, but there is still work to be done. But don't fear the sharks! Be who you want to be. Women rule the world!
I admire a woman who owns her femininity; a woman who's not afraid to tell another woman that she is beautiful. We as women should openly support and compliment each other more. When we are unafraid to do so, we are strong. We are real.
caity
saskatoon, canada
This is empowerment. Working on this project with my longtime friend is an honour. Standing up for our rights and each other as women while conveying a positive message. Our voices will be heard alongside our images-- and not an over-edited likeness, but truly us. Ourselves.
Janis Joplin is my biggest influence. Though she faced many struggles, she exuded power. Not a power over others, but a raw, genuine energy; a tangible confidence. Her ability to turn pain into art is something I've always admired. Janis' sexiness transcended the way she actually looked! Her don't-give-a-damn attitude, ability to hang with the boys and take no shit, her genuine care for those and the world around her—and all in the midst of constant adversity—made her so incredibly beautiful. She shone through her own darkness. That takes incredible strength.
When I'm comfortable and secure enough to be my true self, I feel beautiful. In a society that focuses so much on physical beauty and its impossible standards, this does not always come easy. It has taken much self reflection over the years to recognize it in myself. And though getting all done up feels good, I have come to learn—albeit slowly—that I feel most beautiful when I'm being heard. When my thoughts and opinions are recognized, when I work hard towards a goal and accomplish it, when I am able to support the people in my life, and when I feel valued and appreciated. I've learned so much of "feeling" beautiful truly comes from my mindset. From what's inside.
Take no shit but do no harm. Keep up the peaceful fight for what is right— especially our rights. And don't care about the opinions of those who don't care about you. Be kind to all, including yourself. Use your divine femininity in the most positive way possible.
charlie
nottingham, england
I wanted to be a part of this project as soon as I heard about it. I absolutely love the idea that different women could express what beauty was to them as opposed to society defining it. I think it is so important that we are able to feel confident and beautiful in our own skin exactly as we please, regardless of others.
My line of work requires me to be constantly "camera ready" i.e., perfectly styled hair and a face full of make up. Because of this I have started to actually feel most beautiful when I am bare faced with my natural messy hair. It's when I absolutely feel like me and therefore when I feel my most beautiful.
My favourite part of being a woman is the sisterhood in which we live. Having other strong and intelligent women around me makes me feel so blessed and as though we are all in on a big secret that men have no concept of. I read a quote recently: "Women know. They just know. Even if they didn't, they would still know. Men probably won't get this, but women will, because they know." It just absolutely defines womanhood for me to a T and I love, love, love that I get to be part of it!
Keep good girl friends around you; you will always need them. It's true that relationships will come and go but friends are forever. As women we should stick together and raise one another up. Let's keep our secret alive and know that we are what makes the world go round. Girl power is real! And as queen Bey said "Who run the world?... GIRLS.
jessica
veracruz, mexico
It's time to be us, not another person's perception of us, or something superficial or vain. We are so much more than what we believe. We are our minds, our hearts, our souls. Not simply a face, a set of boobs or legs, or our fame, followers, our social media presence. It's time for an awakening of consciousness. Once we get there, we will be unstoppable.
You have a beautiful mind. Use it! Explore your imagination and expand your creativity. Share your passion with the world. Give all the love you can, and reserve judgement. Your spirit is strong, your soul is deep; let it guide you and show you the way. Find your mission. You are a beautiful human being, so love yourself and happiness and success will follow. The world needs your talent. Believe in other women, and believe in yourself. No limits, no doubts!
Women should be free to be their unique selves. We can help humanity by contributing our inherent uniqueness to society, to motivate each other to be what we were born to be rather than simply a reflection of what we are told we should become.
A woman who acts with freedom—freedom of spirit, with a true expression of herself—is what I admire most. When we show the world who we really are, we are free.
kentya
saskatoon, canada
Knowing that this project was important to its creator made me want to be a part of it. What goes around comes around, and helping out a friend is something I can always be counted on to do. Once I heard the idea, I loved it!
I feel most beautiful right now, at this time in my life. The more I grow up the more single-minded I become in following my dream. Seeing myself on a stage or in pictures and videos, singing and making people happy; this is when I feel the most beautiful. Behind a microphone. It's crazy knowing I'm doing what I want to do. Nothing makes me feel more beautiful. I hope to inspire someone else to follow their dream, to go for what they really want in life.
I don't feel like I have to have a certain look to fit into society. It doesn't matter. If you have a look that people vibe with then that's awesome, but I like to be comfortable so I wear what I want. If people think you look unique then you're unique! Congratulations: you still fit into society.
My first big female influence was Beyonce. She's the Queen B. She brings so much strength to being female, and always does her thing. First she was part of a group, then she went solo but remained humble. It inspires me to do the same: remain humble. It's awesome being inspired by who she is as a person, but also enjoy her for her talent: her voice and her music.
rachel
vancouver, canada
I'm a big supporter of local up and coming artists; especially those who are female. I have worked with the photographer professionally and artistically for many years and respect her vision!
I hope to see cis women and trans women lift each other up; to share and celebrate their differences, and support one another. I hope to see all women continue to fight for the future. The #MeToo movement is so brilliant and beautiful, and highlights an important conversation we need to be having. There are many boys and men out there internally fighting a similar battle, and it's my hope that we can educate them to be better, to redefine societal expectations and teach empathy. Let's shatter stigmas, and help lead each other to true understanding and equality.
My mother is my biggest female influence. She embodies everything it means to be beautiful. She is the most selfless person I know, and has done so much more than words can describe to help shape my life. She radiates the most beautiful energy.
I admire a woman's resilience.