Erecting vaginas to honor
the divine feminine

Erect Vagina Series

 Artist Statement

About about ten years ago I noticed how ubiquitous the phallus is. From utilitarian to the extraordinary, the use of it permeates our society. Though largely unrecognized it provides a validation for every man. That’s where I began my search to find and create icons to represent the female, perhaps even the divine feminine. The phallus evokes feelings of dominance and pride, while the vagina is often considered dirty or shameful. If men are driving the sperm delivery truck, women are the factory where life is created. The vagina is the portal. Why is it that men are always talking about their cocks? Why don’t people feel comfortable talking about vaginas? Even saying the word vagina makes people squeamish. I’m ok with that. I want my work to be in your face, in awe of the mother goddess. A few men have told me that they would like some alone time with one of my sculptures. To this I reply, “I don’t make jewelry, I am making monuments.”  The Erect Vagina series is not about the objectification of women, but instead their power, strength, and beauty. ~ John Perko