The portrait Hilde drew of my wife’s vulva is immediately familiar to me, immediately recognisable as the vulva of my beloved. But Hilde’s portrait of my own vulva feels less familiar. It endears me less than does M’s. Thank you, Hilde, for guiding me to this realisation and reminding me to appreciate my own vulva as much as I do my beloved’s. The Vulva Gallery has helped me to see myself as an art form, a thing of beauty to be admired and honoured. From the first day we met, my partner has honoured every part of me in a way that has also shown me that my vulva is beautiful and unique. Before, my genitals were more for function than beauty and now I am learning to notice and be proud of my body in different ways, including being more comfortable while naked. Hilde’s work is powerful and important. We plan on hanging our portraits side by side in our new home together. Love one another and love yourself!
M & R – 35 and 36 years old