Become a Patron!I recently got my vulva pendant and necklace from @nadiaeloisejewellery and also decided to interview her here.
1. How did you get into jewellery making?
I’ve always been fascinated by the art of jewellery making. Through my studies in Visual Arts and then in Jewellery Design & Silversmithing I’ve been encapsulated by ancient and historical techniques. My passion was enlivened after I received mentorship from an amazing goldsmith jeweler called Jessica Poole. I honed my skills working for a traditional Jewelers in London’s Jewellery quarter where I specialised in working with fine metals and diamonds. My creative experience and curiosity really fused when I had my first daughter 5 years ago. I began to use my skills to explore my own ideas, themes close to my heart; and created my own jewellery brand.
2. What inspired you to make these vulva pendants?
I’ve always been excited to use the naked form in my work, I am passionate about life drawing. I often paint portraits or the human form. More recently as my body has changed so much after having two children. I’ve been working on creating a healthier mental space of acceptance and love for my body and the amazing things it has done for me.
Creating the Vulva Pendant was a natural instinct to create a piece that reflected my more positive attitude, a celebration of my own body and vulva. I carved its shape based on my own. I wanted to give my vulva recognition and space to be without any shame and negative connotations that are normally attached to vulvas.
My Vulva Pendant has helped me on my journey of self love, a chance to learn, to embrace and discover who I am through my art. Sex and Pleasure wasn’t ever spoken about much when I was growing up, which left me feeling betrayed once I started having sex. I felt like why the big secret? Why is speaking about sex, bodies and pleasure still so taboo? So I began exploring Sex Ed.
After having my two daughters, I constantly feel I need to assess old toxic ideas and teachings that I was left with around my body. I want to give them better. I don’t want them growing up with fear and shame about their bodies, especially their sexuality. I guess this is my way of changing the narrative for my children.
3. What has been the response towards your Vulva Pendants?
I have received really positive responses from people regarding my vulva pendants, I get the feeling that people can really connect and relate to them, that makes me so happy! My goal is that these pendants can help my customers on a healing journey with their own body image. Perhaps even giving vulvas the rightful respect that they deserve!
I have received a lot of interest from clients around the world. This always blows my mind and gets me excited about other cultures and their relationship to sex and their bodies. Perhaps there is less taboo about vulvas outside of the UK (where I’m based).
I’d say the most popular Vulva Pendant is the Yellow Gold Vulva with a Ruby because people are sure on what yellow gold looks like and the ruby has a lovely contrast against the yellow gold. However, I also receive a lot of custom orders with a range of gemstones. Clients love to collaborate and see their own personalities reflected in the work.
4. Where do you see the vulva pendant/ your work going in the future?
I’d love to be commissioned to carve someone’s personal vulva, I’ve yet to be asked and I think it would be an amazing experience for me and the client.
I would love to continue to add to the sex positive community with my work; perhaps even exploring more of the boundaries that society has created. I’m excited to explore a range of collaborations with other artists with the goal of uniting to celebrate bodies, and to fight fear and shame.
5. How do you feel about people wearing your Vulva Pendant?
I feel so honoured, it moves me very much and it makes me feel that I am doing something valuable and empowering. If my pendants can help people feel more confident about their genitals, less shame about pleasure and sex; or even to just start a conversation around these taboos, then I feel my work has purpose.
About Nadia EvansI am a Contemporary jewellery designer maker with a passion for body and sex positivity. Creating fine wearable pieces of art that are elegant, modern and thought provoking. I’m @nadiaeloisejewellery on both instagram and facebook. Nadia Eloise Jewellery
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About Dr. Martha Tara Lee
Surrounded by friends who were sexually inhibited and struck by dire lack of positive conversations around sex and sexuality in Singapore, Dr. Martha Tara Lee set out to make a positive difference in embarking on her doctorate in human sexuality before launching Eros Coaching in 2009. Today, she remains dedicated to working with individuals and couples who wish to lead self-actualised and pleasure-filled lives.
She also holds certificates in counselling, coaching and sex therapy, and her fourth degree – a Masters in Counselling in May 2018. In practice for more than 12 years, she is the only certified sexuality educator and certified sexuality educator supervisor by the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists (AASECT) in Singapore. She is also a Red Tent Women’s Circles Facilitator from Star of Ishtar.
Often cited in the media, Dr. Lee is the appointed Resident Sexologist for PinkLifestyle.com; as well appointed sex expert for Men’s Health Singapore, and Men’s Health Malaysia. She was recognised as one of ‘Top 50 Inspiring Women Under 40′ by Her World in July 2010, and one of ‘Top 100 Inspiring Women’ by CozyCot in March 2011. She has published four books: Love, Sex and Everything In-Between, Orgasmic Yoga, From Princess to Queen and {Un}Inhibited.
Martha works with individuals and couples in private coaching sessions, and conducts her own workshops. She takes prides in making sure all her workshops are also fun, educational, and sex-positive. This comes easily to her because even though she is extremely dedicated and serious about her work, she fundamentally believes that sex is meant to be fun, wonderful, amazing and sacred. As such, this serious light-heartedness has shone through again and again. For her full profile, click here. Email her here.
