Estimated Value: $150 - $450 “From childbirth our vulvas are torn open. We feel what is inside us exposed. That our bodies give off odors. That we are horrifying. The edges of the opening are scarified. They are closed together. We touch ourselves. We place our hands over our vulvas. We search. To put the clitoris out of reach, the lips of the vagina are sewn together. We can not swear that we are virgins. A hymen is sewn into place. Our vulvas are too sensitive to touch. Nitric acid is applied to destroy the mucous membrane of the vestibule. The labia minor is removed. Our vulvas close against entry. We are frigid. Our husbands cannot enter us. We are sterile. Ether is administered. The body is rendered unconscious. The vagina is relaxed. Our vulvas will not open. We allow no entry. The hymen is excised. The vaginal sphincter muscle is sectioned. The pubic nerve is cut. The vagina is incised. Dilators are placed in the canal. We are hysterical. We cry without reason. We are slight. We are sickly. The physician applied leaches to the vulva. We are hysterical. Is it said that we are too concerned with the clitoris. That the vulva must be trained to receive, to seek penetration, that in this seeking girls become women.” (Woman and Nature: The Roaring Inside her” by Susan Griffin. 1978)

Annabelle Macrae

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My artistic practice has been rooted in the notion that humanity’s connection to nature is innate. The term ‘biophilia’ may be described as an inherent connection between humans and nature; one which may improve our physical, mental, emotional, and cognitive health. I have always subconsciously painted the intricate roots of my barefoot childhood, as well as the female body; that I like to imagine as Mother Nature herself. After I graduated from Art School, I found my passion in teaching art to others. My classes range from ages 4-80. My favourite class is teaching art to adults with exceptionalities. I plan on furthering my education in Art Therapy.