Episode #122
122 | What if your Vulva was a work of art? with Courtney Landy, Vulva Caster & Founder of Bloom by Courtney
What if your vulva was a work of art? Not something to hide, compare, criticise or change, but something completely unique to you, worthy of being seen exactly as it is. In this episode I’m joined by Courtney Landy, founder of Bloom by Courtney, who creates plaster casts of vulvas as unique pieces of art. Courtney and I met at Viva La Vulva, an event created by Vulva Sisters Australia to celebrate vulvas, women’s bodies and vulval health through art, education and conversation. We attempted a quick interview on the day, but the sound had other ideas, so I invited her back for a proper conversation. We explore why so many women have grown up disconnected from this part of their body, the shame and unrealistic beauty standards that can shape how we think a vulva “should” look, and what can happen when we stop, look and become familiar with our own bodies. Courtney shares how she taught herself the art of vulva casting, what the experience actually involves, and some of the surprising reactions women have had when seeing their vulva transformed into a sculpture. We also talk about the enormous natural diversity of vulvas, why using the correct names for our anatomy matters, how social media can either reinforce or challenge body shame, and why knowing what is normal for your body is an important part of looking after your health. And because I won a vulva casting with Courtney in the silent auction at Viva La Vulva, there’s a little personal curiosity in this conversation too. Will I end up with my own vulva artwork on display? You’ll have to wait and see! • Why so many of us still carry shame around our vulvas • Vulva versus vagina, and why language matters • The incredible diversity of women’s bodies • How beauty standards influence what we believe is “normal” • What actually happens during a vulva casting • Seeing your body as art • Why becoming familiar with your own vulva matters for both body acceptance and health • Getting curious about the stories and judgements we carry about our bodies Bloom by Courtney https://bloombycourtney.com.au Instagram https://www.instagram.com/bloom.bycourtney/ Courtney references my conversation with Jane Hancox, co-founder of Vulva Sisters Australia and a vulvar cancer survivor. Episode 84: Vulva-licious Health: Your Vulva Needs Your Love & Attention with Jane Hancox https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/84-vulva-licious-health-your-vulva-needs-your-love/id1500335240?i=1000682913954 You can also go back to the previous episode for more from behind the scenes at Viva La Vulva, including conversations and audio captured on the day. If this conversation has sparked some curiosity about your own body and your relationship with yourself, you might like to begin with Homeland . Homeland is the first of seven Wonderlands in The Pleasure You’ve Been Missing Pilgrimage , my journey for women who want to reconnect with themselves, rediscover what brings them alive and experience more pleasure, possibility and aliveness in their lives. Each Wonderland explores a different part of that journey, and Homeland is where we begin: coming back to yourself, turning your attention towards your body and inner world, and noticing what is actually here. I’ve created Homeland as a free, online, seven-day experience, with around ten minutes each day to slow down, tune in and see what you discover. Explore Homeland Website https://pennyvandersluys.com Instagram https://www.instagram.com/pennyvandersluys/ Facebook https://facebook.com/penelope.sluys If you enjoyed this episode, please follow or subscribe to the podcast, leave a review or comment, or share it with a woman who might appreciate the conversation. This is an independently created, homegrown podcast, and those small actions really do help these conversations reach more women and have an impact on more women’s lives.
