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About
the work & the artist
"Truly profound. This body of work is setting the town on fire with gossip. Neighbors are telling one another, "Go! Check out what Jill has going on in her gallery! You won't believe it." The prints are stunningly, capturing the diversity in each of us. Just beautiful." - Jill Sans, Owner, curator of The Heart Box
Last exhibit, 2018
for the Arizona's Women's Film Festival
You'll see alternating uses of the words "female", "woman", "she", "her", and "they". In our ever-evolving understanding of gender, the use of these words reflect the chosen identity of those participating in this work. Christina works with anyone who desires to see their vulva and connect to their Yoni at any stage of their journey through womanhood.
Yoni, Printing and the Process.
'Yoni', is a beautiful word derived from an ancient language, Sanskrit. 'Yoni' encompasses the entire female sexual anatomy, as well as the spiritual and cosmic aspects of feminine energy.
Yoni printing itself has been shared in wild woman's circles for a long time. An intimate practice shared when the women in the community call out for sexual healing through self expression. By weaving mindful, healing practices it transcends the aesthetic expression, becoming a deeply transformative and empowering journey. Through this process, women engage in a form of tactile and visual exploration that fosters a profound connection between the self and their human form. This process encourages a heightened awareness and acceptance of the body's unique contours and characteristics allowing women to embrace and celebrate their Yoni without the constraints of societal norms or expectations.
Yoni printing serves as a canvas for self-expression, inspiring a shift in perception from viewing the body as a mechanical or biological entity to an artwork that embodies individuality, fostering a sense of liberation, confidence, and self-empowerment. Yoni printing encourages a positive relationship with one's body, promoting a deeper understanding and appreciation of their genital sense of self while creating a platform for self-love and acceptance.
What is, genital sense of self? Genital Sense of Self refers to an individual's understanding and perception of their genitalia as a core component of their overall identity and self-concept. It encompasses the physical, emotional, and psychological aspects of how one views, experiences, and relates to their own genitalia. This sense of self is deeply influenced by personal experiences, cultural attitudes, societal norms, and individual beliefs about sexuality and body image. A healthy genital sense of self contributes to positive body image, self-esteem, and sexual well-being, fostering a more integrated and accepting view of one's own body. It plays a crucial role in intimate relationships, sexual health, and overall mental health, underscoring the importance of education, open dialogue, and holistic approaches to sexual healing and empowerment.
sexual healing artist
her STORY
"True story: I had to Google what an installation was. Up until that point, I had only printed myself, a self-reflective exercise offered at a Red Tent event in 2013 while I was on my own sexual healing journey discovering who I was aside from a mother and wife.. This unique art form became part of my 'self-love' practice, much like yoga or dance - yet a different method, one that connected me to not only my body, but also my sexuality.
Early in 2018, while visiting a dear friend after childbirth, she shared her sadness with me. Despite preparing her Yoni for birth, she still tore and felt 'broken.' As an art lover herself, I asked if she wanted to print her Yoni so she could see herself through art. Her excitement inspired a workshop. That night, the first Yoni Print Retreat poured out of me. Once she healed, a small group of friends gathered to do a "test run". I had never taught this artist process and I wanted to include female sexual anatomy education and yoni mediation for a well rounded experience. Some of the women shared their prints on social media igniting Olivia's request of me to do a Yoni Print installation at her healing space and gallery.
With only one Yoni of my own, I felt I couldn't possibly showcase this work with one Yoni. So, I shared the request with a few women I knew and asked if they would be open to allowing me to print them. To my surprise their enthusiastic 'yes' came flooding in."
Then women I didn't know started to ask if I would print them!!!
What I've learned along the way, and am still learning, are the complexities in which we, as women relate to ourselves. Most of the disconnect comes from external sources whether that be physical, emotional or mental. We are taught and raised to fear or hate ourselves, our body, our yoni. Yet it is the most sacred space, the place where we are all created.
Listening to each women's story, I feel blessed, I feel honored, I feel it is a privilege to support their healing, their reclaiming, their empowering process toward what they want for themselves. I can't imagine putting the brush down now, we're just getting started!
Christina
Christina Castaldo
Christina never envisioned herself sitting before women to capture their sexual radiance.
When asked to create a Yoni Print installation in 2018, she was leading workshops on conscious communication, intimacy, boundaries, sacred sexuality, and the art of intimate touch. Her 12 year purposeful pleasure practice focused on creating safe nurturing spaces for individuals and couples to move energy, release discomfort, tension, and stress through various body and breathwork modalities. While this work was deeply fulfilling it was far from the world of Art.
The invitation lead Christina to weaving the worlds of healing practices, sexual education, and art together. Honoring the person and their relationship to their body while capturing their unique sexual expression and radiance!
Studio
Located in Phoenix, Az
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Our Mission
Our mission is to empower women to cultivate a positive genital sense of self through sexual healing art, education and empowering practices. We believe that embracing and understanding our genital sense of self is essential to overall well-being and sexual empowerment. By offering an accessible and inclusive artistic modality and educational programs, we aim to guide women on a transformative journey towards healing, self-discovery, self-acceptance and overall confidence. Through our holistic approach, we create a safe, inclusive and supportive space where women can explore and celebrate their body, deepen their connection with themselves, and foster a healthy and positive relationship with their genital sense of self. Our goal is to break down barriers, challenge societal norms, and inspire women to embrace their sexual identities with confidence, authenticity, and joy.
Our Vision
Our vision is to contribute to a world where individuals embrace their genital sense of self and celebrate their bodies as a whole through the transformative power of sexual healing arts. We envision a future where every person feels empowered, educated, and liberated to express their unique beauty and sexuality without shame or stigma. By fostering a culture of acceptance, self-love, and holistic wellness, we aim to inspire profound personal growth and a deeper connection to oneself. Our ultimate goal is to make a profound impact where artistic expression and education cultivate a more inclusive, compassionate, and empowered society.
