From Marianne Williamson to the barista at your local Starbucks, everyone is going crazy for crystals these days. Maybe the Age of Aquarius is finally here, because the New Age vibes are everywhere. Metaphysical trinkets, yoga and astrology and no longer fringe interests reserved for your weird hippie aunt—they’re hitting bookstores, grocery stores and gift shops all around the world. Be honest, how many people do you know who own Himalayan salt lamps? Probably several.
Well, as much as the art world seems like its own little sealed off bubble, it’s not immune to the vibes. In fact, an interesting thing starts to happen when art, New Age-iness, and fourth-wave feminism collide. I’d like to christen it: Big Goddess Energy.
The easiest way to define Big Goddess Energy is through examples. But first, a few words on what Big Goddess Energy is not: it’s not a mere female version of Big Dick Energy; it’s not a personal brand reserved for yoga influencers; it’s not inherently religious; it’s not some niche pagan revival trend. Most of all, it’s not just one thing but thrives on creativity and personal interpretation.
Big Goddess Energy is all around us, if you open your eyes to it. And with a little mentality shift (and perhaps a wardrobe overhaul, but not required!), Big Goddess Energy can be yours today.
Still confused? Read on.
Big Goddess Energy… draws inspiration from nature.
When you hear “goddess,” some form of mythical nature goddess probably comes to mind—Aphrodite, Lakshmi, and Sedna are just a few. We might not believe in these beings literally today, but there’s a reason why ancient people dreamt up deities connected to the forces of nature. As disconnected as our modern lives might seem, we’re still totally at the mercy of the natural world—climate change, anyone?
So, the modern hunny who has Big Goddess Energy is aware of this situation, and she doesn’t try to fight it. By tuning into the natural world, we can live happier, less stressed and more creative lives. No one knows it better than artist Sarah Smiles. Her mission? “Turning the magic of nature into whimsical art works.”
Want more nature-inspired art? Check out “nature worship” account Temple of Leaves and mandala maker Kathy Klein.
Big Goddess Energy… isn’t afraid to get a little witchy.
For centuries, powerful women have been labeled as witches to repress and gaslight them. Big Goddess Energy reclaims the witchy label as a way to celebrate innate women’s power. Unlike pure neoliberal feminism that champions women as equal to men in the corporate and political arenas (which is important too!), Big Goddess Energy holds space for more traditional expressions of feminine power, ultimately creating a more inclusive picture of what it means to be a feminist.
No one does witchiness with more taste than artist and blogger Mystic Mamma. Her collages blend beautiful imagery drawn from ancient and indigenous traditions with feminist motifs—yes, please.
Big Goddess Energy… embraces body posi.
Just like female power has long been repressed, so has female sexuality. For centuries, most cultures around the world have taught their women that women’s bodies = sex = bad. The result? Shame, disassociation and dysmorphia. Lucky for us, today, a whole slew of academics, activists and artists are breaking down those constructs.
Women are reclaiming their bodies, their basic rights to pleasure, sensuality and feeling comfortable in their own skin—and yes, reclaiming is the right word. Long before our era, history holds traces of cultures that revered, and even worshipped the female body as a powerful, creative force, not as an object for male pleasure. Think Venus of Willendorf or the Amazons.
Today, ladies who channel Big Goddess Energy express their body positivity in many different ways. Theresa Baxter, Robin Eisenberg, Are We Nearly Bare Yet and Venus Libido break down taboos with quirky, sex-positive illustrations; Deana Lawson uses male and female bodies to investigate personal and social histories; Tschabalala Self makes bright patchwork pictures that challenge how we see the black female body. Hannah Gartside quilts her message loud and clear. Ambera Wellman paints desire in loose, luscious strokes. Vulva Gallery is exactly what it sounds like. That’s just the very, very tip of the iceberg, but it should give you a sense how Big Goddess Energy takes on the body.
Big Goddess Energy… leans in on her own terms.
Think of Big Goddess Energy as a Girlboss level-up. She’s not just trying to climb the corporate ladder; she wants success on her own terms. That said, Big Goddess Energy doesn’t shy away from hard work and an occasional boardroom moment. She’ll work hard and slay for the causes she believes in, but she’s not going to jump through the patriarchy’s hoops to get there.
Florence Given is the perfect example: this artist, writer and influencer has racked up an impressive following blasting the patriarchy by coopting its own corporate aesthetic, all while looking like a 70s Playboy bunny. Lifestyle advice you can expect from Florence? “Skincare tip – Break up with your shitty boyfriend. The glow is eternal.”
Of course, there are countless art world ladies that fit the bill for this type of Big Goddess Energy. The list could fill books, but one of our favs is Kimberly Drew of the Met, better known as @museummammy. Kimberly (not Kim) skyrocketed to astronomical success through sweat, grit and a killer blog, Black Contemporary Art, that restores Black artists to their rightful place in the canon. Passion and spark pervade everything she says, does and posts—girlfriend is clearly in the game to change the world, not rack up followers. Her drive to succeed for the sake of the greater good, not personal gain, is the ultimate stamp of Big Goddess Energy. On that note…
Big Goddess Energy… gives a shit.
To top it off, there’s one more crucial ingredient to Big Goddess Energy, a thread that runs through all of the fabulous ladies and accounts we’ve already spotlighted. Each of them has a mission, a purpose, a driving force behind their work that resonates loud and clear, whether it’s helping trans folks feel more accepted, inspiring the public through beautiful floral art, giving a platform to self-taught artists, healing adults with disabilities through art, or getting girls to dump their shitty boyfriends.
Whatever the cause may be, Big Goddess Energy is about channeling the power of the feminine for the good of all humanity.
So, how do I channel Big Goddess Energy in my life?
I’m glad you asked. It’s simple: next time you’re feeling a little flat and burnt out, spend two minutes reflecting on something you care about. Stressed out preparing for a big show at the gallery? Try to think of one altruistic reason that got you where you are in the first place.
Maybe you wanted to help emerging artists support themselves through their work. Or you wanted to bring a specific subject, topic or experience to the public by championing art. It could even be something small—maybe you think gallery spaces are relaxing and want to keep them alive. It doesn’t have to be a capital m Mission; the only requirement is that it’s not a purely selfish reason, like wanting to look at art all day.
Whatever this is for you, take 5 quiet minutes to reconnect with that sense of inner purpose and draw strength from it. Imagine how this purpose can find expression in your everyday life, the way it currently is—your work life, your friendships, your relationships. Maybe you can start to think about what you can add, subtract or shift in your life to move closer to that purpose. It doesn’t have to all happen overnight.
But first, sage the shit out of your house.
Images via Instagram
Text by Katya Lopatko.
