Squaw: The totality of being female

As promised, here is the second part of my shoot with Richard Lund. These are some fairly simple art nude images, using the jewellery from an outfit we shot earlier. On the back of the camera, Richard said the jewellery reminded him of native American Indian decorations, and on reviewing the photos, I can see the similarity - but not just because of the necklaces, there's also something about the atmosphere created in these. I thought I'd better check my terminology before I posted a blog post under this title, so I looked up the word 'squaw,' and found the following definition:

"Traditionally meaning 'the totality of being female.'" (A word borrowed from the native American Indian language, and written phonetically. In recent years it appears to have taken on a derogatory connotation, but is now being reclaimed for its original intended usage.)

I like that definition, which I think possibly explains the connection between the images and the association. In many ways, these images are not 'flattering' in a typical sense. (Society is addicted to the notion that thin is beautiful, after all). But that is one of the joys of pregnancy. There is absolutely no point in vanity; it is probably one of the few times in life when a woman can be completely, unashamedly honest about appearance and body shape, without any need for excuses.

It is challenging knowing how to pose with a completely different body shape, since 99% of 'standard' art nude poses simply don't work. But it's also refreshingly liberating to be able to pose without trying to elongate myself or appear narrower in the waist.

This may possibly be the only time in my life I celebrate my body and all its curves doing what nature intended it to do... who can say? So, 'flattering' or not, I like these images.

Images by and copyright of Richard Lund