New Hero: @Eroticwatercolor__
AURORE sat down and had a chat with an incredible artist, Noomi, who paints erotic art in dreamy watercolor. We delved deep into how she found her artistic muse, and how she encapsulates the sensuality, motion, and texture of sex through her watercolor paintings.
Noomi, the brains behind @eroticawatercolor__
How did you get started as an erotic artist and then as a social media presence? Why/how did you create this space?
The first time I got an idea to paint erotica was when I was extremely overwhelmed by the subject matter I explored before. I wanted to paint something lighter. Before that I mostly worked on serious subjects such as domestic abuse, self-harm, PTSD, and mental health, and wanted to actual have a break from everything too overbearing. Very soon I realized that both of these things are really intertwined—rape culture and violence against women, patriarchy, and oppressive stereotypes that women do not watch porn are two sides of the same coin. The main reason to paint kinky porn and erotica is to promote diversity and openness, encourage those who feel oppressed to self-explore, or simply to help people and mostly self-identified women to accept their kinks. I can’t stand heteronormative and sexist approach to porn and I genuinely think that it’s my responsibility as an artist to give people a reason to accept themselves as they are, with all of their consensual desires and fantasies. That’s why it was obvious to me that I should post my art on Instagram and share it with as many people as I can.
What’s the process of doing commissions like for you, being a part of the erotic lives of others in such a beautiful way? How is this empowering both for you and for the commissioner?
Isn’t it empowering and beautiful to have a painting of yourself all vulnerable and exposed but at the same time — so very true to yourself?! They’re not hiding anymore — they come as they really are with all of their hidden desires and fantasies. I salute those who finally decided to accept themselves and I appreciate when people choose me to be their “translator”. I translate their vulnerability into something really bold and powerful.
I, myself, feel like a poet—watching people, analyzing them and trying to compose a poem of courage with my paints and brushes. I learn from my clients, too. I grew up in a strict, borderline religious family and many normal things were not allowed to try or practice, so I have very complicated relationships with myself and my sexuality and working on commissions help me to understand things and gain courage for myself, too. In a way it’s a healing journey.
Tell us about your experience with being shadowbanned. How does this impact your business?
Shadowban is just dreadful. Facebook’s hypocrisy and sexism are well known. Basically, you can get shadowbanned for whatever reason, then only 0.0001% of your audience gonna see your posts, even though they followed you themselves. My business suffered tremendously because of it. Especially now since my 670k followers page was removed by Instagram. Yet again men are trying to police female’s sexual self-expression. Nobody sees my posts anymore, so no one buys anything, so I cannot sustain myself and do art any longer. Many erotic artists are facing this right now and this is disgusting. Censorship of the 21st century!
Is the process of erotic watercolor healing? Confidence-boosting? How has it moved you personally?
Yes, definitely I’d say it’s healing. The whole journey of this artistic sexual self-expression allowed me to understand myself better and come to terms with few things. Art is always healing, no matter what it is.
Have you done art pieces on photos of yourself or your partners? Tell us about that experience!
I did, once or twice, but then removed those paintings because the relationship itself was toxic and abusive. I plan to do some self-portraits, because I feel the need to liberate myself, and what could be more liberating than to paint yourself having an orgasm?!
What makes you feel sexy?
Most of the time it’s lingerie, cute clothes. Or objects. But this is why it’s important to promote inclusivity in fashion industry. I’m curvy and it’s not that easy to find my size at all! Lingerie brands have to reconsider this and make clothes more accessible.
Who are other erotic artists that you admire?
I just love @oh.deep.thought art and also @milkformycoconut really speaks to me on the visual level.
What do you want more of in your life?
I want more peace. Less hassle. More money, less work. More time for the soul searching and nice things.
Tell us something about you that people wouldn’t think is true.
I’m not always horny (just sometimes).
