Within, Behind + Beyond BODIES
Sneak peak + insider notes
In 8 days, BODIES Exhibition will begin. 8 is one of my favorite numbers. Even the shape that the number holds mirrors to me some resemblance of shapes I’ve seen within the human form. So today felt like the time for me to write to you and unfold more of what BODIES means to me as well as expand a little sneak peak of what is upcoming for me to share with you. I’ll start with business first + then heart to close us out for those who like a TL;DR format - this is my attempt at brevity for attention spans sake. For those who love a long form read, keep scrolling for more. ;)
Cheat sheet for BODIES (within):
BODIES Exhibition
Saturday Sept 21 - Sunday Sept 22
Live: The Rainbow, SD in North Park
Online: Gallery will run live through the Sensory Playspace Substack + will be viewable for all paid subscribers with a $15 contribution Sept 21 - Oct 21 2024
Purchase Prints: Prints available for purchase at the show + online for pre-order beginning Sept 21
BOOK OF BODIES: Preorder will begin available Sept 21
Contribute: This showcase will be a celebration of euni’s 40th birthday + launch the fundraiser to open our somatic wellness studio. Contribute directly here.
Tidbit about the process, P1 - (behind):
The curation of connection + embodiment for me began with a curiosity to study the human form and humanness intimately. I first started learning the body through the lens of movement in athletics, fitness, athletic + personal training, studies in exercise science + wellness coaching. It was very methodical, but my style still encompassed intuitive guidance based on the energy of the people in the room.
My exploration of the human body, form + intimacy evolved into a committed visual + somatic study in 2019, beginning with photographing friends in my living room + their homes. I have sat with and witnessed people through pregnancy, birth, postpartum, grief, love, pain, relationship, self hate, reclamation of self love, identity discovery, identity release, body dysmorphia, gender euphoria, sexuality, kink, dance, theatre, and moments of movement dedicated to purely making art + expressing with the body. And so much more.
This collection began from my curiosity to try to show + share the beauty that makes my heart beat. It has held me in ways that have brought me healing over + over again. It has been my greatest teacher + my most important life’s work. It has held me in slowness, taught me how to trust + be trustworthy. It has helped me find understanding in the confusions of society + given depth to the purity of humanity. Each person I have sat with has shown me layers deeper than words express.
Early into my process, the pandemic hit and we settled into quarantine in March 2020. This hit just as I began feeling a layer of confidence and understanding of what is was to be in such intimacy platonically with other + finding ways to invite people to become vulnerable + raw while being witnessed in front of the lens. I had been thinking about documentary style photography for most of my life and this put a wedge in the format I had just began exploring with others. It also opened the invitation for me to explore depth, intimacy, vulnerability, raw honesty, exposure, healing, sexuality, expression, and authenticity within myself (example below). I spent the first years of the pandemic dissecting and healing my own connection to and within my body through self portraits, writing letters with others, sharing thought-pieces socially, and experimenting through self lead studies + guided mentorships of holistic, cultural, and somatic wellness practices. In a time that many felt deep pains of isolation, I turned inwards to explore hidden layers of myself. And when we shifted back towards a familiar way of living as a society, I held onto this art form that has taught me how to get out of my head + drop into my body for continued understandings, healing + power.
Over time, this work has evolved into guided embodiment workshops, private 1:1 sessions, and public group classes at studios, lifestyle clubs, festivals, and parties. It has encompassed tearing down the walls of vulnerability to reveal pieces of stories that each body kept. It has shaped my greater vision + purpose driven work which holds intersections of intimacy, healing + kink. And it has informed my dedication to consent, ethical connection, and claiming agency of ones existence, beginning with a dedication to healing + pleasure through the body. BODIES Exhibition feels like a timestamp and a welcoming of settling into the rewards of commitment through transitions + turbulent times. The showcase will mark a beginning of the next chapter of this robust body of work. And, idealistically, at the very least, bring visibility, acceptance, empowerment, and connectivity to a greater understanding of intimacy and the beauty that exists within the human body in a variety of forms.
BODIES - (beyond):
In this moment, I hold very little future thinking in the details. My vision is fixated on finding + building a forever home for this body of work. The fundraiser was created to support opening a physical space for a somatic wellness studio next summer here in San Diego. This space will hold similarities to some spaces and a uniqueness that will only be available within. I’ll create dedicated spaces, experiences, and conversations to help you see the vision that my heart holds + hopefully inspire you to extend what you can to not only keep this work alive, but help it blossom, expand + thrive.
Top level:
CONTRIBUTE TO THE STUDIO OPENING FUNDRAISER
Be a part of helping me open + building a somatic wellness studio!
Hi, it's me euni ✨ It's been my dream to open, build + curate a wellness studio since college. I've dedicated the last 20 + years helping others build their dreams and I'm ready to literally plant roots and bring this space to life to share with the community.
I've learned a lot through these experiences and with your support, I'll be able to expand my skills, knowledge, and resources to create a physical space that expands inclusive, accessible, and innovative wellness that empowers us collectively and individually to live more balanced, connective, and pleasure centered lives.
What is a Somatic Wellness Studio?
This somatic wellness + healing studio will center being in relationship with the body through a mix of modalities, techniques, principles, cultural knowledge, holistic practices, and evidence based research under one roof. My vision is to create a space that we can return to frequently to bring balance and expansion in living more pleasure centered, fulfilling lives. My goal is for this space to pave more accessible and inclusive pathways for what it can be to truly expand how we access wellness in relationship with our bodies.
Foundational Details:
My goal is to move into a physical space by summer 2025 in central San Diego. In order to achieve this goal, I need your help. I need to collect $100,000 to support start up, move in costs and cover a minimum of 6 months rent + expenses. I plan to gather these financial resources from a variety of sources including personal investment, friends, family + community contributions, and business investors. The funds raised will go into a high yield savings account and when used, will go directly towards the costs aligned with the operations, logistics, administrative, and staffing costs of the space. I'll provide monthly updates to keep you in the know of the progress, planning, and dates that the doors open!
Details, RSVP + tickets on all things BODIES Exhibition at selfstudylab.com/bodies
sent with intention + so much love.