Sometimes just coming in to loving relationship with our bodies, and especially are genitals, is needed before we can ever experience pleasure. One way to think about it is with 3 A's: Anatomy, Appreciation, Arousal. Sometimes just getting to know our bodies objectively is helpful, it can also help illuminate what stories and judgements we carry about ourselves. Appreciating and loving on ourselves usually can happen once we can sense the stories are not ours - meaning, we likely got told something negative about our bodies by someone or society. And arousal can often come more easily when there is a lot of love and appreciation.

Below are 3 variations on making art (aka make love) with your genitals as a way of getting to know them and perhaps appreciating them. If it leads to arousal, yay! and if not, also yay!

Make Art with Your Gennies #1 - Genital Contour Drawing

You'll need a piece of paper and a drawing tool (pen, pencil, crayon, marker - your choice). You might also want a little lube or oil so your fingers slide easily.

One hand will be touching your genitals and other touching your pen and paper. Start by giving yourself a gentle rub with the oil/lube. Then set yourself up in a relaxed position where you can draw and touch yourself at the same time. The invitation is not to pick up your pen off the paper or stop touching your genitals until you are done drawing them. You can begin to trace a finger around and in and on your genitals as the other hand follows the shapes, contours, and lines you feel. You can try this several times, perhaps alternating which hand you use for drawing/touching your gennies. Admire your work!

Make Art with Your Gennies #2 - Genital Self Portrait

You'll need a drawing tool, paper, and a mirror.

For this one, no touch is involved. Place a mirror in front of your genitals in such a way you can still draw - you might sit on a pillow and have your legs bent and spread apart. Simply, look at yourself in the mirror and draw what you see. You can try quick gesture drawings or get elaborate and get out the paints! You can make it literal or abstract. Follow your pleasure! Have fun!

Make Art with Your Gennies #3 - Arousal Art

You'll need a camera (phone works), a drawing tool and paper, and recommended is some lube and possibly any toys/vibrators/cock rings to help you build arousal.

For this exercise you are going to take 2 photos: 1 with relaxed/un-aroused genitals and 1 with aroused, engorged, or erect genitals. Then, the invitation is to draw from the photos - or, if you want, you can also just gaze and appreciate the photos.

Take your photos in a well-lit area. When considering arousal, know that you don't have to necessarily climax - simply touch or stimulate yourself until you feel your tissues have changed. This can take some upwards of 20 minutes and others 2 seconds. Notice what you notice and how you can tell you are aroused, engorged, or erect. Do they tissues feel different in your hand/fingers? How is your heart rate? Your breath?

Reflection:

What exercise, if any, did you choose and why? What did you learn about your own anatomy? How do you feel about your genitals and body now?

How is your creative self and your erotic self connected?