Robbing The Muse: A Visual Translation of ‘Unrepentant Geraldines’ by Tori Amos
‘Dream of Our Wedding Day’
When we believe we’ve realised our wildest dreams, we rarely think about how they might not last forever, such is the joy of the “happiest day of your life” - whatever that looks like for you. No matter what happens, you can always recall and dress up in the joy you once felt.
Inspired by “Wedding Day” by Tori Amos.
I have been listening to the words and music by Tori Amos for over 25 years now and I am very fortunate to have my greatest inspiration, an icon from the 90s alternative world, still delivering works of art on a regular basis, despite the challenges the music business throws at female performers.
Tori has consistently released new music every 1-3 years since the release of Little Earthquakes in 1992, so I have taken each record and subsequent tour as a timestamp of where I was in my life, a collection of little therapies to help guide me through whatever it was I was dealing with at that time and a chance to reset for my next chapter.
So while I was studying Image Making, majoring in Photography at Design College Australia in Brisbane, Queensland, I was listening to the latest offering by Tori Amos, ‘Unrepentant Geraldines’, which was a sonic journey inspired by visual artists. This is where my loves collided and with my newly developed skills, I simply had to make my first collection of storytelling portraits - Robbing The Muse: A Visual Translation of Unrepentant Geraldines by Tori Amos.
‘Unrepentant Geraldines’
The story of Mary Magdalene is here retold as an unrepentant lover, rather than a prostitute possessed by seven devils as men throughout history have branded her. Is this where gender inequality stems from?
Each song gave me a framework that evoked ideas of self-worth, intuition, the confines of gender and the strength to be my authentic self within the toxifying structures of Western societies.
Most of the images came to me almost immediately, while others were fleshed out and workshopped with the creative team, Shylie Parsons and Li-Sa Choi (two ladies that are incredible at what they do - hair, makeup, costuming and styling) as well as Monty Malcolm Thomas who helped create the ‘The Robin’s Muse’ piece. Without them, my photographic skills would be rendered useless as it was really their work and the work of the models that brought my concepts to life.
‘Keep Your Forest Safe’
I spent my troubled childhood escaping reality to live in my fantasy world down at my local creek with my neighbourhood friends, letting our imaginations run wild on make believe adventures. Rose Dover is the guardian of that realm and this portrait speaks to my attempts to reconnect with her.
Inspired by “Rose Dover” by Tori Amos.
The collection’s title is taken from a line in the bonus album track (and one of my most treasured songs of hers) ‘Forest of Glass’, which asks “Robbing the muse, is that what I’ve done?”. This lyric spoke to me during the creative process, questioning whether I am appropriating my inspiration. The next lyric answers reassuringly “that you cannot do”, reminding me I am borrowing and honouring my muse’s words as tools for my journey of self-discovery and expression.
The series was shot entirely on location (with the exception of Invisible Boy) at the creek that ran through my childhood neighbourhood in Brisbane, Queensland. It was so magical to return here as an adult to create this body of work. Below is a behind the scenes look from the Maids of Elfen-Mere shoot.
‘Maids of Elfen-Mere’
A tale of how one boy’s greed and obsession with the mythical Maids of Elfen-Mere led to their gory deaths. This song was inspired by the 1850s artwork of the same name by Dante Gabriel Rossetti, which was inspired in turn by the ballad by William Allingham.
Inspired by “Maids of Elfen-Mere” by Tori Amos
It was one of the biggest milestones of my life so far to have the collection on exhibition at The Brisbane Powerhouse in the Visy Theatre Foyer during MELT: Festival of Queer Arts and Culture in 2018.
‘The Robin’s Muse’
As a child I would go out to the shed and talk to the tawny frogmouths, imagining they were my spiritual guardians. Owls are said to be guides to the Underworld, leading us through dark times. This is a reminder to follow the voice of my spirit animal.
Inspired by “Forest of Glass” by Tori Amos.
‘Paint Her Back To Life’
When loved ones are lost, we go on living in the sensation of them still existing in our memory, which can sometimes trick us into seeing them in crowds, or in voices, or perhaps even in the colours of nature.
Inspired by “Weatherman” by Tori Amos.
‘Did I Somehow Become You?’
What started as a tale of the memories that stalk us, of who we once were or who we tried not to be, became an ode to all Friends of Dorothy to be brave, stand tall and continue to fight for our visibility.
Inspired by “Oysters” by Tori Amos
‘Trouble’s Lament’
What are the contracts we sign to conform to society’s structures? ‘Trouble’ is a character that struggles to live outside these boundaries under cover of night, lamenting the judgment or persecution faced on a daily basis.
Inspired by “Trouble’s Lament” by Tori Amos.
‘The Other America’
The land of Milk and Honey has become a caricature of itself. The western world has become so caught up in the chase for money, power and glory, that we don’t realise we are drowning.
Inspired by “America” by Tori Amos.
‘When The White Telephone Rings’
This is a tale of the dangers in living a life of excess. When Marilyn Monroe died, she was found naked in bed, holding a telephone receiver and at the time, she was inarguably the world’s most iconic woman. Not so rich and famous, however, that Death could not come calling.
Inspired by “White Telephone to God” by Tori Amos.
‘Selkie Battled Tide and Wave’
The selkie folklore tells of an abusive relationship and warns against sacrificing who you are for love. This is a tale of reclaiming your authentic self and escaping entrapment.
Inspired by “Selkie” by Tori Amos.
‘You Are Not Just An Invisible Boy’
This is a story of the struggle to choose between blending in and conforming, or to be your authentic self and stand out in this hyper-masculine society.
Invisible Boy was the first piece produced for the collection before I had the creative team on board, so aesthetically he doesn't quite fit in. This aligns with some of the theme of the song though and was included as your Posse Bonus.
Unicorn Mask design by Wintercroft.
Inspired by “Invisible Boy” by Tori Amos.
Did you see the exhibition? Do you respond to the images, feel a connection to them or the songs? Feel free to leave your comments below.
Image captions were crafted in collaboration with my dear friend and seamstress of words, Brodie (who also features in Trouble’s Lament).
