The Siren Project
“She rides a strange course, ever rowing... and no one knows her melancholy days; no one knows she swims in deep waters; no one knows the price she pays...”
These are a few lines from a powerful “identity” poem by Mandy Moe Pwint Tu. It is called “Images”, and it struck me as a siren song. These words remind me that women have life stories from times and places that distinctly echo what the Sirens in this gallery have already shared.
If you are compelled to share your own image and journey with me, I would be honored to listen, and have you join The Siren Project.
Siren Gallery
The Original 13
Where it Began
Siren Shop
Paintings and Merchandise
Join Siren
Share your story, as well as have your custom portrait painted. Fill out the form to the right to get started and for more information.
“For me, looking at mine, was like confronting some real shadows... Some pretty important and amazing conversations and connections have already happened in my little universe as a result of my portrait. ”
Why join the Siren Project?
The sirens so far have benefited from even a small community of women who struggle with their mental health, in that they feel seen and no longer as alone.
The more who join, the further we spread the word against the stigma surrounding mental illness, and propel forward the possibilities of better comprehension of mental illness as well as more compassionate healthcare.
13% of profits from the project go toward supporting the Mental Health Association of Maryland, who specialize not only in mental health support but in education surrounding its stigma.
The Process
Joining the Siren Project begins with an in-person interview and a photo session. The psychiatrist-vetted interview, in consideration of both of our mental and emotional safety, does NOT delve specifically into details about your mental illness, but instead is comprised of an objective series of questions surrounding what body of water you imagine yourself in, and then what I call my "summer camp questions": what color is your mental health, what animal are you, etc. I create the aesthetic of your portrait based on this information, and otherwise do not take input until toward the end as to protect my artistic license and interpretation.
Testimonials
Siren no. 4
“I had a LOT of apprehension sharing my story. Nobody except my husband knows about my struggles with severe PPD & anxiety, and certainly not any of my family members. For a great many reasons I felt a lot of shame on my part that I was absolutely falling to pieces when I am usually the one who is holding our families together. Bringing my kids into it made me feel like someone was bound to see me as an unfit parent, or somehow damaging to my children. But now, I can see how truly powerful sharing this with others will be. Reading through some of the stories made me feel like I was not alone in this struggle, and while our circumstances may be different, we are all just doing our best to heal ourselves and maybe even those around us, with our vulnerability and willingness to be open. Hopefully sharing will help tame the stigma some of us feel, and know that if our stories touch even one person's life, then we shall consider it a success.”
Siren no. 9
It’s so hard to ask for help, or demonstrate any neediness as a femme person, and still own yourself. Beyond all the many reasons to do whatever you want with your own story, don’t forget that it’s also helping people.
Siren no. 7
Jo’s incredible work is so powerful! And to see it come to life now is profound, really. For me, looking at mine, was like confronting some real shadows. I was like WOW. Some pretty important and amazing conversations and connections have already happened in my little universe as a result of my portrait. Mental health is hard to talk about! That’s why I’m here. To help disrupt the stigma.
“The most beautiful people we have known are those who have known defeat, known suffering, known struggle, known loss, and have found their way out of the depths. These persons have an appreciation, a sensitivity, and an understanding of life that fills them with compassion, gentleness, and a deep loving concern. Beautiful people do not just happen.”
Costs & Support
I've standardized my current siren portraits to 40 in x 16 in, but am opening the project to include a 30 in x 15 in option. Prices / payment options are as follows, and 13% of profits go to the Mental Health Alliance of Maryland.
40 in x 16 in: 640, plus cost of materials (40): $680
Payment options: 50% (340) upfront, 50% upon completion/approval; $170/mo for 4 months; $113.33/mo for 6 months
30 in x 15 in: 450, plus cost of materials (30): $480
Payment options: 50% (240) upfront, 50% upon completion/approval; $120/mo for 4 months; $80/mo for 6 months
Since I am just foraying into opening the project past the exhibition, I'm willing to work with you if you have a specific budget or payment plan in mind with intentions to keep the project accessible by as many participants as possible.