We recently connected with Lydia Real and have shared our conversation below.

Lydia, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?

I am self-taught. learned my craft through research, classes, trial, and error. I knew in my heart I wanted to capture visions of beauty that I saw in the women around me in the real world, as well as in my mind. I wanted to learn various media to evoke different feelings and personalities. So I began buying books, joining Facebook groups, and watching YouTube videos for hours. The road could have been easier and quicker had I paid more attention to the science behind my craft. I made some expensive mistakes and could have injured myself because I disregarded safety warnings and was not knowledgeable about my first medium. It was important to have patience and let go of expectations to find my own voice in my art. Being able to appreciate every improvement and compare myself only to myself helped keep me motivated even when things didn’t turn out the way I had envisioned. Comparison really is the thief of joy! I started this journey in February 2020, so the isolation of the pandemic was an obstacle – but also a blessing. Stuck inside, my options were limited to online classes, Amazon, and YouTube, but the one thing I had an abundance of was time.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

In September 2019, I got sober for the first time since I was 15 years old. At the great age of 49 after waking up out of that fog, I would spend the next year trying to figure out what I used to do and who I used to be before I started stifling myself. Trying to decipher the great riddle of what brought me joy now that I knew iit was definitely not in the bottom of a bottle. At the same time I was doing a lot of the hard work of processing a lot of repressed emotions about body image, imposter syndrome, self acceptance and sexual trauma. Wanting to look at and create art that focused on the beauty and strength of being a woman seemed to just flow naturally from my self discovery journey. I bought some colored pencils, water color markers and a sketch pad and started watching YouTube videos for hours on end. I fell in love with the process – even the mistakes.

Next, I took online classes with actual PEOPLE in them and learned how to use acrylics and the basics of color theory . I began to want something more 3D to work with – I wanted to feel feminine curves come alive under my fingertips. I started making resin projects and worked my way into making women’s bodies. Each one “born” was another aspect of my newly awakened emotions- my shadow feelings, brave moments, celebrations and impulses. This was the right track . They felt like me but did not look like me -yet. I began experimenting with larger, more voluptuous bodies and I knew I had found my creative home. The curves and folds and dimples felt comfortable- like me. Their nakedness was my vulnerability too. I amassed a whole army of everyday goddesses and began to wonder what to do with them all. To me, they were such personal and obvious extensions of myself that I could not yet imagine they could touch anyone else in the same way.

The pandemic passed in a flash while I improved my skills and branched out even more. When it was over and it became safe to go outside, I went to craft fairs and art markets and on a whim decided to apply as a vendor to a local metaphysical market. I was welcomed with open arms and for the first time started seeing how my art was making other people feel. It was resonating. It was moving people and they saw themselves in my art too. It made them happy and there I found my joy. I continued my journey into hidden parts of myself even deeper, exploring themes of plus sized sexuality and the divine feminine. I found myself drawn to make Yoni art and body positive erotic portraits in addition to my godesses.

Today, my business is Sistah Planet, I create artworks that inspire Body Positivity and radical self-love and acceptance. I’m proud to help people heal their body image and find a new relationship with themselves through my art. My work is an all-inclusive collection of handcrafted sculptures and erotic prints, featuring visons that celebrate the divine feminine in every body. It reflects the unique beauty and diversity of the shapes, sizes, shades and moods of the feminine bodies I see around me, and the dignity of every individual. It’s been quite a ride to get here but it truly feels amazing to have my heart touch the hearts of others in such a meaningful way.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

I was raised not to make waves and to be very concerned with appearances. Watch my mouth, wear certain clothes, and above all – do NOT offend anyone. I wasted hours and too much money trying to make things “that would sell” but did not align with who I was, or were not fun to make. I worried about what to wear, and internalized every single negative comment. Some things I would make and never even try to sell, because I worried about offending people. I had to unlearn, trying to be palatable and please everyone. It is impossible, and the effort will quickly deplete you and steal your joy. You cannot be true to yourself when you’re trying to be everything to everyone, because the truth is not everything is meant for everyone. Take a deep breath, relax, create what you love, be who you are, and you will attract your people. They won’t question your vision, prices, or taste. And they will naturally be your best clients.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

I celebrate the beauty in diversity. My mission is to promote self-love, acceptance, and inner peace through art and workshops that foster personal growth and inner exploration. My art helps remove shame and reveal the beauty within ourselves. I create to encourage us all to feel empowered, comfortable, beautiful, and safe within our bodies.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.sistahplanet.com
• Instagram: Sistah_planet
• Facebook: Sistah Planet
• Other: [email protected]