Vagina Dentata in the News

Apparently, on January 18th, the movie "Teeth" will open in New York & Los Angeles. I have heard murmurings of this film for quite some time, but my friend Mary just sent me the link to the website... apparently, it is finally being released. The website even presents some research on the myth of the Vagina Dentata. Alas, it is too late to send my Vagina Dentata Purse for the star to carry to the premiere.


Vagina Dentata Purse, 2002, hand sewn, hand dyed velvet, wire, thread, shaped shells, purse frame, 10 x 14 x 7"

I remember showing images of this work during a powerpoint lecture at a small private college in the South. The boys in the audience were horrified. When it came time for questions, one wide-eyed, terrified young man slowly raised his hand and asked, "Uh, how did you get the IDEA for the vagina purse?.....", as if I had dreamed up this incredible concept myself.

I did not just think, "Oh it would be fun to create a castrating vagina purse...." I was in the middle of creating my Psychological Clothing series when I was invited to participate in "The Vagina Show" art exhibition in Atlanta a few years back. So I made this purse specifically for that show. (I made this piece for "The Penis Show" the year before).