Aphrodite: rehearsal of the act iii

In alchemical manuscripts, ancient Greek Aphrodite or Roman Venus is often depicted not just a goddess, but as a special chemical or psychological state. In the famous “Splendor Solis” (1582) manuscript, Venus is shown reigning from the sky in a chariot pulled by doves. Below her, the “material” world is full of human activity - lovers embracing, musicians playing, people bathing etc. The sources explains, that this depicts the “Vulgar Venus”. It represents the raw, unrefined energy of life, desire, and the metal Copper. She often holds a mirror, which alchemists interpreted as “reflection” - the first step of the homunculus gaining self-awareness. It’s the moment matter looks at itself and recognizes its own “weight”. In many illustrations Aphrodite is also represented by Peacock. After the “black” stage - Nigredo - the matter in the flask suddenly erupts into “thousand colours” like a peacock’s tail - like a rainbow of spiritual potential. Also, we can find “The Green Lion Devouring the Sun”, and this is one of the most “violent” and material depictions of the Venusian force. The Green Lion - is often alchemical shorthand for Vitriol (derived from copper/Venus). The image of green lion biting into golden sun, with blood dripping represents the raw, acidic power of “Desire” (Aphrodite, Venus), breaking down the “Ego” (the Sun/Sol). Aphrodite is the force that grounds the spirit into the body. Without her, homunculus would just be a ghost.

Have you ever noticed that in the Red Room, David Lynch uses different versions of the Venus statue? While these versions of goddess look similar at a glance, the choice of specific sculptures - the Venus de’ Medici and the Venus de Milo (and later the Venus of Arles) - is probably intentional. What could be the reason for having two versions of Venus? The classical Lynchian theme of Doppelgangers? If I remember correctly, in 2017 series, the Venus de Milo is replaced by Venus of Arles which transforms into doppelganger of the Arm (talking and shaking tree with brains)… scarry episode, right?

The Venus de’ Medici is intact, usually seen in the main seating area of the Red Room. She is complete with arms, but she is in a Venus Pudica (modest) pose - covering her breast and groin. The Venus de Milo (The Fragmented) is usually seen at the end of the hallway, she has no arms. I believe, that all statues of Venus represents duality of Laura Palmer - Aphrodite of Twin Peeks, always complaining that her “left arm went numb”… I will love Mr Lynch forever, but he is difficult to understand, and that’s ok…

My Aphrodite is not just a ceramic goddess, it’s an Alchemical Vessel itself - Vas Hermeticum (The Sealed Vessel). In alchemy, the vessel is as important as the substance inside. It is the “womb” where transformation occurs. My amphora body is not just a base, it holds “prima materia” - sorrows, hopes, memories, experiences etc - volatile and heavy substance. And Aphrodite’s mission is to distil what’s inside. The vessel creates the goddess, and the goddess gives the meaning to the vessel. It is a closed system of self-sustenance, the “Self-Refining Fire”, where all sad experiences, bad memories, lost feelings etc go into vessel, are transformed by the “heat” of experience, and bloom as the crown of roses of consciousness and hope.

POV: David Lynch take a long drag of a cigarette, staring at the blank, white eyes of the sculpture: “There is a sound coming from inside that jar. It’s a low hum… like a retro radio station playing through a thick fog. something is happening within the clay… The roses are too many, aren’t they? They are growing too fast. It’s a beautiful vessel, but the texture of a dream refuses to let you wake up…

Of course, its only my phantasy, imaginary critique, but David’s voice, music, thoughts, quotes are recently guiding my all creative steps, I hear him everywhere…

You think you are looking at a woman, but you are looking actually at a Transformation.

She is a jar that holds the story, and the garden that grows because of it.

Something is happening inside the clay - a slow, electric transformation. It’s got a vibe, a real, heavy, beautiful vibe…