Annie Sprinkle is a postmodern sex goddess who has been a porn star, a pioneering sex educator, a writer, an actress, a performance artist, a force of nature and an inspiration for many women worldwide. With a Cancer-Leo cusp Sun, Libra rising and a Taurus moon, she radiates beauty, humor and love of life.
She recently visited Seattle with a one-woman show about her career in porn, art and sex education, "Annie Sprinkle's Herstory of Porn." I fell madly in love with her when I saw her show, and afterward I spoke with her about her philosophy and what she's up to now.
The whole Widdershins staff was distressed to hear that while Annie performed in Seattle, a candle left burning unattended burned down her houseboat. She lost everything she owns, including her two cats. She has been dealing with this tragedy with all the grace, generosity and humor of a very wise soul. For information on what you can do to help, see the end of the interview.
Sylvana: You poke a bit of fun in your show about "woo woo" stuff and the New Age movement. After your 1992 video "Sluts and Goddesses," I was sure you were a witch. Am I right?
Annie: Yes, I'm a red witch.
S: Could you tell us what a red witch is?
A: A red witch deals with sexuality. She is the Scarlet Woman, working with red energy and chakras and everything to do with that.
I also do a lot of personal ritual, and I did a sex magick masturbation ritual in one of my last shows. It was very powerful. I am looking forward to being an instructor for the Susan Weed Tenth Annual Sacred Sex Workshop in May, Memorial Day weekend.
S: How do your spirituality and your sex industry career mesh together?
A: (Laughs) Depends on what day it is. Generally, very well. I mostly function in the art world, and art is a perfect place to experiment with life. You know, the show must go on.
When my house burned down and my cats died, it helped that I was able to channel a lot of the energy of my pain and grief into the show. I had something I had to do. It was very healing.
S: Healing is crucial to us as witches, including healing the damage created by the patriarchy's sexual repression. Do you have any idea how much of an inspiration and a healing force you are for women?
A: Only by the feedback I get. Occasionally, women come to me after the show in tears and say "Thank you, thank you. You've helped me so much!" and I know that they have been helped. That is what keeps me going. It's not just a job, or what I do for money. When I get feedback, it's great!
One woman came up to me after a show and said, "My husband used to use porn against me, and I used to hate it. This is the first time I have ever been able to watch it and enjoy it. I'm happy, I have a whole new way of looking at it."
S: What would you say to those who say that working in the sex industry is inherently degrading and damaging to women?
A: I would say: "I understand where you are coming from and how you see it that way, and I am glad that you bring it into the public awareness and public eye." I say, "Thank you." But I don't feel victimized! My personal experience is not of being a victim but of being a winner in so many ways. I respect that opinion, but my experience has been different.
Some women are victims. I refuse to be a victim. When my house burned down, I could have fallen into being a victim, but I will use that energy to transform my life instead. And some women are victims of the patriarchy.
S: What kind of flak do you get most?
A: Flak I get; there are many places where I can't perform and places that won't touch my videos. My shows are controversial. There is always controversy, but that is part of what makes it all fun! There are also a lot of emotions and people's stuff that comes up, and I have to process that. It's okay, but it can be wearing.
S: What kind of support do you get most?
A: I get a lot of great feedback. People's personal stories are wonderful. Financially, I have done pretty well. My shows almost always sell out, that's lovely — and I am very grateful for that.
I get that support, and my friends and peers are all very supportive. It has been amazing since the fire who has come forward and offered help. There have been donations and just lots of concern and caring.
Then there are the wonderful theaters and museums who support my work. It's great to bring the low-brow into the high-brow. I love that! I love to do university shows.
S: What are your current projects, besides promoting your show and videos?
A: I had a book project I was working on called Metamorphosex: Creative Sexual Experiments to Transform Self and Society. It was about a third of the way done. It burned in the fire; my computer melted. I am not sure I can or want to salvage that one.
I have another little book I am working on in the meantime. I'd one day like to do a book on the sex scandals of spiritual leaders (laughs).
S: Ooohhh, that would be a good one! I'd love to read it!
A: I am going to Hawaii soon, for a big conference about using psychedelic drugs within art, how people have used psychedelics to inform their creative work.
I am not a big drug user, but my past drug experiences have had a big impact and been positive, and they can be used in a great way.
I'd like to buy a big boat and have a community project and help people, be a consultant and promote the work in a broader way. Since the fire, I have become interested in the Internet. One of my friends wrote a letter and sent it out, and now everyone has heard about the fire! I am totally amazed at the communication system. Maybe I should work on some kind of communication network.
I'm not sure what direction I will be going yet.
S: What do you have planned for future projects? Are you going to continue making videos? Doing performance art?
A: I just don't know. I could do anything. Since my house burned, there is a tremendous sense of freedom. I do know I want to live on the water. I want to float. I am a mermaid! I could do anything right now. I could just spend more time at home in Sausalito doing my own work and do less traveling. When I get back, in a day or so I will be looking at boats. I want to buy a big yacht! (Laughs.)
S: Is there anything else you'd like to say to our readers?
A: If people want to donate money to buy a boat, that would be great! But I'd like to be of service now. I am into being of service and having it be less about me, me, me.
S: Yes, but it had to be about you for you to get here, to this place, where you can help heal and inspire and transform the lives of thousands of women.
A: Thank you. First, I have to find a place to go tomorrow, figure out where I am going and what I am doing.
Since it's Beltaine and people are doing ritual, I do want to say: Please use candles that are in glass! Stay away from tapers, and don't leave candles unattended! I have heard many stories from people who have had fires from tapers. Keep all candles away from walls and curtains. Start a fire in your body, not on your curtains!
To help Annie rebuild her life, buy her books and videos; see her shows; dedicate energy to her; dedicate an orgasm to her; donate money. Support free consensual sexual expression! Her videos include:
"Annie Sprinkle's Herstory of Porn," a made-for-video version of her latest show. Co-directed by the Scarlot Harlot, it sneak-previewed at the prestigious Santa Barbara Film Festival. The live show only appears at a few theaters, so get the video if you're in another city, shy or don't have the time. Share it with a friend!
"Zen Pussy: A Meditation On 11 Vulvas," with Joseph Kramer, a Zen, meditative video on 11 vulvic mandalas.
"Fire in the Valley: An Intimate Guide to Female Genital Massage," with Joseph Kramer. Annie and Joe developed a set of female genital massages that, if followed, will satisfy a woman to her core every time! Genital massage can be a deep, powerful experience. The well-known Body Electric School derived its erotic massage techniques from the Fire in the Valley methods.
"The Sluts and Goddesses Video Workshop, Or How to be a Sex Goddess in 101 Easy Steps," probably Annie's most famous video, lightheartedly demonstrates 101 ways women can get in touch with their inner slut and goddess and reclaim sexual and sensual pleasure.
Annie Sprinkle, Post Porn Modernist, Annie's most recent book, is a completely revised and updated edition of her photo-album autobiography.
You can also learn more (and order merchandise) at Annie's Web site: http://www.heck.com/annie/
Or write:
Annie Sprinkle
P.O. Box 396
Sausalito, CA 94965
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