A Solo Mystical Journey: Mary Magdalene Pilgrimage
Words by VIVIAN CHAN / photographs made in collaboration with: THE LOVED CO (florals & styling) & VIVIAN CHAN (fashion & styling): a celebration of Asian-American women & the stories that bind us together
“Quote goes here”
I stumbled upon Soft Good Studio one day deep in an Instagram rabbit hole, and I’m pretty sure I audibly gasped the first time I saw one of her custom signets. The shape is based on family name seals (印章), which she beautifully impresses onto her handmade rings.
How to start your pilgrimage:
WHERE TO GOThere are many places to see along your journey. You can do a single day trip or a multi-day pilgrimage. There are many points of interest along the route. My trip this time was concentrated at Saint Baume De Mer. This is where you can find her church - the cave of eggs and the grotto and the cave of eggs.
There are many places to see along your journey. You can do a single day trip or a multi-day pilgrimage. There are many points of interest along the route. My trip this time was concentrated at Saint Baume.
There are many places to see along your journey. You can do a single day trip or a multi-day pilgrimage. There are many points of interest along the route. My trip this time was concentrated at Saint Baume.
(the start of the hike)
Points Of Interest
Saint Baume De Mer
This is where
The pure grief of being lied to is what called me to Mary Magdalene.
I stumbled upon Soft Good Studio one day deep in an Instagram rabbit hole, and I’m pretty sure I audibly gasped the first time I saw one of her custom signets. The shape is based on family name seals (印章), which she beautifully impresses onto her handmade rings. Her work resonated with me so much for the way she celebrates Asian-American culture through her unique artistic vision. Fast forward a few months when we moved up to Oakland, I knew we had to meet! Excited to share these images from her studio, and some words from Emilie.
Shot on a mix of 35mm & medium format film – #portra800
The Gnostic Gospels revealed so much about the Christ Conciousness that was hidden.
I stumbled upon Soft Good Studio one day deep in an Instagram rabbit hole, and I’m pretty sure I audibly gasped the first time I saw one of her custom signets. The shape is based on family name seals (印章), which she beautifully impresses onto her handmade rings. Her work resonated with me so much for the way she celebrates Asian-American culture through her unique artistic vision. Fast forward a few months when we moved up to Oakland, I knew we had to meet! Excited to share these images from her studio, and some words from Emilie.
Shot on a mix of 35mm & medium format film – #portra800
Sleeping in a monastery and other adventures.
WHERE TO STAY:I think I'm still unpacking my upbringing as Taiwanese-American and Soft Good has been the best form of therapy for that.
So much of my childhood and upbringing under my parent's roof was beautiful and good. I felt supported, cared-for, and I felt like they gave me the freedom to explore whatever I was excited about.
SIDE TRIPS ALONG THE WAY:However, growing up Asian American, you start to notice things at a young age that feel off. You internalize the fact that certain parts of the culture your parents taught you is "weird". Everyone has a stinky lunch story. You see your parents infantilized at times just because they speak with an accent. Any AAPI person can tell you a story of discrimination off the top of their head. For the longest time I thought that those shared experiences of "where are you really from" or "konnichiwa" or the model minority myth was what bonded me and created connection to other Asian Americans. Not so.
Soft Good has allowed me to connect so much more deeply and in a way that's not just about our experiences of discrimination. For that I'm super grateful.
My Favorite Mary Magdalene Resources
Here are some recommended books on Mary Magdalene:
"The Secret Teachings of Mary Magdalene: Including the Lost Verses of The Gospel of Mary, Revealed and Published for the First Time" by Claire Nahmad
"Mary Magdalene Revealed: The First Apostle, Her Feminist Gospel & the Christianity We Haven't Tried Yet" by Meggan Watterson
"The Meaning of Mary Magdalene: Discovering the Woman at the Heart of Christianity" by Cynthia Bourgeault
"The Gospel of Mary Magdalene" by Jean-Yves Leloup
"Mary Magdalene: A Biography" by Bruce Chilton
These books provide insightful perspectives on Mary Magdalene's role in history and spirituality.
