Sweet Constriction (Patreon)

Happy Valentine’s Day!

My partner and I have this crazy notion that love is not something that happens to you. Love is an active choice. Love is messy, love is a balancing act. It does not cure, it does not complete, it is not perfection. It does not come with ease, it is not simple, it demands communication, it keeps being worthy of its challenges. Love is something you practice, devote attention to, and nurture to see it flourish. "It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres." I am fortunate to have a partner who understands this. I am lucky to have friends who are there for every step of our adventure with us. Love is to be spread generously. Love multiplies, it cannot be divided. It is eternal.

Love is a very broad concept. English falls short when trying to describe that emotion. The Romans had the right idea in their multitude of expressions. Eros for sexual passion, Philia for deep friendship, Ludus for playful love, Agape for love of everyone, Pragma for longstanding love, Philautia for love of the self. Valens is Latin for "strong and healthy" which is what we should strive for in all our relationships. Everyday.

Happy VALENtine's Day.

I have a well of appreciation for each and every one of you. I sincerely hope that you feel this love reciprocated. You are a wonderful human being just as you are, and you make a mark on this world with every life you touch. 

My dear friend Jim Marcus invited my partner and I to be a part of his band’s music video shoot. I got to shake my groove thang with dozens of other diverse, interesting people. When the project is complete, I fully believe the concept will resonate with viewers. Everyone in their own way, without any direction, dancing. Jubilant, unbridled movement. Keep an eye out for a new single from Go Fight. Similarly, it was a pleasure to be cast in the inaugural performance of Coffin Cabaret. It is a new burlesque show co-produced by Bim Bam Boom’s own Billie Batwing. As the name of the show and its mastermind suggest it is a dark, sensual, and supernatural night of ribald entertainment. Hosted by Reverend Chicagodom with a Nosferatu appeal, you can catch subsequent installments at The Hyde speakeasy. I took my mad doctor character out for another spin with “Feed My Frankenstein” by Alice Cooper, and was summoned as a succubus who satisfies her appetite to the tune of “Nymphetamine” by Cradle of Filth. Finally, last night my partner and I resumed our annual tradition modeling for Grotesque Burlesque figure drawing club. We have been their Valentines for several years running, and book next year’s date by the time we have our clothes back on. The group has been utterly marvelous to us, and it is our deepest honor to see the art that our forms inspire. If you recall the massive oil painting of us composed by virtuoso Brit Thill, it was born out of one of these sittings. You may peruse a catalog of art produced largely by GB on my website.

During one of my visits to Portland, I met up with Jeff Walls to create Sweet Constriction. It features a tight laced steel boned corset, and the delicious tangle I make of it once I’m free. Everyone be sure to grab the desktop background attached to this post. VIPs are getting the full 17 image photoset, and Backstage Patrons also get 10 beyond-the-set images this month! Be sure you're logged in on my site to view the images. Feel free to give the set some love by leaving a comment or clicking the heart below. As always, thank you to all my Patrons. You make art happen.

Photographer: Jeff Walls