In my art I have been attempting to portray an inner-self.  It’s a vision within us that exists in balance with the outside physical world, but is largely hidden.  I made a small change in my photography, and it took my work deeper into this realm.I am asked why I don’t use male models.  The fact is I do- when I can find them!  I only have a few criteria for a model: 1. show up on time, 2. be friendly and 3.don’t be (too) strange.  (Number three is pretty darn negotiable!)  And yet, it’s nearly impossible to find good male figure models.  It’s not just me; I hear the same thing from colleagues at art institutes who teach figure drawing classes.  So when one of my regular models mentioned that her boyfriend would be interested in working with me, I jumped at the chance.  He had some experience, modeling for drawing classes, but he wasn’t “model-ly” which is a good thing since his poses and attitudes were more natural and fluid.  The metal combined with his poses to create some wonderful results.  The photographs hint at a deeper physical/psychological tension and pathos that has a uniquely masculine vibe to it.

But the best part was when he asked “should I try making faces?”.  Sure, why not.  The resulting photos were something I could not have predicted.

Suddenly we are deep into the realm of the inner self that can exist in such turmoil vs. reality.  This is the self we struggle to maintain, to control, to shape in the face of everyday assaults.  Sometimes it is the self we must keep tightly subdued, lest it take over.  And sometimes it is a fragile existence that requires care and maintenance just to keep its light flickering.