KINKY DEVIL

PROJECT
PROPOSAL:

I am excited to apply for The Tom of Finland’s Artist in Residency Program, as this opportunity would give me the ability to focus on research of Tom of Finland Foundation Archives. Over the course of the three-month residency I’m planning to experiment with new techniques in photography, body painting, illustration and digital imaging to see where it takes me creatively. Much of my past work has explored the conceptual boundary between photography and illustration, taking advantage of digital imaging tools to create a new fantasy world where I can discuss issues that I see on a daily basis. For this project, my goal is to push this idea farther, and create even more surreal erotic work (photography, video and illustration) within a twisted fictitious Western society reality.



For my residency project I want to take issues within a Western society such as body-image/nudity, a male dominated society, conspiracy theory, fraud and drug addiction then combine it with lust, loneliness, sin, corruption, love, chaos, mystery and the hero’s journey. The above issues will inspire me to create (7) new photographs (prints) depicting the different floors (305comics.com/levels), a short (5-7 minute) video, and a new (24-page) chapter of the Kinky Devil comic. Note: Everything created and presented during the Tom of Finland Foundation residency will relate to each other. (A tentative story summary can be found in the next section.)

I’m very interested in exploring the concept of erotica, the nude figure and the concept of a bathhouse/bar filled with spectacular, unbelievable, and grotesque floors of sin/punishment. Note: This is NOT to say that sex or erotica are a sin. To find more information about the different levels please check out the following: 305comics.com/levels. The sins presented are: vanity, glory, pride, lust, desire, envy, gluttony, indulgence, sloth, avarice, wrath, sadness and blasphemy. The sins are how most guests act while on the different floors. They are enchanted. The punishment is loosing themselves to the establishment.


I want to expand my creative goals with the help of the Tom of Finland Foundation archives and Kake Comics. Tom of Finland's compositions are detailed as multiple figures intertwine.  Also, Kake creates a highly sexualized/idealized character distinguished by his hyper-masculine physical characteristics, mainly his developed muscles and exceptionally large penis. The research, I hope will push my photography, illustrations and videos farther.
 
This residency program provides a safe space for erotic art allowing me to expand my creative skills. Tom of Finland Foundation educates the public to the merits of erotic art. If I can help in this mission and I am open to volunteer during my time in residence.


Also, during the residency I will engage with the lgbtqia2s+ community to establish new model contacts and fans in the LA area.  At the end of the residency, (in addition to the photographs/prints, illustrations and video produced) to show my gratitude to the Tom of Finland Foundation and my new LA fans I will create a live performance show entitled KINKY DEVIL LIVE, an erotic body paint improv show based on MESS IN PAINT and DIRTY BOYS CLEAN series. This event will allow guests to get a glimpse into the making of my fantasy world. (Note: This improv show will connect to the photographs/prints, illustrations and video produced during my time in residence.)


The Tom of Finland Foundation Artist in Residency Program would be a huge benefit for my creative and professional development as an artist. Seeing the Tom of Finland Archive, communing with peers and working in LA will be invaluable. Also, having a space to create and work on projects would be a great resource, especially to be free to photograph erotic work with no judgment. This will allow me to dig deeper into the thematic process and focus on stylistic growth. Exhibiting photographs, illustrations and videos with a live performance show at the end of the residency will be such an honor. Thank you for your consideration.

Attachments:  
To see more examples comic book illustrations, Kinky Devil Live, photography and videos please check out: 305comics.com/sample.

To find out more concerning the levels of the hotel please check out: 305comics.com/levels.