More education coolness!

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I didn't mean to get political...

Once upon a time I bought an old American flag at a thrift store. It had 48 stars on it an it was in good condition, only a little yellowed with age. I took it to Jim Duvall and said I wanted to do something with it, as in make art. I feel really strongly that I am fortunate to be a woman in America, at this time and place. For the most part, I have a lot of freedom to pursue my sexuality and I wanted to say something artistically to reflect that.

That was 4 years ago. Since there have been numerous conversations and nothing seemed "right" and everything seemed to cliche. A few months ago, Jim suggested that I be the flag pole. I had only recently relaxed my stance on temporary piercings and any type of BDSM play that resulted in blood.  While I was still leery of the prospect, he convinced me that it would make a great photo to have the flag streaming in the wind from my body.

"But how does the reflect on my sexuality?"

"Oh! We could put you in the burqa head piece..."

"Wait! What about putting the flag upside down? That's a distress signal."

And so we went form there. Finding someone to pierce me with the hooks was easy, (far easier than it should have been, in my opinion) scheduling was a bit trickier. After a few weeks of negotiating, we had a date. As with most photoshoots with a narrow goal, the prep took a while and the actual shoot was about 15 minutes before Jim was convinced we had the shot.

For the record, yes, getting pierced hurt. The flapping flag in the wind machine only hurt a tiny bit,it mostly just felt odd.

Though is is different that I originally planned, I am pleased with the final product. I have been enjoying the conversations it have evoked. What do you see?

Next class: Beyond Verbal Communication

Photo By Jim Duvall

I was thinking of making some silly "back to school" reference, but let's face it, most of us never stop learning when it comes to our sexuality and personal evolution.

As the new Director of Education for the Foundation for Sex Positive Culture, I have been talking to everyone I come in contact with about what workshops they are interested in attending. I have gotten some really good feedback and am working on getting more classes on relationship skills and sex focused skills.

One person answered "I want to take a class that's all about how to read my bottom." Followed by a chorus of affirmative agreement. Well that's easy! I have one of those classes up my sleeve!

So, on September 15th, a Saturday, Jim Duvall and I will be at the CSPC from 5pm - 7pm to present "Going Beyond Verbal Communication." This class is a great primer on body language and how to use it to enhance your communication. Whether you are in a long term relationship or interested in doing some pick up play, this class will give you valuable tools when relating with others. You will be amazed at how much more informed you will be about the people you interact with based purely on your observations. It's also fascinating how much more informed you will be able yourself and  how you unconsciously send out signals.

Come out the the class, learn some cool stuff. Go out to dinner to fuel up and digest the new information. Then come back to the CSPC at 8pm to Fettered or Power Play Mixed Tape, and use your new skills!


Here's the nuts and bolts:

Where: Annex
When: 5pm -7pm
Cost: $20

Body language, tone of voice, rate of speech and posture are powerful ways we send cues to our partner, often louder than words. Non-verbal communication can be a rich source of information, especially when gags are used, or you have a partner that slips into a deep headspace where words don’t seem to exist. With careful attention, you can use these subtle forms of communication to enhance your play, whether you are a top or a bottom. We will show you techniques for gathering visual, tactile and auditory information before and during a scene to create more fluid and intuitive play. Imagine not needing to ask your bottom “Are you ok?”
Come prepared to participate in group and paired exercises. If you come without a partner, we will find you a partner for the exercises.

For those exploring their sexuality, the FSPC offers:

 Exploring Kink - Getting Started
 Sunday, July 29th 2012, 4:00-6:00 pm at the CSPC in Seattle
****************************
This is for those of you who enjoyed Seattle Erotic Art Festival's Sensation City and want more information. If you didn't get a chance to check out Sensation City, here is a chance to attend the "Try I- You'll Like It" event after the class.
Max will be presenting a comprehensive and entertaining BDSM overview before the "Try It You'll Like It" event.
He'll cover many of the things we struggle with as we begin exploring kink:
- Basic concepts, including sensation play, dominance/submission, bondage and fetishes
- Common kink terminology
- Kink etiquette - How not to lose friends before you make them
- A rapid-fire "Show and Tell" with a bunch of BDSM equipment
- Demonstrations of several kink activities - and opportunities to volunteer for the demos
- Tips for identifying the things you most enjoy, gaining experience, and finding partners
- Lots of time for questions
If you're relatively new to kink, there's no better way to get started - and it's followed by the "Try It You'll Like It" event, which gives you an opportunity to watch and/or "sample" a number of kink activities.
Workshop attendees are also invited to join the "Getting Know You" Potluck and Social for dinner before the "Try It You'll Like It" event. Yes - we'll feed you if you attend the workshop!
As with all of Max's workshops, a handout will be provided to help you remember what's been said.
This workshop assumes no previous experience, and is appropriate for all genders and orientations.
http://www.bondagelessons.com/content/2012/07/29/exploring-kink-getting-started

Be living art at the Libertine Social Club!

The Libertine Social Club is an elegant evening of art, conversation and sexiness in the spirit of the salons of the late 19th century. The inaugural event is this Sunday, July 15th at the Center for Sex Positive Culture for members and their guests. Doors open at 5:30pm for an optional protocol informational and the party begins at 6pm and continues until 11pm.

Libertine is in need of those who are willing and able to serve as living art for a portion of time during the upcoming Social Club.  Anyone is welcome to be involved, whether they are attending as an in-service attendant or a patron. Here are a few examples of ways you could serve as art:

- Body paint models: models will be nude or in minimal underwear, and be painted by the patrons. Must be able to stand for up to 15 minutes.

- Human platters: models will be ceremonially cleansed, and then have food arranged on their bodies for patrons to take at their leisure.

- Decorations and eye candy: models in cages, in fetish wear, in rope, etc. This is a more passive, quiet type of artistic service.

- Interactive decorations: The next step up from eye candy; a decoration that the patrons can touch. Any interactive tableau will have a host or attendant to negotiate with patrons on your behalf. Please be prepared to be touched by strangers in ways that you negotiate.

If you are interested in being involved in artistic service, whether in one of the ways listed above or with your own ideas, please email us to begin negotiations!

Advance tickets are strongly encouraged.

Show Your Love: DONATE

Do you believe the Seattle Erotic Art Festival is doing something important in this world? We are a 501c3 nonprofit and cannot produce this event without the generosity and support of donors. 

Please consider being a part of making the Festival possible.

Donations are tax deductible to the full extent allowed by law.

Learn more and donate today:

http://www.seattleerotic.org/donate/

And note that your donations can go twice as far! Many businesses (including Microsoft and Boeing) match their employees' donations. Please learn more:

http://www.seattleerotic.org/matching-donations/

Preparing for our "post-mort"

As we wake up from sleeping after the Festival, we always want to know how we can make it better for next year.

Please take a few minutes and complete the Seattle Erotic Art Festival's brief online survey.

What did you love? What would improve your experience?

Your feedback makes a real impact. Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts!

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/festivalsurvey2012

Mid-Festival

Today I think I have the best job in the whole organization. I just sent out emails to artists informing them that their piece(s) sold and another round of emails to art patrons about the art they purchased. Everyone is so happy. I need to remember how great this feels when people are angry at me for their art not selling.

Teaching in the midst of SEAF & Paradise

Today, tickets for the 10th Annual Seattle Erotic Art Festival went on sale. To celebrate, the Launch Party is tonight at Neumo's. (Tickets are still available at the door for $25.) I am reminded of how incredibly close I am to this beloved event. I still have much to do, and I feel fairly calm about it all. I hope I am not delusional.

Today is also the day of the last Artist Workshop, which focuses on matting 2D art and offers special information about packing and delivering your art to the Festival. This workshop is free for Festival Accepted Artists and $10 for everyone else. We will be in the Annex of the CSPC from 2-4pm.

Tomorrow, we'll send out the rest of the letters for Paradise Unbound presenters. I must say, this year's line up is impressive and the classes are richly diverse. Lots of personal growth and just plain sexy classes, no matter what you think is sexy. Paradise will sell out, so make sure to check your calendar and if you can join us in August, even if just for a day or two, you will have an incredible time learning and having fun.

In the midst of preparing for the Festival, I have a new class I am teaching next week. The Body's Edge: Skin Anatomy for Kink. I am very excited to finally feel ready to teach about a body system that is so amazing. Until recently, I haven't felt that I could really talk about the skin in relation to BDSM activities such as needles, cuttings and brands. I had so little experience that while I had all this anatomical knowledge, I didn't have the practical experiences to apply it. Well, now I do.

This class is for  both the curious through the seasoned veteran of blood play and other activities that break the skin. Experienced players are going to learn the why behind the things they know. For the newer, or curious, player, you'll get a lot of info to help you decide which type of play is right for what you want to create. I'll be covering the skin's healing process and capabilities so that you can knowledgeably help or hinder that process, thereby affecting the level of scarring. Of course, I can't make any promises about results, as everyone's skin is so different. It will be fascinating, that I know I can promise!
 

Seattle Erotic Art Festival LAUNCH PARTY - Saturday, May 5

Join us for an all-out celebration that the 10th anniversary Seattle Erotic Art Festival is just around the corner. Get dressed up and dance as Seattle’s best DJs spin hot music all night. Enjoy sexy hand-picked performances throughout the evening, full bar, and more! Best of all, tickets for the 2012 Festival go on sale.

Saturday, May 5, 9pm-2am
Neumo’s, 925 E Pike St, Seattle
Full bar, 21+ only
Dress to impress!

Dance to hot music by Knome, Trouble Dicso, Michael Holden and Ramiro.

Enjoy sexy performances by Sinner Saint Burlesque, Maureen Tribal Fusion Bellydance, and Chelle Bodypainting.

Admire decorative bondage -- or get tied up! -- by the talented crew of Suspended Animation.

And more!

See all the exciting details and get tickets at seattleerotic.org/launch-party-2012

Aerial Improv Contest

If I didn't already have a hot date, this is what I would be doing this Sunday night.

Please join us for Versatile Art’s second not-quite-annual aerial improv competition! Aerialists of all levels will show off their ability to perform their choreography to a randomly-selected piece of music. Will they get Yanni, or Rammstein? Nobody knows until we hit that “random” button. Contestants get one free refusal, and after that they lose points for rejecting a song. Our panel of celebrity judges will tally the scores and select a new improv champion. What do they get? Cash! Where does that cash come from? The door! So please come out and enjoy a hilarious night of aerial virtuosity.

This year’s amazing judges’ panel includes: Armitage Shanks (Dog and Pony Show Productions and Seattle Erotic Art Festival's Performance Director), Martha Enson (En-Joy Productions) and the always-fabulous Tamara the Trapeze Lady representing VA.

Versatile Arts
7601 Greenwood Ave N., Suite 103 Seattle, WA 98103
Sunday, April 22nd, 2012
Doors at 7:00, show starts promptly at 7:30.
Cost: $10
RSVP here to ensure a seat – note that Facebook RSVPs do NOT count.


PERFORMERS: please email improv@versatilearts.net if you have questions or are interested in participating. Preregistration is encouraged but not required. This is a great chance to be seen by Seattle’s biggest circus event producers, and it’s a ton of fun as well. And did we mention CASH PRIZES!

Join us!

Seattle Erotic Art Festival ALL-HANDS VOLUNTEER MEETING

Planning to volunteer for the Seattle Erotic Art Festival? Or just curious to learn more Then be sure to save the date for our last big volunteer meeting -- the All-Hands Meeting -- on Saturday, May 19.

This is an important and essential meeting for anyone volunteering, and if you haven't already signed up, it's the perfect time to get involved with Seattle's sexiest event.

Save the date and spread the word!

http://www.seattleerotic.org/all-hands-meeting-2012/

Next class is for blood players!

Or to be more precise, those who play with breaking the skin. Well, anyone who does any kind of play where they come in contact with skin should come check this class out.

I have been wanting to do a class about skin structure and haven't felt like I could based on the fact that I had limited experience with needles and blood play. In the last year I have accrued a variety of experience that complement my book knowledge quite nicely. 



The Body's Edge: Skin Anatomy for Kink**
WHEN:     Thursday, May 10 07:30 PM - 09:00 PM
WHERE: Center for Sex Positive Culture - Annex
1608 15th Ave. W. Seattle, WA 98119
WHO: Anyone 18+
COST: $20

Our skin is the barrier between us and the world. So many kinds of edge play involve the breaking of skin: needles, cuttings, brands, rough body play, just to name a few. Come explore the physical and psychological implications of breaking this barrier. Through a slide show and demonstration, Sophia will share detailed information about the tissue and structures that comprise our skin. Learn how to work with or against skin's nature to further your scene or dynamic. How much do you want it to hurt? Do you want to have scars? The answers to these questions lie in understanding the skin's anatomy. Special attention will be given to the topics of scarring and wound care. This is a class for both bottoms and tops, of all genders and orientations.

Go to the FetLife Event Page for more info and to let your friends know you are going!

You can rsvp for this workshop by emailing workshops@sexpositiveculture.org.

**This is part of my Anatomy for Kink 201 series.

A slice...

Last Saturday, I help one of my sweeties celebrate his birthday with a "harem night." He asked that all his partners share a meal and pamper him and then fuck him silly. We all gladly agreed.

As Jim dropped me off to go prepare for the evening, he kissed me good bye and said "Have fun at the orgy." In return, I wished him good luck at the play party he was planning on attending elsewhere.

Good Grief - Exploring Loss & Love

My father died last year, and I have been going through the grieving process. At times, it has been intensely sad, infuriating, crazy-making and acutely painful. Sometimes, all at once. I was helped greatly by attending Swedish Hospital's "Journey through Grief to Hope" program.

Since the intensity of each person's grief process is so different, even for different losses, it is important to have understanding and acceptance that people need  varying levels of support and for various lengths of time. My hope is that this evening of artistic expression will illuminate the process and encourage people to ask for the support they need.

You can find more information about Good Grief on Facebook.

Attention Performing Artists!

Seattle Erotic Art Festival -- Call for Performers for Main Stage Show, Deadline 4/10

Performers! You have until Tuesday, April 10 to apply to be part of the Festival's main stage production, "Things That Go Bump in the Night", a celebration of all things erotic.

The show will be written and directed by Performance Director David Crellin (aka Armitage Shanks), headlined by international burlesque star TIGGER, and will feature original music by THE WET SPOTS!

Learn more about this fantastic opportunity and begin your application today!

Home again. But not all that available.

The last three weeks have been crazy. Prepping and going to Portland for Kinkfest and recovering and then prepping to go to Chicago for Sinsations in Leather and now home recovering. Recovering while working on the Festival, concurrently.

I need to figure out how to work in some exercise. When I work on the Festival, the majority of the work I do is on the computer. One idea I have is to make as many of my socializing opportunities include some form of exercise. So, if you want to visit with me, ask me out on a walk!

Join us in celebrating & supporting erotic art!

www.seattleerotic.org

deadline is tomorrow, 11pm PST

There's still time for you to submit your art. The deadline is tomorrow (Saturday, March 10) at 11pm PST.

Don't miss your chance to be part of our biggest and best year yet: we anticipate over 10,000 attendees in June.

Finish your application by 11pm tomorrow night!

The Festival is seeking:

• Visual Art (all media)
• Installation Art
• Literary Art
• Short Film/Video
• Performance Art
• Pieces for the Festival Store

Artists may submit to as many Calls for Art as they wish. Each Call for Art has distinct requirements and may have submission fees.

Click here for useful links and tips.

CALL FOR ART closing soon!

Seattle Erotic Art Festival closes it's call for art this Saturday at 11pm.

There’s still time to submit your art for consideration!

Submit visual, literary, installation and performance art by 11pm PST on Saturday, March 10.

The deadline for the Call for Short Film and the Call for Store Art has been extended to 11pm PST on Saturday, March 31.

Don’t miss your chance to be part of the biggest and best year yet -- the Festival anticipates over 10,000 attendees in June!

APPLY NOW: SeattleErotic.org.

It is all ok.

The title is something a dear friend of mine had tattooed on her at a certain point her her grief process. She said she was finally in a place where she could believe it, even if she didn't feel it all the time.

Yesterday, I think I reached that spot. Or maybe it happened over the weekend. Whenever it happened, a corner was turned. My optimism and security have been in the house since Sunday morning.

If yesterday had happened last week, it would have been an awful day within the first hour. Woke up with a sore throat and low energy; soon after waking, my arm started having strange and painful nerve sensations; the morning's plan of a slow start with my sweetie working at home was derailed by him being called into work for an "emergency"; knowing I would have to sleep alone at the end of the day; driving too much and in such weird weather.

Instead, I had a great day. Sure, I wasn't as productive as I had planned to be. You know what, though? I feel secure and loved, though. Upon rereading the above paragraph, my mind immediately starts injecting "buts". But it really wasn't that bad of a day. After all, we had such good sex early in the morning that we were able to snuggle back to sleep for an hour or so. I'm not that sick; the sore throat hasn't gotten any worse. Now, maybe I'll be motivated to go to the doctor and find out what is wrong with my neck. But probably not because it feels better now.

A week or a month or a half a year ago, I would not be so pleased with the day. Instead of feeling cheated out of time with my sweetie, I feel loved because he told me to stay in bed as long as I could and rest up. And he gave me 3 different good bye kisses, too.

Maybe all I needed was one good experience in the face of all my fears and nervousness to get me back on track. Or did the security come first and make the good experience possible? Either way, it feels good to be happy and secure.

Sunday Festival Info Meeeting for Volunteers!

Seattle Erotic Art Festival Volunteer Info Meeting - Sun, Feb 19
Be part of Seattle's sexiest event: attend the Festival's Volunteer Info Meeting!

Sunday, February 19, 1-3pm

• Meet Festival staff
• Hear the exciting plans for 2012
• Learn about volunteer opportunities
• Get your questions answered
• Get involved!

Feel free to fill out our volunteer form in advance.

Join the fun of putting on the Festival's 10th anniversary!

We need an Installation Art Director!

The Installation Art Director has an interesting role, interfacing directly with artists who are creating interactive work for the Festival. He/she works closely with me to curate the incoming submissions, dole out the grant funding we have to offer, and facilitate these projects reaching fruition. It's a fun job that requires an open mind, a sense of humor, good organization skills, some artistic sensibilities, and the unique style of diplomacy necessary to successfully manage artists.

Please share the above with anyone you think might be interested. They can contact the Seattle Erotic Art Festival's Director at clayton@seattleerotic.org with questions or to express interest.

More art!

Last night I had an art date with a dear friend of mine, Leopold. Once upon a time, when we were both a part of the Little Red Studio Troupe, we had discussed an ambient performance for a gender themed show that Jim Duvall had proposed. The time had finally come when we were both in a space to revisit that idea. Jim was very receptive and immediately put forth his suggestions. A collaboration had begun!

A lot of detail and thought and meticulous planning went into this shoot. Way more than I usually do. I hope you enjoy the results.

Photo by Jim Duvall, Sophia Sky & Leopold

Call for Art Open Now!

Our fabulous webmaster/IT guru has the submission site up and running!

Go to www.SeattleErotic.org to register and submit your art.

The Seattle Erotic Art Festival is accepting art submissions February 1 through March 10, 2012 for the tenth annual event, the biggest and best year yet. The Festival will be held June 16-24.

The Festival is calling for:
     *visual art of all media
     *short film
     *installation art
     *literary art
     *performance art
     *DJs
     *and items for the popular Festival Store.

All artists 18 years old or older are encouraged to submit art for consideration. The Festival accepts art from artists across the nation and world, and there is no submission fee to apply for artists living outside of North America. The deadline is Saturday, March 10 at 11pm PST. The early-bird deadline (for discounted submission fees) is Wednesday, February 15 at 11pm PST.

Artists may submit once for as many Calls for Art as they wish, but note that each Call for Art has distinct requirements and may have additional submission fees. View the navigation tabs for details about each call for art. Click here for an overview of the benefits accepted and declined artists receive, and a summary of all the submission fees.  

Summary of the Submission Process

The submission process is quick and easy, and the site will guide you through each step. If you have questions, you can click a Icon_info to learn more, and/or visit the FAQ If you still need assistance, contact info@SeattleErotic.org.

You will need to create an account with your email and password, by clicking the link that says Register (In the dark gray column on the left side of the page).
The next step is to add your artist profile. This includes your legal name and contact information.
You will then select what type of art you would like to submit.
If a submission fee is required, you will be prompted to pay the submission fee before you can apply.
Invited artists will enter a discount code to waive the submission fee.
The final step is submitting your art for consideration. There are different requirements depending on the type of art you are submitting for consideration. Please view the navigation tabs for details about each one. Details will also be included during the submission process.

Seattle Erotic Art Festival CALL FOR ART -- February 1 to March 10

The Seattle Erotic Art Festival’s Call for Art is open February 1 to March 10, 2012. All artists 18+ from across the world are encouraged to submit visual art, short film, literary art, installation art, performance art, DJ proposals, and work for the Festival Store.

The Festival anticipates over 10,000 attendees in June -- don’t miss your chance to be part of the biggest and best year yet. Plus all accepted artists receive many special benefits.

Submit your work for consideration online at SeattleErotic.org.

Take advantage of early-bird (discounted) submission fees up until 11pm PST on Wednesday, February 15. The Call for Art closes at 11pm PST on Saturday, March 10. All artists outside of North America can apply for free.

10th Anniversary Seattle Erotic Art Festival is June 16-24, 2012 at Fremont Studios.

Help me decide!

So this is a relatively minor thing in the grand scheme of things. However, after attending the funeral of a dear man, I am feeling the need for frivolity. Shoes.



I have a credit at Nordstrom's that I keep forgetting to use. So I'm shopping on line and I am stuck. I have narrowed it down to 3 choices:

Miz Mooz 'Tillman' Pump

Steve Madden 'Troopa' Boot  

Steve Madden 'Hottness' Pump

I do need a basic pair of boots that are simple, easy to get on and not fetishy. I don't need another pair of heels, but I do want those pumps as they are super sexy. Your votes and comments are appreciated.