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
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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.