Vanity & artistic goals *NSFW*

Every now and again, usually once a year…I challenge myself with 1 or 2 goals which aim to motivate me into keeping myself active, motivated or inspired to shoot.  A few years ago it was to get more of my work published. Why? I guess for the same reason many might…vanity.  Sure, the exposure can bring about more business and money but still to this day my photography isn’t monetarily  motivated.  First it was a few tattoo related magazine submissions here and there, which eventually led to a full spread article on my various works and style…Now, a regular contributor and cover shooter for a couple local mags as well as intermittently having work in national fitness publications I’ m still reaching that goal on a regular basis! oh…  the vanity…  Those close to me know I’m not really a vain person, i just like to pretend to be!

Shibari rope art – Presently with the Miami ARTUndressed traveling exhibition. Also selected for Erotic Signature’s “World’s Greatest Erotic Art of Today” hardcover book 2011.

So, sometime  a short while back a group of friends (fellow artist) and I threw our own self promoted art show.  It was fairly successful! I believe all of us sold the majority of what we showcased.  That opening, however made me realize I wanted more that!  Hearing random people discuss your work, trying to interpret what they are seeing.  Sometimes accurately, sometimes without even the faintest clue. It was fun!  But more importantly, were the strangers who had no idea who the artists were.  All they saw was the work.  It was neat hearing the critiques, the honesty behind their thoughts without any bias.  Anyway, the goal I am getting at is I wanted to show more of my work on that type of platform. My first hit was being chosen to participate in the Erotic Signature’s ARTUndressed multi-city exhibition. Two images were chosen for this event.  One of which was also being presented at the Seattle Erotic Arts Festival which had it’s closing ceremonies this past weekend at the Fremont gallery – Seattle Washington.

Sunday Morning / Model: Nettie Harris- Presented for Erotic Signature’s ARTUndressed as well as the Seattle Erotic Arts Festival – Visual Arts Juried selection.

Finally getting something closer to home, I was invited  to show a 10 image exhibition in New Orleans very own Barrister’s Gallery in the St. Claude Arts District.  The show is actually still ongoing or just finishing up this month.  It showcases 10 images all centered around the Japanese art of rope bondage – Kinbaku.  Also more widely known in the U.S. as Shibari.

Art Critic – D. Eric Bookhardt -

“New Orleans photographer R. Ramos extends natural impulses a little further into the unnatural world in this series of nude photographs illustrating Kinbaku, the art of Japanese rope bondage. His images are pristinely well produced, but what stands out is how the artfully ritualistic aspects of Japanese culture transform something inherently tacky–sort porn bondage photos–into something much more transcendant, or even inexplicably beautiful, as the silky skin, the meticulous twine bindings and the dramatic lighting of the dungeon-like industrial setting conspire in a kind of visual paradox that Marcel Duchamp, Man Ray and the rest of the original surrealists would have doubtlessly found intriguing. Ramos concludes: “If the viewer leaves inspired or repulsed, then the exhibit was a success.” ”

Still no big name solo show, but I’m still working and shooting the art inside when I can.  Maybe this time next year, I can update this blog.

Tonbo – Dragonfly Bind – 1 of 10 prints at Barrister’s Gallery, New Orleans, LA