I�m from that 50�s generation that has grown up being a �Flower Child�, �Hippy�, �Vietnam Vet�, �Yippee�, �Yuppie�, �Disco-Queen�, �Country Western�, �Computer Geek� and �Beach Bum� that have lived his life and �smelt-the-flowers.�
Currently, I�ve been experimenting with my background as a Deconstructionist / Reconstructionist artist in the Expressionist / Impressionist world of painting and photography. I�m using mixed media to show how complex it is being an older man in a culture that tries to conform us all�fit and sensual/sexual��forever 18�
In art and photography, I have found that man is laid barren, exposed to every flaw and blemish confronted within ourselves in our vulnerable nakedness. Splayed open to every raw nerve and muscle, every �red-vain-cut�, every drop of blood, sweat and tear, all�in the honest pursuit of the truth behind man�s ideal image of himself.
When I look at a man, I am looking at someone that is the same, but, different, than myself. I see into myself with each study. Looking not just at the man in front of me, but the man that I am, or could be.
We all share �sameness�, no matter what shape our waistline is, what our chest looks like or the color of our skin, then there is the size of our��..income
(Can we provide for ourselves or our loved ones?)
Are we any good at it???
We can never show that valuable side of ourselves, to reveal that, is a downfall and shows weakness.
What if a �MAN� would rather stay at home and garden, than go to the gym and �bench press�, what respect does he get?
Will you love the �UNDERDOG� or, is it all about being the �BAD� boy?
Does the James Dean or Marky Mark types always finish first?
What about the overweight, balding, soft spoken, brainyack in that low paying job, smashing his head into the brick wall, that holds up the �spinning-wheel-of-the-rat-race-of-life�, would you introduce him to your family and friends?
I ask the viewer to suspend their paradigm towards what makes up virility in the male icon.
I encourage everyone to rethink his, or her, behaviors towards the modern �MAN.�
I believe that the average, �walk-a-day-world� guy is the �boy-next-door.�
In my work, I show that the �real-world-man�, in all his glory, weakness, vulnerability, sadness, joy and pride, is extremely sexy and sensual.
In so doing, I re-introduce the idea that �Superman� is not really �Clark Kent� but �Fred MacMurry �, �Don Knox�, �Pee Wee Herman� or �Drew Carrey�.
I salute all �the average Tom, Dick, Harry and Joes� out there, the guys that are your family, friends, neighbors, co-workers and the guy standing next to you. We are the sexy guys, the ones you wake up with and the ones that kiss you good night.
And guess what�take a good look in the mirror, because, it�s you�and all of us. Learn to laugh about it.
JonBarry Sabin
Reflecting Images:
Reflecting Images is a not-for-profit �GAY� men�s networking, social and contact group, for those �GAY � men, 21 years or older, interested in being nude in the �ARTS�, and for those interested in using male nude models as their �ART�.
�GAY� models, actors and performers of all experience levels, who are interested in nude work, can be introduced to other �GAY� artist, photographers, sculptors, filmmakers, producers and others, who are interested in using male nudes for their �ARTISTIC� or �EROTIC ART� endeavors. Come and share your experiences, learn from others, in the same field, and realize the opportunities, and dreams, that are out there
(JUST TO MODEL)
(You do not have to be gay to model for us)
All men, 21 years or older, who enjoy working in the nude, are encouraged to model. All, or most, of the photo sessions are for photo trade, not for cash.
The group�s meeting focus is more towards the photographers and their nude male models; we do, however, provide listings to any member (photographer, artist or model) from our contact list, as to any upcoming events, gallery shows, retreats and when we do have group or privet photo sessions (paid or for photo trade).
IMAGE MAKER OF THE SELF
Dolls make a perfect subject for inquiries into symbols.
They are products of the contemporary commercial image making industry, the same industry that produced Ronald Regan, Madonna, Nintendo and the Vietnam Conflict.
To most people an image-making doll can be a consumer crafting reality, a symbol of buying power, profit, revenue streams and a secular idol known in the corporate world simply as�a "Cash cow".
But dolls are more then just that�they are about a protective helper, a map of the world, a guide, a model, a toy and a tool. These are fictions, yet they are as real as the air we breathe.
Dolls are nearly ubiquitous, crossing international and religious borders; available to children, so is a part of their education, growth into expectations, materialism, body, shape, style, fashion, values and traditions of a consumeristic society, demonstrating social power, fears, humanity, femininity, or masculinity, and self-definition.
By believing in this image, one can re-make them, or convince themselves that they are closer to success, safety or love.
In play, a sense of story telling is rekindled, a sense that by the flickering of candles, campfires, flashlights and incandescent light stories of history, success, battles, survival, death and love are told.
Inscribed with the knowledge and the survival skills of past generations, silently teaching a way of living and storing accumulated beliefs for future generations.
This is the thread that binds generations and furthers the knowledge of cultures.
A different way of seeing, thinking and of believing can create a whole new world, traditions or culture.
Societies live and die by these beliefs.
What stories does your doll tell for you?
(A protector, warrior, lover, teacher or just�a friend?)
JB Sabin
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