dimensions variable
 
This series highlights guest curator invited artist's own words about the work they've done for this year's Seattle Erotic Art Festival. Today's artist: Shaun Kardinal


As with the most of the other works in my ongoing series of self-portraits, this photo was taken immediately after finding solace in the mirror of my bathroom and seeing (or perhaps sensing) that all was as it should be. Knowing these moments are not mine alone, I hope to capture some semblance of them to share my experience. I hold on to the feeling as I prepare – camera, film, tripod, shutter-release cable – and continue to ponder the chain of thoughts which brought me there. In this particular instance, it was the sting of the mouthwash I had originally hoped to capture. However, as I continued through the roll, spitting and pouring anew with each advanced exposure, the pain left my mouth. Dulled there, I soon found a lingering burn in my eyes. In this final shot on the roll, I continued to pour an excess of the stringent fluid, allowed it to trickle past my jaw and onto my chest. Only then, as both the burn and relief reached different parts of my skin, did I come back to that place, where was I fully reminded that everything was ok.
This sort of moment might not immediately strike many as being erotic- but upon close inspection, the process parallels many aspects of a sexual encounter with oneself–an intriguing moment puts in motion an instinctual series of events; sometimes frustrating, other times emotional, always aiming for climax. (Hell, even afterwards there's the cleanup and occasional remorse.) Sharing this moment can be voyeuristic, even if it is only a representation of a moment.

As someone whose upbringing was repressed sexually, I found my first experience attending SEAF nothing short of glorious. I mean, come on–it's a celebration of sexual and artistic release! Strange and often perfect bedfellows, those two. 

I look forward to seeing the interpretations other invited artists bring to the festival. Also Waxie Moon.
Picture
Shaun Kardinal, Spearmint (detail) 2009/10 silver gelatin print
image courtesy of the artist
 


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Dimensions Variable by Sharon Arnold is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.