WTF?… Part II

Why “HUNK" and not “ hot, sexy or studs?”

According to my Merriam-Webster dictionary, HUNK is a noun:
1. Slang - A sensually attractive man with a well-developed physique.

I, however, never refer to my subjects as HUNKS!

In the beginning, when HunkHunters and clubLENU started to receive attention from magazine reporters and television talk shows, I hired a publicist for advice. She insisted that I also hire an attractive female spokesperson. And when interviewed, she was to always refer to the male models as hot, sexy or studs! And I was not to be the creator of these two projects… but, merely, the photographer/creative director that was hired by this attractive female spokesperson. Her reasoning was that… my presence would give the project “negative” overtones and make it impossible for her the sell to the mainstream media! Well, being deceptive goes against every fiber of my being. But she was the professional and I didn’t want any of my decisions to negatively impact clubLENU or HunkHunters.

Since then, I’ve grown up! Besides, I believe that honesty is always the best policy! As an artist, how I express myself, has to be true to my nature on all levels. Though, I completely understand the impulse to label the subjects of my provocative images as hot, sexy studs! Honestly, I’ve always despised those characterizations! Not only are they very much overused… they are flagrant mischaracterizations of who these men really are!

The Men of clubLENU are from such diverse, ordinary backgrounds… , yet, they understand and believe in my vision! They are courageous, kind and trusting! Though, we thoroughly enjoy exploring and developing the ideas that evolves into each image… my true gratification comes from personally experiencing each man’s metamorphosis. A cardiologist, deputy sheriff, chemist, salesman, student, etc… are willing to go far beyond their comfort levels to embody my vision of the ultimate subject of erotic male art! There is something very beautiful about their unconditional eagerness to be completely open and vulnerable. The Men of clubLENU are artists that express a beauty that extends beyond their obvious physical attributes… in body, mind and spirit!

The success of our efforts depend upon our ability to recruit the most attractive male subjects possible. Being physically attractive is a gift and the medium I use to create intimidating, provocative and sensual images.

Now, this definitely falls under the category of TMI: But, in the spirit of full disclosure and to better understand my madness… I often study very attractive men that I’ve been around on a regular basis and the reactions that they elicit. I see them as… mysterious works of art… curious contradictions that are discreetly revered! According to most in our society, men are not suppose to evoke any appreciation for their physical attributes. And, I found that very few will make open acknowledgements or flattering comments. Somehow, it was understood that this would be inappropriate. I, however, never got that memo! Instead, I’ve attempted to capture the beauty that I see through the use of various art disciplines… photography has been the most rewarding.

Photography… without question, is the most perfect art form to capture split second moments of aesthetic quality that appeals to the senses. I shoot with the intention of stimulating thoughts and emotions! And, after years of observing the natural affect that very attractive men have on ordinary people, the goal of my art has been to elicit a similar reaction from those that are observing my work. While in Europe, I experimented with male nude sculpture, figure drawing and oil painting, to no avail! I was very young, and, at the time, considered photographs of nude/semi-nude men to be more pornographic than artistic. It wasn’t until I saw the provocative male images of Victor Skrebneski that I realized that I could achieve this aim through the art of photography. Developing my own individual style took years of testing with a variety of subjects and lighting techniques…

HunkHunters International and clubLENU were created for everyday men and women who appreciate my vision and who would enjoy sharing this interest with other like minded men and women from around the world. HunkHunters International and clubLENU should be allowed to evolve as freely as their predecessors! The joy that we have already experienced… I wish for everyone who is moved to participate! The projects have absolutely nothing to do with sexual preferences!

The only “G” word that I want us to concern ourselves with is GRATITUDE!

...Let us always be grateful for whatever degree of success we are able to achieve as a team that respect each other’s unique individuality.

...Let us always be grateful for the special gifts that we possess and are able to share with others.

...Let us always be grateful for any opportunity that we have to make a difference.