Sunday, September 25, 2016

40: the year of why the hell not

Shoog McDaniel, artist. Known for photographs of southern queers and feral kids, often in nature.

So, Friday afternoon, Shoog turned up at my house with their camera and we got in my car and headed out to my mom's place in the country. She'd been alerted as to plans and asked to make venison meatloaf and greeted us warmly. I gave the tour of the house, warned mama off the back porch, and shucked my tshirt and shorts. 

"Does everyone laugh when they take their clothes off?" I asked. Yes, they do. 

I stripped down to my skivvies and sat where Shoog told me to sit. Propped my arms behind my head or set my hands on my belly. Flashed all my ink. Talked about various fat rolls and how your body changes over time.

We wandered upstairs and took some on a bed. We hung out on the front porch off mama's bathroom. I watched cars speed by and never look over to realize I was out enjoying my skin.

"Does anyone ever not want to put their clothes back on after?" I asked. Yes, sometimes.

It's only for everyone else's sake that I ever wear more than what I had on that day (which I have on now). But there's so much gender and size and class mixed up in casual nudity. So I said to hell with it, and now I'm art. I've checked out my photos on Shoog's instagram, and the comments are flattering.

Oh, and mama's meatloaf was damn good, too. 

13 comments:

  1. How is this artist not world famous? Absolutely beautiful, brilliant and amazing.

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    1. Agreed. I'd been wanting to get in front of their lens for a while.

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  2. I went to instagram (my first ever visit - aren't I hip?)and I was gobsmacked! You friend is one VERY talented photographer, simply amazing shots.

    And your photos? Honey, aside from all the other beauty parts....your smile is priceless!

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  3. I loved the photos of you Hank.

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  5. These are fab. I love them. And the rest are amazing too - what a great collection to be part of.

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  6. You are so cool Hank. Lovely pics. I would love to hear a story about all your tats. I'm still trying to work up the bravery to get a Buddha tat on my wrist. Oh the comments that will get.. about offending people of religion, etc... I'm glad you wrote. I check multiple times a day.

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    1. Get the tat. I'm saving up to get my knuckles done, finally. I would write more, but I feel like my day to day life isn't worth much reporting in.

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  7. We could pose topics if you're open, like stories behind your tats. And it seems like your background is fascinating that would be great to hear more about. And I bet you are super popular so you could feature your friends with their permission I guess🤓

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