Has the fact that you're gay influenced your art at all? For instance, has it had any bearing on the
meaning of your art?
I'm sure it has. When you are a part of a minority, when you are "different," you look at the world
a bit differently. When I realized I was gay I didn't see why it would make any difference
whatsoever. Of course, a bit later I learned that being different always comes with a price, no
matter what kind of different you happen to be. Seeing things from a perspective where you are
ready to allow everyone to be the way they are while your kind is constantly, often publicly,
judged ridiculed and theorized... that has certainly affected me on every single level, including my
art.
As an outspoken gay activist, do you try to convey any particular message through your visual
art?
Acceptance of self and others. Not being ashamed of yourself. In this world we don't often get
the chance to truly discover who we are. We are too busy living up to the expectations of others.
Strip away all the social conditioning. Get naked. Expose yourself to yourself.
Is gay erotic art your genre of preference? If so, why?
I feel comfortable with it though I am not solely a gay erotic artist. My main focus is more
diverse. I am proud to paint gay erotic art when I paint it, it's personal and comes from a real
place. Gay art will always remain central to some extend but painting other figurative works and
abstracts is equally important to me.
As an artist, how would you describe the male body?
Perfection. When I say that I don't want women to think I don't appreciate the female form. I think
overall the human anatomy is a magical perfect thing.
You had the first solo exhibit of your gay art at Rupla last summer. Can you tell us about it?