My father has been both physically absent from my life as well as mentally absent from my thoughts. Having grown up with just my mother and brothers, I have accepted the father figure as non-existent in my life. This fatherly absence has instigated a fetishization of the father’s role in the family. I undertook a detailed study and analysis of gay ‘bear’ culture and issues surrounding the male body within bear culture. The ideals of masculinity in this group are defined by body mass and body/facial hair. A lot of men who participate in the gay bear culture fit into my emotional and mental depiction of a father, but I am also sexually attracted to their physical selves. This definitely forces the audience to consider issues of sexuality and family, and the complications behind it, but I am also interested in exploring the metaphorical idea of incest with my interest in the “Daddy Bears” and me as their “son”. With this interest, I am looking at the placement of my mother and my “daddy” into the same context, challenging the views of how we see and construct family.
Tim as Daddy (Strength)
2008
30 x 30 inches
Archival Pigment Inkjet Print
Kris as Daddy (Bearer of Gifts)
2008
30 x 30 inches
Archival Pigment Inkjet Print
Bob as Daddy (Tradition)
2008
30 x 30 inches
Archival Pigment Inkjet Print
Jon as Daddy (Structure)
2008
30 x 30 inches
Archival Pigment Inkjet Print
Mark as Daddy (Knowledge)
2008
30 x 30 inches
Archival Pigment Inkjet Print
Not a lot of people that have experienced homosexual attractions would describe its roots and development within themselves the way you have. I find it very refreshing and helpful. Thank You