The Uses of Pleasure

The title is taken from Michel Foucault's Second Volume of the History of Sexuality which I'm reading again now during the lockdown in India.

I found a plate with very erotic decoration!

And so I reproduced it, several times and in several versions!

"the gods walk among us"

I began work on this piece in 2013. I took what remains of the Roman bath in Bath England (in high definition photographs), and attempted to restore it to its former glory when it was used by Romans for bathing and, well, my fantasy got out control. There are several visual puns. Can you find them? The heels, the sex toys, the Nikon camera. There are more than 600 layers for those addicted to Photoshop.

The title was inspired by one of my favorite poems by "One of Their Gods" by C.P. Cavity.

The full sized work measures 48" wide, but obviously it requires a particular place for display, so it can be modified. If you are interested please don't hesitate to contact me directly.

"Who will be Mr. Universe? Let's check out the guys at the gym."

Yeah, let's check out the guys at the gym!

I was taken by the great composition of "Who will be Mr. Universe?" But my imagination is a bit more baroque and I've added some color.

I hope Tom can forgive my Photoshop embellishments! The piece is 3 feet by 3 feet in full size, and is available. Contact me directly.

Taggers and cruising and sluts

Not that any of that necessarily hangs together at all, but it might.

Even with clothes on, some of Tom’s men have dicks that just pop out of their jeans, or chaps, or jockstraps, and with Photoshop, they can take that leap.

I like the allure of dark alleys, but I also like what tag artists have added. So I added it.

Physique Pictorial! This time loggers just hanging out.

Some of Tom's work was in a booklet form called "Physique Pictorial."
I found a couple of loggers hanging out.

I wondered if they'd look much different in this day and age, what with Photoshop and all. 

Tom's On the Road Again

Of course his favorite mode of transportation, motorcycle and hitchhiking! I found a sketch of a guy who had a particular appeal, and so I engineered a meeting on a deserted highway.

And they will of course "Play Safe."

Tom cruises the Bus Station in Porto, Portugal

When I visited the blue-tiled Bus Station in Porto, Portugal, I immediately knew that Tom's men had to join me, and even if Mr. Muscle wore matching underwear, it would still look butch--enough!

Roman Forum, after Tom

In my mind's eye, Giovanni Battista Piranesi took Tom on a tour of the ancient Roman Forum. Of course Tom brought with him some appreciation for Italian men that Piranesi may have appreciated. And I added the color that neither men much used.

Homage to Tom

To Touko “Tom” Laaksonen,
Thanks so much for the great ride! You inspired us to live “out” our gay lives freely, and celebrate our love for other men. . . .
With admiration, Ken

#tomoffinlandfoundation

The original work by Tom

Tom of Finland meets Paul Cadmus

I tried to imagine Tom of Finland

visiting the studio of Paul Cadmus 

And being inspired to add some color!

Valerie's Dream

I painted this many years ago for Valerie Bianquis. 

SLUT Graffiti