What is this?
The initial idea for this series was close-up painted portraits of the faces people make when they “come”, but it very quickly became clear that I am in fact interested in a more broad representation of release, as the individual sees it or defines it (but sticking in the sexual/erotic arena… I don’t really want to include, for example, shooting guns to blow off steam— though, now that I’ve written that, it almost sounds prudish? Maybe most people who shoot guns to blow off steam do it as a highly-charged sensual activity. It almost seems wrong to define it at all.) I initially figured I would definitely include some moments that don’t just focus on the face (hands and feet immediately came to mind, as well as the flush of a slap on skin), and I also think I’ll include painted representations of more textbook “pornographic” images/ penetration, etc. as well. I suppose I am trying to leave the description a bit vague for just this reason— it’s an interesting dialogue.
Shortly after embracing the idea of this project, I realized that it would be difficult for me to capture source images/ photo references myself, which is where the collaborative or subject-submission angle came from. I am asking you to send me an image of the moment you “let go”, from which I will create a painting (if it inspires one). I want this to be an inclusive project that I hope will result in a true reflection of the diversity of our shared (yet private) experience.
Does it have to be a shot of me/my face during sex (or climax)?
No. Any moment that you feel captures release or letting go (or fighting/suppressing that release, and the related tension!) as you experience it is definitely welcome, and I truly appreciate any and all interest. With explicit images and/or nudity (or the absence of it)-- totally your call: whatever feels true to you.
What kind of images are you looking for?
As far as size: for more realistic work, higher-res images are ideal, but some of my favorite work has also come from small, blurry, dark, "bad", even abstracted photos-- they just leave more open to interpretation. Although I generally work in color, black and white images are also welcome.
What happens to the photographs I submit?
You would maintain all rights and ownership of your original photographs (and the current plan is that the source photos won’t be shown, though, should that plan ever change I would check with each person on a case-by-case basis and only include those photos, properly credited, as people wished), and your finished portrait and/or the collaborators page can link back to you if you like.
Can I submit anonymously?
As far as the published or displayed paintings are concerned, they can be anonymous if you wish. At this time, I have not figured out a way for the actual submissions to be anonymous (or, only as anonymous as the sender’s email address). There may be some legal challenges to anonymous submission that warrant further research (What if a minor sends me a sexually explicit picture? What if someone sends me work that is actually copyright-protected by someone else?). I am personally absolutely fine with anonymous submissions, but I will need to figure out a way that an anonymous person can say "I own this image, and I consent to the use of it as reference material for this project".
Where is your other work?
You can see my other work at mollypeck.com
Anything else I should know?
DO NOT submit images containing nudity if you are under 18 (21 in some states)-- this is a creative collaborative painting project-- I don't want any of us to inadvertently break any laws! if you are under 18/21 and still wish to participate in the project, non-explicit nudity-free explorations of the theme are completely welcome!
Please only submit images that are your own work/property. If you aren't working solo/ shooting self-portraits (any folks helping photograph one another for this project) please ensure that both parties (photographer and subject) consent to the use of the image as reference for a painting in the Pornographic Portrait Project.