Sasha

Well, I think part of the whole "art" thing is it allows you to express things that you can't necessarily put into words, or even cohesive thoughts, and I personally believe that it's fine, if not inevitable, for a piece to mean something slightly different to each individual viewer. The artist's intent may or may not have much to do with how someone with a different personality and a different life's experience perceives it and I think that's actually pretty cool. Although I have to admit my innate desire to be correct sometimes interferes with my ability to allow for interpretations I really don't agree with or like. 😅 And yeah, the mask really is inspired. It look incredibly sexy for some reason. It has similar objectification characteristics and strictness potential as a full hood, way more than a simple blindfold, and yet, the tantalizing glimpse of the ear, neck and jawline feels far more feminine and makes you all the more curious about the face underneath and what else might be going on in there. The design looks basically like a protective ballistics mask without eyeholes (although in my mind, this one is a stone representation of one covered and lined with fine white leather rather than being bare plastic), so it's not like it's a very far-fetched concept, but I've never seen it used in a BDSM context before, making it really unique. Brilliant! If nobody is selling anything like this, someone should take the business opportunity.

Capt'n Frydog

Thanks, Severian! Only Sasha herself has all the answers. I'm always pleased with the ones where I can make the audience think a little bit, and I feel like I got lucky and bullseyed this one, in that regard.

Thanks, Capt'n! I appreciate the feedback for sure. I was pretty proud of the idea for this when it came to mind, so I'm very glad to hear that it works. As usual, I don't have a "correct" answer for the questions this piece might bring, I leave all that to the audience. I'll admit that I was pretty happy with the idea of the mask, as it was originally just going to be a blindfold. But the mask idea occurred relatively late in the game and I think it helps make the peice.

You might have to clue me in! I'll admit that my train of thought didn't roll any farther than what you see.

Thanks, Doc!

It’s wonderful to see Sasha at work again, especially with such a deep piece, as Capt’n Frydog notes. To add to the psychological analysis the Capt’n gave us, I find Sasha’s sculpture visually reminds me of Nike, or The Winged Victory of Samothrace, from Ancient Greece. Psychologically, that could represent Sasha’s “victory” over her sexuality, or at least her acceptance of it; or is it even any sort of self-portrait at all? Who can say, just another layer of the cake…very creative and unique piece!

No, not at all, Capt’n! I think it’s great that you are jumping in with your ideas. I think the more folks that do express their ideas, the better the experience is for everyone, and can only be helpful to Andy especially. Plus, I certainly enjoy reading what others have to say as much as putting my two cents in. And Sev is fine…just don’t tell the Autarch.

I'm not nearly as good or consistent at this a Severian, so don't worry that I'm trying to take your place, Sev (can I call you Sev?) It's just the last two pieces really inspired me!

Capt'n Frydog

Wow, this one is amazing, but in a different way than the Maisey one was. It's a lot simpler at first glace, but then, not really. It also has great lighting and composition, but I feel there something really psychological going on here, too. Sasha's statue is towering over her, implying to me that her sexuality is bigger than she is. If the statue represents her sexuality, then the fact that she's in bondage also implies that she feels her sexuality controls her, she can't escape her own reactions to being bound like that, and the statue definitely looks like the bound angel is aroused. Yet, at the same time it IS an angel and one of her wings is spread protectively over Sasha, implying that her sexuality also makes her feel safe, for all that it's bigger than her and controls her. The mask might represent that it's not just Sasha that feels this way, but it could be any woman under that mask. It's sounding a little confused because I realize now that it's a psychological layer cake of what's going on it Sasha's head when she's creating that statue and what's going on in the viewer's head when looking at the picture, and finally, what may have been going on in your head as you created this piece, but I won't presume to try and analyze that here... 😏 I feel like I could even go on, or that others might see something different to some degree, which just makes it all the more interesting.

Capt'n Frydog

I think I can see what is coming next...

jcDiD

I think you're right. I really love the style. ❤️

Marley Davies

Nice one Andy.

Doctor Dweeb

Thanks, Marley! It's a bit different for sure, maybe a bit like my older stuff, perhaps.

This is fantastic, Andy. What an interesting situation! I'd love to see Sasha's model for her piece. ❤️❤️❤️

Marley Davies