Local photographer Joe Mays has been shooting artistic nude photography in Louisville for about seven years. He began with a series of photographs featuring nude models on whom he projected abstract images before he moved on to explore new image ideas like black lights and body paint. His explorations have paid off as he has been selected to showcase his work in many local galleries like Regalo, Kaviar, Gallery M, Derby City Expresso, OPEN and Blue Heron. He's recently received the honor of having two of his pieces selected for "Nude Nite," which is claimed to be the largest art show in America devoted to the nude figure in art.
"It's difficult to get one piece accepted in to the show, because they receive submissions from all over the world," said Mays. "You're only allowed to submit two images, and I was surprised that both of mine were accepted! That's kind of unheard of."
The national art show encompasses visual, performance, multimedia and installation art. There are two showings: one in Orlando from February 12-14 and one in Tampa from March 5-7. Mays' pieces have been accepted to both shows, making it an even bigger honor for the photographer.
"I submitted to both shows last year," he said. "I only had one piece accepted to one show. Another artist in Florida I know was floored I got a piece accepted my first time submitting at all, because many artists submit for years and fail to get accepted. I didn't expect them to accept any of my work this year, much less two."
The two pieces submitted are from a new series that Mays was working on in the last part of 2014. The photos are meant to be hung in groups, so he wants to finish processing the images and get at least 12 printed before he displays the series somewhere local (around the end of March). Several galleries have expressed an interest.
"The series is called 'All The Time There Is,'" he said. "The photographs feature a woman isolated and alone in empty space while sitting or hanging from a bar. She gazes up or down, trying to discern something in the endless space above and below her."
That woman is Jorden "Flo Jo" Duvall, a beautiful burlesque, fire and aerial performer. Jorden has performed solo and with performance troupes like the Va Va Vixens. The tall, blonde and fit model was once overweight, so she grew up with a lot of body shame and low self esteem. She says her relationship with Mays has been parallel to her ability to open up and be the person she wants to be.
"He is my creative soul mate," said Duvall. "The very first picture he took of me happened when he came to a show I was performing in. When I saw the finished product, it was the first time I really saw myself as the performer I wanted to be. I had just started my career on the stage so that meant everything to me. He captured something in me that I had hoped would come through some day. It was as if I could see my future through this photo."
Mays was recently featured on Body Language arts blog and has also had his work showcased in Washington DC, Indianapolis, multiple galleries in New York, Chicago and in Lexington. He says his booth at Oranje Arts Festival was one of the most frequented due to various interactive activities like "clothing optional" photo booths and body painting. Since he spends so much time immersed in the nude arts and shooting at burlesque shows, he also contributes regularly to Burlesque Bitch Ezine (under the name Alien Twilight Photography). You can see more of his fine art by visiting his web site or Facebook page.
Photography Header: Door #8 Right: All The Time There Is #2 by Joe Mays, Alien Twilight Photography
