Hi Josephine! It’s really lovely to have such a sweet, enthusiastic and passionate new Artist at AOS! We’d love to get to know you more…let’s pick your mind! In your profile, you describe yourself as a visual artist. Tell us what kinds of art you enjoy…

I need art to be tactile…items I want to reach out and touch, caress, feel their emotion and energy – even though – oops, that’s not allowed! Soft, floaty, feminine objects…or even something that stings. I appreciate an obvious display of craft or skill, however recently, I’m learning to appreciate the more performative and subtle forms of art-making.

Like what?

For the former, it can encompass anything from delicate embroidery to luscious textiles. Art that “stings”, well…my first thought is neon sign work. The latter…I supposed I’ve been mulling over what reactions would occur when a typical art audience is faced with live or recorded BDSM. Heavy play. Not as porn, but as portraiture. Say, a lady’s face in the midst of subspace. Replacing the erotic gaze with a purely aesthetic one.

It’s amazing to see your mind work that way – so different from my own practical and linear way of thinking and viewing the world. I guess art is made by thinking outside the box and discovering meaning and aesthetics where there were none before. See, I’m thinking and learning already!

Do you have any favorite artists who explore our favorite topics of gender, alternative sexuality, BDSM and kink? Point us in the right direction…

Ooh well, let’s see…I’ve always admired Ghada Amer’s work. She embroiders porn over and over until it’s one big, suggestive mess. Images from a typically masculine field with a more feminine craft to it is always very appealing. Kara Walker – she’s always been one of my favorite explorers of race and gender. And of course there’s Frida Kahlo who gave us a raw glimpse into her bisexual, unapologetic life.

When it comes to the classically kinky, Robert Mapplethorpe’s S&M photos and Tom of Finland’s leatherdaddy drawings will always have a special place in my heart.

So for our AOS commissioned piece, what do you visualize? Give us a hint…puh-lease?

I’ve been playing with found porn…not unlike the magazines we all hid under our beds as teens. Ha! Cutting images and collaging them into something beautiful – on the surface resembling a bouquet of flowers – but with naughty bits scattered about just ready to be discovered. Of course, I plan on combining it with my signature lace and floral additions…so we’ll see…

Eek! Hopping with excitement! I’ll have to remember to share it with readers when it’s complete…if they are lucky!

As an artist (and an Artist), what do you think of submission as an art form? How do you bring art into your style of submission?

No reason why scenes have to be separate from being an art-lover. We have bodies, colors, outrageous costumes, and the occasional performance through role-play. The build-up and the atmosphere have the potential to not only be enjoyable for both parties, but aesthetically interesting.

Also, I recently began toying around with some self-portraiture so extending my sensations or discovering new scenes has been illuminating for me. In subspace, I consistently discover surprising things about what both my mind and body are capable of. Overall, my sessions provide great material.

Can you give us an example of something you’ve learned about yourself, and how you’d incorporate them into your art?

I’ve discovered through BDSM that I’m a budding adrenaline fiend. By challenging myself I have found release not unlike what I feel post-workout or post-yoga – euphoria flowing from my body’s endurance. I am discovering new-found strength through my submission. This energy makes me eager to create.

What inspires you during your scenes? If you are a blank canvas, how do you decide what mediums to work with? Or is the client the blank canvas?

Well, I’m open to tons of different sorts of play scenes. I’m like a canvas positioned next to a loaded palette. What inspires me most is pinpointing what makes a client click then committing to their fantasy, really accentuating and realizing their particular kink. I find joy in succeeding, and contentment and regard when I realize I have the ability to assist someone in what they may have at one time considered dark, secretive or even shameful. It’s inspiring to help change those emotions into something fun, fruitful, and mutually enjoyable!

You’ve switched both at dungeons and independently. How would you say the two are different?

Working at a dungeon can be exciting- you never know who’s going to walk into that door, literally! You had your masochists, adult babies, pony players, smoking fetishists, and oh gosh…it was only noon!

But working independently allows for more flexibility in activities depending on what kind of chemistry you have and create with your partner.

Is there anything you miss about Domming at a dungeon?

I suppose it’s a tie between the hot Domme eye candy and the equipment closet!

With such a diverse range of scenes, do you ever worry about miscommunication or mismanagement of expectations?

Since I sub hard in my personal life, I actually never found myself at odds within a client’s scene. Playing hard teaches you the ins and outs of negotiation and communication. But so many clients are novices who want to experiment lightly, and it’s a pleasure to shed light on what was intimidating before. They are always so happy to learn, and I learn right along with them! On the rare occasion when I am approached with heavier sessions, I am particular. I reserve more ambitious sessions with experienced players. Nonetheless, I always enjoy exploring with the curious!

I do remember you mentioning before that you are mostly submissive in your private life. How are you able to navigate the dichotomy of switching in your professional life?

I’m naturally very submissive so Domming is seductive because it is an opportunity to play a character. The aesthetic is alluring, of course, and I am a bit of a leather fetishist. However, the skill set is what truly fascinates me – attending Shibari classes, exploring electrical equipment, perfecting the crack on my whip. Being submissive, while challenging for its obvious reasons, isn’t something I had to work up to. As a Domme, I find the transactional nature near inherent to the experience – it is an act of tribute…you don’t deserve my discipline. The professionalism for me is part of the appeal and the respect. After all, I found my inner Domme and acquired the skill set…while there’s plenty more to learn always, if you feel like you’ve studied a degree…well, you want to work.

So what kind of scenes do you enjoy as a top versus as a bottom?

I enjoy receiving heavy impact play, and since I’m often on the bottom…well it’s always a treat to reverse the roles, wield those tools, and watch an ass turn red! Working with a true masochist is such a pleasure. Playing games and setting goals for a sub is always fun…and what switch doesn’t relish in having her legs worshiped?

One of the most vivid and favorite memories of you is when we were at that fetish/BDSM/Swing/burner party, and I volunteered you to be flogged/suspended/electrocuted/set on fire. You were squealing and giggling throughout! It was adorable and sexy at the same time! How do you keep that adventurous kink spirit alive?

I mentioned in my interview that I consider myself a “playful” sub. That time – perfect example of what I mean by that! I’m such a masochist, but I do sincerely enjoy the sensation of pain. I may wince under a cane but then will giggle a few moments later from a flogger grazing my back. Basically, I have a lot of fun in subspace…it’s not all meditative and punitive for me. People can be too serious. I’m bent over ready for a spanking because I love it!

Gives new meaning to “love hurts”!

And finally, a fun question to end the day. If you had one wish right now, what would it be?

Always daydreaming about travel and my next great meal. But then there’s this…

Ooo lala! To book a session with Artist Josephine, click here, and watch her transform herself!