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Brian
Mackey
Originally
born in Chicago, Illinois, Brian Mackey relocated to the great state of
Texas as a teenager. It is easy to see that state's influence on him as an
artist; just like the state itself, Brian has a long and colorful history
and while Texas lost their petition to become there own country and
eventually had to become a member of the union, Brian Mackey joins no one
set group of photographers or style of photography. After moving to
Florida, and then later living in Louisiana, this misplaced cowboy made
his living breaking all the rules in fine art nude and figure photography.
Brian first came to prominence while living in Louisiana showing and
selling his black and white creations in New Orleans. Although a
technically brilliant photographer and a student of Ansel Adams zone
system lighting style and techniques, Brian has turned in his 4 x 5 film
roots and now shoots in the digital medium.
When I first met Brian, he didn't know the difference between a fetish
cross and a crucifix or the difference between a Domme and a Sub.
How rare it is for an outsider to gain acceptance to such a secretive and
close knit society, and pick up knowledge and content so quickly. Also
gaining the trust amongst some of the biggest names on the east coast in
fetish modeling. It is tragic to think that we almost lost this
self-taught prodigy of photography years to soon. Due to death of his
bride of 16 years who was also his only muse, he battles demons as tough
and scary as the prince of darkness himself. Brian has some how been able
to hold the past at bay, and battle back. It appears that he has made
peace with the some of the demons that once haunted him, yet so many still
remain, as some of his images clearly show.
When viewing a photograph from Brian, the viewer sees no elaborate sets,
no fancy studio, no sheik settings, or extra frills that have made other
photographers who they are. With Brian the viewer sees an honest sometimes
painful image that can only be interpreted as the artist's highest highs
and his lowest lows. His images no matter how hauntingly disturbing can
only be interpreted by this writer as "The Truth".
I am proud to call him one of the world's best upcoming fetish
photographers, my friend, and my mentor. While the role of teacher and
student are constantly changing between the two of us, what remains is an
incredible friendship, something rare in today's climate. After knowing
and working with Brian for what some days feel like years and other days
feels like we just met, I am forced to think of a line from an old Willie
Nelson song.......
"Them"
that don't know him won't like him,
And "them" that do,
Sometimes, won't know how to take him,
He ain't wrong he's just different,
and his pride won't let him,
do things to make you think he's right.
His
images much like the song passage can leave you with a melancholy smile,
bitter sadness, distain, contempt, or great joy. In all his work you will
find, "truth in the life" of Brian Mackey.
--
by L.C. Wilson Jr. (Misfit Studios)
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