Here’s my second shoot with this handsome dancer, an individual who doesn’t know the term: “can’t do it”. He is always seeking the ultimate expression, even in the most difficult locations.
This is Armani!
Shortly after working with him in Detroit, he enthusiastically wanted to do more. So weeks later off we went to Gary, Indiana!
Likewise, this was my second shoot with this city and its sad blight always moves me. Like Detroit, it was the epitome of the American Dream. A city that helped shape our country with its industry, populated by the working class, displaying its wealth in its civic works and was ultimately destroyed by greed.
Into this scenario Armani continued his amazing job, bringing emotion and content to these desolate places. I feel an exciting connection to this man. He seems to understand my objective. It’s a difficult task since I tend to work outside the norm of the mainstream gay art world.
And that’s the fun of working with another creative. You are two artists working in collaboration. Nothing can equate that exhilarating sense of invention!
Only a small handful of my models have had the level of visible comfort that Armani presents. He seems to adapt to these places like they were familiar to him.
And that is so important to my work. There really needs to exist a complete integration between man and location. They need to coexist, yet work together.
I have been blessed with men like Armani. Their confidence and artistic spirit truly helps making my job much easier. And I have a great collection of images to prove our cooperative commitment.
In another month, I get to work with this guy again. I can’t wait to see what we make this time!
Armani is on Instagram @itsarmanirey.