Beautiful

Chemistry

CHEMISTRY IS, BY DEFINITION, A SCIENCE. IT IS THE SCIENCE THAT DEALS WITH PROPERTIES, STRUCTURE OF SUBSTANCES AND COMPOSITION. IS THE PROCESS THAT DESCRIBES THE TRANSFORMATION OF ELEMENTS AND COMPOUNDS AND THE ENERGY RELEASED OR ABSORBED DURING THAT PROCESS. BUT CHEMISTRY IS SO MUCH MORE THAN THAT. CHEMISTRY IS ALSO THE RELATION BETWEEN TWO OR MORE PEOPLE. THE MOMENT WHEN YOU MEET SOMEONE AND EVERYTHING FALLS IN PLACE. THE FEELING YOU GET KNOWING EVERYTHING IS HOW IT IS SUPPOSED TO BE.

Chemistry – the magic that happens when a photographer and his subject first meet and instantly are on the same wavelength. When Dan Simoneau, a Wisconsin photographer, met Mykoal through another of his models, he didn’t know what to expect or how the shoot would go. Mykoal wasn’t an experienced model. After a series of standard portrait photos in suit and tie, the shoot loosened up. The magic started.

Dan uses his photos as subject matter for his paintings. His models come from all over the country to spend a weekend with him doing one or more shoots with several themes based on the painting series Dan is working on or plans to work on. This shoot with Mykoal happened during one of those weekends.

Mykoal is an amateur photographer and aspiring model who lived in Iowa at the time. His mixed ethnicity gives him an striking look and a captivating skin tone, two characteristics which Dan noticed right away. Dan told me that Mykoal was at ease, but also had lots of pent-up energy coming into the shoot. The energy was palpable. While many models may have restrictions on what they’ll do for a photographer, Mykoal is very comfortable with who he is and had no inhibitions or restrictions. With that as a guideline, Dan had the opportunity to shoot images he had always wanted to shoot with other models but couldn’t. The images ranged from contemplative, to erotic, to very sensual, as you can see in this sampling from the shoot.

Dan has shown his work here on BeautifulMag a few times before and is excited to be sharing the results of this shoot with you. For those of you who may not be familiar with Dan and his work, he is a professional artist whose male figurative paintings have won many awards and have been exhibited and published worldwide. Dan is also an award-winning photographer who has exhibited his work internationally including several group exhibitions at New York City’s esteemed Salmagundi Club of which he is a member.

Dan’s paintings and photographs are all about lighting and “sculpting” form through light and shadow. Caravaggio is a big influence on Dan’s artwork, so strong contrasts of light and shadow are seen in most of his paintings and photographs. Because of this, Dan shoots most of his work in his studio with the drapes on the windows closed and all lighting coming from overhead and floor-level spots containing Ilumi® lights controlled for color and brightness with his iPad. Dan shoots using Nikon cameras. –BM-

To see more of Dan’s photographs, check out his photography website at www.point-of-view-imagery.com or his paintings at www.dsimoneau.com. You can also follow Dan on Instagram (dansimoneauisapnws), Tumblr (dsimoneau and pov-maleimagery), or Facebook (www.facebook.com/dansimoneauisap or www.facebook.com/pointofviewimagery.

DAN SIMONEAU PHOTOGRAPHY | BEAUTIFULMAG
DAN SIMONEAU PAINTINGS | BEAUTIFULMAG

Country Boy

I HAVEN’T DECIDED YET WHAT TO DO FOR MY SUMMER BREAK. ALL I KNOW IS I WANT TO MOVE SOUTH. SOAK UP SOME SUN AND RELAX. DO NOTHING BUT ENJOYING THE BEAUTY NATURE HAS TO OFFER US. THE ONLY THING I NEED TO FIGURE OUT NOW IS WHERE TO GO. BUT I START TO THINK ARGENTINA MIGHT BE A VERY GOOD POSSIBILITY.

There are some places on our planet that are of such imposing beauty it takes your breath away. In the country of Argentina for example. There you find, in the north on the border with Brazil, the Iguazu Falls, 2,7 kilometres wide and a towering 82 metres high. And in the south, in the Patagonia Valley, you find the Perito Moreno Glacier, a massive wall of ice, ever so slowly moving. Yes, there are some sights on earth that take your breath away and makes you realize how small we are in the scheme of things. No wonder that Gastohn Barrios finds inspiration in this overwhelming beauty of nature.

Gastohn Barrios is a photographer born in Buenos Aires. Due to his modeling career, he lived several years in the United States, Chile, Spain and finally ended up in Brazil, where his activities gradually moved from the front of the camera to be placed behind it. In 2009, after spending nearly half-life around the world, he returned to his birthplace. Located in Buenos Aires he creates photographs that mix a strong sense of sensuality and stylish fashion all in his own artistic style. His work has been published in numerous international magazines and in June 2014 he won the fifth Annual Photo Contest of NEXT Magazine of New York, resulting in his work being exhibited at the Leslie-Loham Museum in that city. Also that year, he earned his first cover of the important Brazilian magazine JUNIOR. But it is mostly through the Internet that Gastohn’s work is becoming increasingly popular on global scale.

Over the past years we have enjoyed several editorials by the hand of Gastohn Barrios and what stands out is the fact he always finds a perfect balance of fashion, male physique and the beautiful nature of his home country. His latest series Country Boy is no exception. Argentina is a big country and the landscape dramatically varies from north to south. But Gastohn shows us that you don’t need to travel to the extremes to find beautiful places. Country Boy was shot in Buenos Aires Province. Having that said, I do admit that Buenos Aires Province is not just a small piece of land surrounding the capital city of Argentina. It’s a vast area of over 300,000 km2. But still.

As usual Gastohn shows us a connection or unity between nature and humans, represented by the human body. In this case the body belonging to Jorge Piantelli. Jorge is only 19 years old but already a much sought after model in his home country. I think the photos here explain why. Posing in jeans and jackets and Marco Marco underwear, Jorge Piantelli is Gastohn Barrios’ vision of the Argentine Country Boy, placed in his natural surroundings of pampas grass and poplar trees against a dusky sky backdrop. And all that makes my choice for this summer’s vacation destination all the easier. –BM-

GASTOHN BARRIOS | BEAUTIFULMAG
JORGE PIANTELLI | BEAUTIFULMAG

The Early Years

THERE ARE MANY REASONS WHY PEOPLE DECIDE TO START WORKING IN THE PORN INDUSTRY. SOME BECAUSE THEY NEED THE MONEY. OTHERS SIMPLY BECAUSE THEY LIKE HAVING SEX. ALEX MECUM DID IT BECAUSE HE NEEDED FREEDOM. A STRANGE REASON YOU THINK? NOT SO MUCH IF YOU KNOW MORE ABOUT THIS HOT AND RISING GAY ADULT ENTERTAINER.

Alexander Mecum was born and raised in Utah. A state that by itself already has the name of being conservative, but if you add to that that Alex was raised Mormon, you can imagine his has probably has quite a restricted childhood. It’s not all that bad though because it has made him what he is in more than one way. First the lack of freedom. When Alex entered the corporate world he had the opportunity to travel and see the world. Alex however decided to go back to school and realized pretty soon this came with limitations. The limitations of not being able to do the things he could do while keeping a job.

Alex is no idiot and knows very well that the world has a lot to offer. He was craving for freedom. Freedom to travel and to be able to do the fun things he wanted to do. Now I can hear you say that there are many opportunities to do that. For Alex Mecum however it was porn. The opportunity presented itself and he took it with both hands. Now the porn industry is not for everybody, and not everybody is suited for the porn industry. But Alex has something very few other adult actors have and we dare to say that that too is a result of his conservative childhood.

When being a blooming teenager, Alex Mecum developed a huge shame when it came to masturbation. Instead he would focus on sexual exercises and edging himself. The result is that he has an amazing ability to control his kegel muscles which guarantees amazing cumshots in his movies. That and of course his amazing looks, have made him one of the hottest and fastest rising stars in the gay adult industry over the past years.

Now leave it up to John Clum to always come up with a nice surprise. The moment Alex Mecum’s star is rising, John is able to pull some portraits out of his magic hat from a pre-porn era (well, on the edge I would say) from Alex. And who would we be if we would not share those with you. Especially as they are, as it is always the case with work coming from John Clum, absolutely worth seeing. We could call it Alex Mecum, the early years, showing an equally hot and sexy Alex with the only difference that he is – barely – covered. Enjoy, and know, there are more where these are coming from. –BM-

JOHN CLUM | BEAUTIFULMAG
ALEX MECUM | BEAUTIFULMAG

Merman

WHAT WOULD I GIVE TO LIVE WHERE YOU ARE. WHAT WOULD I PAY TO STAY HERE BESIDE YOU. WHAT WOULD I DO TO SEE YOU SMILING AT ME. WHERE WOULD WE WALK AND WHERE WOULD WE RUN IF WE COULD STAY ALL DAY IN THE SUN. JUST YOU AND ME AND I COULD BE A PART OF YOUR WORLD.

For centuries humanity has been captivated by the mysterious beings of the Mermaid or Sirene. A woman, and more rare cases man, half human, half ocean creature. Praised for their beauty, feared for their enchanting song that, according to legend, has lured many sailor to their untimely death. Possessing unrivaled beauty combined with a deep sadness for not being able to live their lives with other human beings.

Hans Christian Anderson wrote the famous tale of the Little Mermaid, who lived a seemingly happy life being one of the 6 daughters of Mer-King, until she turns 15. At that day, she is allowed to swim to the surface of the ocean and has a first glimpse of that fabled world inhabited by humans. Though hard to grasp the concept of an entire world existing above them, the Little Mermaid rises and when she breaks through the surface, the first thing she sees is a ship. And on that ship a group of happy people celebrating the birthday of a human prince. While staying at safe distance she witnesses a violent storm hitting the ship. Many perish but the mermaid is able to catch the unconscious prince in time and delivers him safely to the shore.

The experience has a profound effect on the young mermaid and when it takes root in her mind, she can’t shake vision of the handsome face of the prince and she desires with all her heart to see him again. Moreover, to walk the beach besides him. She learns all about humans and their differences and finds out that humans have a very short lifespan, but an eternal soul that will live on forever. Mermaid on the other hand can live for 300 years, but when they die they transform into sea foam. Making up her mind, the mermaid seeks out a sea-with who promises to help her under two conditions. She will have to sacrifice her beautiful voice and she will only obtain her eternal soul if she manages to secure the prince’s unconditional love. Moreover, she will grow legs but walking and dancing will feel like daggers piercing her feet.

Fairytales often have tragic ends and the Little Mermaid is no exception. The mermaid accepts the terms, takes the potion and transforms into a beautiful young girl. Washed up on shore the prince finds her and falls in love. Regardless of the fact the young girl is not able to speak, she becomes his closest companion. Until the prince’s parents, in order to secure the royal linage, force the prince to marry a neighboring princess. The prince does so and abandons mermaid, leaving her in great despair. She knows she will have to die. She throws herself into the sea and once her body is engulfed by the water, she transforms in seafoam.

Tragic stories are often the inspiration for beautiful works of art. Kris Micallef’s Merman is no exception to that. Kris was born in 1988 on the island of Malta and began his career in photography through his fascination with beauty and the human form. All represented in his Merman series. And maybe the fact he was raised on a beautiful island in the middle of the Mediterranean sea might also have inspired him for creating this specific set of photos. Kris graduated in Architecture and Civil Engineering in 2011 after reading for his degree at the University of Malta. His architectural background influences his photographs - order, geometry, light and beauty are keywords synonymous with Kris’ photography. Kris excels in both fine art photography as well as commercial photography having a particular interest in the world of fashion. His works have been published in various magazines in Europe, the Middle East and also the United States. And he has also sees his work being exposed –in various international exhibitions.

The story of the Little mermaid doesn’t end all that tragic actually. Yes, the young girl dies according to mermaid laws of nature, but only to realize that there is in fact another plain of existence. While dissolving into foam, she feels the warm sun and discovers that she has turned into a luminous and ethereal earthbound spirit, a daughter of the air. And in that form she is given the chance to earn her own soul by doing good deeds to mankind for 300 years and will one day rise up into the eternal kingdom. The moral of this ancient story is about choice. It’s about growing up and not giving in the social pressures and expectations but to choose to live your life the way you want it. And, no matter how things turn out, to never look back and never regret the choices you made. –BM-

KRIS MICALLEF | BEAUTIFULMAG

 

Dare to be different

OVER THE PAST YEARS WE HAVE PUBLISHED MANY EDITORIALS FEATURING THE WORK OF DUTCH PHOTOGRAPHER GERT KIST. WHICH SHOULD ALREADY BE AN INDICATION HOW MUCH WE APPRECIATE HIS WORK. NOT EVERYBODY AGREES WITH US THOUGH AND WE HAVE RECEIVED MESSAGES STATING HIS WORK IS UNINSPIRED. WE DARE TO DISAGREE. WE BELIEVE GERT DARES TO BE DIFFERENT. AND HE IS NOT THE ONLY ONE.

Leersum is a small town located in the middle of the woody surrounding of the Dutch Utrechtse Heuvelrug. Here, surrounded by the picturesque character of this ancient village, one can find the studio of Pamela Bakhuizen. Pamela only came to photography in 2009, something that, according to her, pretty much happened overnight. Her passion is to find the ‘me’ that ‘you are’ and capture with a photograph that asks for more. Her motto: dare to be different.

Gert Kist has been successful in his photography pretty much from the moment he first picked up his camera. Consciously focussing on his passion of male physique, he has over the year mastered the art into perfection. His style is recognizable. A contemporary form of beefcake featuring a treasure of Dutch and European men, well developed in every sense of the word. It is no wonder that his site Malemodel.nl is so well-visited gallery. There is a dream to be found for everyone. Over the years Gert stayed loyal to his style and his fans and just by doing that he dares to be different.

Like Gert Kist, Pamela Bakhuizen focusses on people. Where Gert’s work possesses a healthy dose or erotic romance, or romantic eroticism, Pamela shows a high level of poetry. Two artists who approach the same theme but in different perspectives. It was only a matter of time for them to join forces. But last year they did and the result is breath-taking, not in the least also due to their subject of choice: Hennie.

Hennie has been working with Gert Kist on and off for five years already. Needless to say he is one of Gert’s favorites and the chemistry they have together clearly shows in their joined ventures. Now photography is kind of a solitary job. You don’t often see two photographers collaborating on one shoot, so if it happens you might want to consider choosing a model you feel hundred percent comfortable with. And vice versa. For Gert and Pamela that model was Hennie. For this particular shoot Pamela Bakhuizen handled the camera and Gert Kist was in charge of scenery and styling. Which explains why we see many characteristic Kist elements. Not only in poses, but also the apparel pieces (where applicable), flower arrangements and homely surrounding. Combined with Pamela’s lyrical approach that transforms her photographs almost in paintings, this series has gotten a very special character that can only make us hope their collaboration won’t stop after this first project. –BM-

PAMELA BAKHUIZEN | BEAUTIFULMAG
GERT KIST | BEAUTIFULMAG