'Surplus and Abundance Year after Year'
In North America, most of us at one time or another were taken as kids to a Chinese restaurant. Many were decorated in vibrant colors, lanterns hanging from the ceiling, huge memorizing fish tanks. Best of all, there were those place mats Even before we knew what exactly the Lunar New Year was, we were introduced to the calendar.
Before even ordering the food, you scanned that place mat, looking for your year and hoping you were maybe a horse, a tiger, or a dragon. Most were not, which led to snickers from your brothers or friends about being a snake or a cock. Usually at this point your mother was getting frustrated, telling you to stop looking at the place mat and choose from the menu. Then of course was the inevitable argument when that certain someone in the group would order a french fries or a hot dog.
2021 is the year of the ox. Last year, during the year of the rat, I was able to feature a model and a shoot with 'sort of' a rodent theme. This year, despite my many searches, I couldn't really find an ox themed shoot. Although I found a few images of male models and cows, cows and oxen have a distinct difference. Although both are cattle, cows are female and bred for milking and meat. Oxen are male, and a working animal.
Year of the Ox
'Oxen are honest and earnest. They are low key and never look for praise or to be the center of attention. This often hides their talent, but they’ll gain recognition through their hard work.
They believe that everyone should do what’s asked for them and stay within their bounds. Though they are kind, it’s difficult for them to understand persuasion using pathos. Rarely losing your temper, they think logically and make great leaders.'
I wondered if I might be able to find a model, whose qualities were similar to the that of the ox. I knew just where to look. Having just recently featured the work of Photo By Biron, I was aware that his portfolio featured many incredible Asian men that he's photographed over the years. In going through his portfolio, I was drawn to his work with Leo.
At first I didn't really connect Leo's images with what I imagined an Ox's temperament was like. I made a few assumptions, maybe in part due to their name. Oxen are for the most part, quiet and calm animals, who put their head down and focus on their work. Biron shared that Leo was very polite an like an ox, quiet and low key.. Also like an ox, Leo wanted to stay within certain boundaries and was a little shy about shooting fully nude. Despite his hesitations, he took Biron's suggestions and went a little beyond his limits trying Biron with the creative concepts he threw his way.
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