'As someone who felt like I hit a wall with my own personal art, I was intrigued at the idea of using my body to create the art itself.'
For some reason, this series had me thinking about towels, and how connected they were to so many sexual awakenings. For many of us, hot men in towels were a gateway to our love of the male form. We saw hot men in towels on TV and in movies, we saw athletes in towels after competitions, and we saw men, just a few feet away in the locker room, donned only in a towel.
How many of us, some still in the closet, shot quick, but secret glances at those towel wearing hotties. Hopping the cotton or terry cloth might reveal a hint of what was underneath. Sometimes we were rewarded, when some guys, who appeared confident and bold, dropped their towels, seemingly not caring who might be watching and enjoying. When I was a kid, I used to keep my towel tightly wrapped, not because I was ashamed of my body, but because I knew my developing erection, would give me away.
I don't hold that towel as closely today. First off, I'm older, and have a bit more control over my body, and it's reaction to visual stimulation. Well, most of my body, I still tend to blush when I'm around someone I find attractive. Secondly, quick glances in the locker room are a mostly a thing of the past. Although I may still take a peak now and then, I'm not in locker rooms as much as I was when I was younger, and there are many other options and places for sensual stimulation. Thankfully, we don't have to wish for a towel slip from Victor. Photographer Bob Burkhardt choose the colored towels are not to necessarily cover, but to contrast and highlight Victors features and beautiful body.
When, and why did you decide to start modeling?
I started to model in 2023 as an outlet for self expression outside of my day-to-day. As someone who felt like I hit a wall with my own personal art, I was intrigued at the idea of using my body to create the art itself. It first manifested in the form of tattoos and eventually modelling. Besides photography, I've modelled a few times for life drawing studios and that helped me grow the confidence I needed.
I also found it a really unique way of capturing myself at a point in my life behind someone's lens. It was a freeze frame of that unique moment in my life, whether or not it was obvious to anyone but myself.
Was modeling nude originally part of the plan?
Yes! I used to be extremely shy, but over time I've become very comfortable with my body. I was always intrigued by exhibitionism and voyeurism. I do enjoy expressing myself in a more erotic context, but over time I've become drawn to artistic nudes and the intrigue of showing just enough to leave the viewer guessing.
Did you have any factors you had to weigh prior to your first shoot?
For my very first time in front of the camera, it was the nerves of putting myself on such a vulnerable display with a worry that people I knew might end up seeing the photos. I still think about that, but I've reached a level of comfort where that no longer worries me.
How did you feel seeing your first nude on-line?
It was exciting and pretty empowering. I loved the experience of being nude and expressing myself through my body for all to see. Before that it felt vulnerable and scary, but afterwards I felt much stronger and sure of myself.
What has been the response, have you had any positive feedback?
Happy to say yes, the response has been great! I still have a lot to learn about completely immersing myself as a model and being able to approach a shoot with total confidence. As a Chinese man, I am always aware of the challenges of falling into a niche when it comes to mainstream standards. The great feedback I've gotten so far has been very encouraging and helped me realize I just need to keep being true to myself.
Do you have any boundaries when it comes to what you're comfortable shooting?
I am very open minded and love everything from tasteful nudity to erotic. Although I still feel shyness creeping in from time-to-time, I've tried some bolder things like modelling fully nude on an overpass, or on a Brooklyn rooftop in a busy neighborhood. I've also tried modelling with a partner which I'd love to explore again.
How did you connect with Bob?
We connected through ModelMayhem - I loved the candid, natural lighting of his photography and was humbled that a seasoned photographer like Bob expressed interest in working with me. I booked a trip over as soon as possible!
Did you discuss any themes, ideas before the shoot?
Bob had ideas for poses and outfits which I loved. I posed wearing a variety of underwear and sportswear on the bed and against a wall by the window to capture the natural light. Some of my favorite shots involve me wearing his white onesie, where the pose shows just enough to be sensual, but leaving enough covered to create some mystery and entice the viewer.
What is the best part about working with Bob?
Bob was an absolute pleasure to work with! He was respectful, patient and put me at complete ease for the shoot. Working with Bob was an incredible experience.
Any stories about your tats you can share?
The snake tattoo represents my zodiac sign, and embracing the good and the bad (hot-headed but thoughtful, observant, determined and caring.) The snake also represents shedding my skin, always transforming and growing throughout my life. I also have tats that are just simply things that give me joy, like my leg tattoo of a dog eating noodles.
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