The Eroticism Blog Launch!
Adventures and discussions in the search for "What is Erotic?" by erotic artist and photographer Hallie Lenox.
Why did I start this blog?
I’ve started this blog as an informational companion to my erotic art and photography. This blog will be a way for prospective collaborators, clients, followers, (lovers? partners maybe?) a view into my values and approach to art, and philosophy on sex and intimacy. In my work, I’ve had numerous experiences, observations and learnings that aren’t represented or are misrepresented in media, and not understood by a lot of people, (including me!) before I recently embarked on this journey. I feel as though we’re in rapidly changing times in terms of our knowledge and attitudes around sex and intimacy. I’d like to be a part of that by sharing my discoveries and joy. I have realized my privilege of having access to rare experiences and people who are exploring sexuality in new ways and have improved my life with their wisdom, energy, support, and philosophy on life. As someone who is woefully behind on pop culture—for once—I feel as though I’m ahead of something. I’ve stepped into a mind altering world that will become the future of sex and intimacy.
What content am I offering?
Topics will be about the artwork itself and also the nuts and bolts of working with the community and paid clients. Specific people, orgs, and identifiable details will all be left out (unless explicit consent is given) for the privacy and protection of my beloved communities. I’m here to talk about my experiences and ideas, but not to be an ambassador, promoter, or a how-to guide to navigate the specific communities I belong to.
This is going to be a mix of things that might appear “high brow” and “low brow”, but in reality I’m not able to make distinctions like that. I’m pretty tone deaf in this way. One day I might discuss a medical condition with the goal of spreading awareness, and another I’ll be expanding on the properties of cum and how to film it. It will constantly tone shift. You WILL be exhausted with my fixation on boobies and cum if you’re not similarly obsessed. I have no business having regular subscribers that receive my writings in their inbox because inevitably there will be topics that aren’t for you. With that in mind, I have cultivated pretty strong followings in three different online communities, and each time I inevitably plateau under the weight of the algorithms, the common sentiment of the community, and user behaviors that insist on sensationalist content, click bait tactics, and black and white thinking. Every time I’ve reached this inflection point, I’ve made the decision not to heed the call of “engagement” and “growth”. This blog will never go viral, and it won’t have any widely recognized demographic. Plateauing to a small but loyal following, my dear readers, will be my joy!
Who’s my audience then?
If you met or know me in person, Hello it’s me! Now you get to dig into my brain if you wish! This isn’t bloviating on a sexy topic that gets clicks (I’m totally long winded though, it’s a problem). In fact, my brand of sex and intimacy discussion absolutely repels internet traffic and my dream is a small, dedicated and engaged readership of folx that are probably going to be directed to it…by me…hovering over their phone as they struggle to Google me because my SEO is so lousy. Maybe you’re an internet stranger who organically found this blog because you’re searching about the very niche topics I will discuss. If so, please drop me a note explaining how the hell you found me.
A “nice to have” would be to draw a readership ranging from the curious and unaccustomed to sex positivity and eroticism, to people entrenched in a variety of sex positive cultures, be it ethical non monogamy, polyamory, kink, sex and intimacy coaching, sex education, mental health, somatics, wellness and others. I hope to attract both professionals in this space and experienced soul searchers, clients, travelers, and enjoyers of sex positivity.
Confused? Concerned? Offended?
Note on people who do not identify with any of the above. Please feel equally free to read, comment, message, debate and disagree. As long as discussion is within Substack’s policy and respect is demonstrated, then I do not have a policy of “call out culture”, but rather hope to “call people in” to discussion. I’ve already tried and failed to change minds through online debate, but instead try through modeling and providing representation for my values. I will be limiting my energy towards debate, I am happy to let disagreeing viewpoints stand as a record and for others to reply. I admit that this could change at any time if I find discussion is being blocked, for example if comments from people in my shared communities aren’t visible under a flood of disagreement aka “brigading” and “spamming” from outsiders. Knowing that I’m discussing a sensitive topic, I may make mistakes, be insensitive, and unintentionally do harm with my platform. I will hold myself accountable with the hope of also being treated fairly in response.