Robert Bishop Archive on Tumblr

I just came across an amazing archive of Robert Bishop's artwork completely by accident. It all started when I read an article about how the painter Mark Rothko had died of suicide. Van Gogh also famously killed himself, which got me thinking: "How many other famous visual artists have committed suicide?" I go to the Wikkipedia page, and there in the first column is Robert Bishop! I had no idea... The Wikki entry on Robert was a surprise, and at the bottom was a link to a tumblr account dedicated exclusively to his work. 

It's easy to go down the rabbit hole if you visit the tumblr, and I suggest you go only when you have a decent amount of time to explore. There is a ton of work there, and it's really well presented. Most of the original artwork no longer exists, so it's only through the work of dedicated fans who have tracked down and scanned  the art from magazines and old catalogs that the images are being preserved. 

There are many, many images of things (scenarios, poses, restraints) that just resonate through my mind quite strongly. It's great to see familiar ideas, like the square armbinder (box-tie) type restraint. 

Or something quite close to the bondage booties I did a while back, complete with front lacing and D-rings at the toes. 

Something close to the leg pockets I've made...

The designs for restraints are carefully thought out and rendered, and in many cases are things that could be actually built in the real world. 

Of course, for many you'd need limber, flexible models. 

And let's just say that Mr. Bishop seemed to enjoy the ample bosom. 

 Just stunning artistry, and an incredible feel for female anatomy. 

 A fetishist's delight in shiny textures and deeply-set ball gags. 

 Of course, super tall boots...

 Leather harnesses...

 Beautiful headgear...

Even a few straitjackets. This drawing is really lovely I think: 

Even the inspiration for InSex's fiberglass hard case? Possibly...

 Just so much stunning work. 

Some hood illustrations I'd never seen before: 

 Even a self-portrait. Amazing to think that he did all this work by the age of 46...

Definitely check it out here when you have a chance. 

Refuse to Be Usual on eBay

A friend of mine just turned me on to a store on ebay that sells fetish boots and shoes with some unique designs - namely a heel-less ballet boot!  Something I've never seen before...

These things look pretty cool. Unfortunately, they aren't made available in real leather, although there are a range of color options in synthetic leather, patent leather and fake suede in sizes 36-46. It looks like they are produced in China and shipped direct. 

 The other unique pair that caught my eye were these: Heeless horse hoof  fetish ankle booties.

Love the little zipper up the back, and the box-like look. 

 Tough-looking hoof-like front view as well. 

 The heeless knee-boot is another unique design... Ready for pony-playtime. 

 They also stock ballet boots in short, knee-high...

...and thigh-high versions. 

 OK, I just threw this in because the model is so pretty... *sigh*

 The ballet boots can also be made in all those different color options (I just checked - 43 synthetic leathers, 19 patents and 42 suedes!)... I think I might have to upsize my fantasy shoe closet. 

 Don't they just look like candy? 

I can't vouch for the build quality, but for costumes or use as photo shoot props, or just to mess around with 'em, the prices are pretty low - and they seem to have lots of transactions and positive feedback. Anyone have experience with the store or their products? 

B&W Bondage Booties

Here's another take on the bondage booties, this time in a stark black & white color scheme. This project was an opportunity to make some edits to the pattern - making them as tall as possible - as well as try out a new color of leather. I have never worked with bright white like this before. It has an almost patent-type smooth, shiny finish. 

This is all progressing towards a more structured boot, with a toebox and counter... and someday even heels! 

The pattern I used for this was asymmetrical, with the panel on the outside of the leg coming up higher than on the inside. In this case I took the height a little too far, because the rear of the bootie was digging into the backside of the knee, making bending the leg difficult. Lesson learned: something that might fit or be OK in a softer leather might be a problem in a heavier, stiffer leather. Also: keep going until you've gone too far. Now I know... Lower in the rear next time! 

Bondage Bootie Pattern

For all you leather crafters out there who may want to give making your own pair a shot, a PDF of the bondage bootie pattern can now be found here. The pattern is for a US Women's size 6, so you may need to size the pattern up or down accordingly...

Straitjacketed.com Action Shots!

Hot off the press! Or should it be "Straight from the CF card"? I just got some great images from Kevin at Straitjacketed.com of the gear set I made for him a few weeks ago - which he so generously allowed me to post. Thank you, Kevin! It looks incredible, and I'm just so happy with how everything turned out. 

To me a project just isn't complete until it's actually used, and this is the culmination of all that effort: design sketches, drawings, making patterns, cutting, sewing, gluing, punching, grommeting, lacing, and finally wearing, shooting and sharing. These great photos are the end result. It makes all the work worthwhile, especially when it turns out so beautifully. This girl is gorgeous!

I love Kevin's photography work so much. To me, it just has the look that says "instant classic". He has the feel to me of Irving Klaw or John Willie. His girls are just beautiful - sexy girl-next-door types, and the poses are pin-up perfect. Just look at those pointed toes, the high arch on the booties. I love her eyes, and the way the hood frames her face... Plus, her hair even matches the color of the leather. Great job Kevin, and thanks for sharing. We're not worthy...

Check out Straitjacketed.com for more.