Original oil painting on canvas. Unframed 18” x 24”.

Painted by Skye with love xxoo.

As in my previous paintings, the red nails, stilettos, and nude female figure all support my views of a confident, sex-positive female role model. In Red Stiletto I also explore the power of choice. I choose what I wear or do not wear in a performance. Binding my body may include temporarily losing my physical freedom. I enter into a state of altered consciousness called “subspace” where I feel safe, relaxed, and deeply connected to my rope partner. Subspace is defined as a type of altered consciousness characterized by diminished ego awareness, less cognitive behavior and inability to verbalize. It can best be described as an altered state of mind that the submissive partner or “sub” goes into; in this case, I am the “sub.” My emotional reaction to the pressure of ropes with or without suspension can go from pain to joy to spiritual revelation. As a masochist, I can withstand and choose to be in a level of pain that sends me into a feeling of ecstatic bliss that might feel painful or traumatize other people. As I further explore bondage, it becomes a profound personal journey. xxoo