Edward Ficklin
Edward Ficklin (he/him), the maverick artist not afraid to say gay, is dedicated to creating erotic art as a pathway to liberation for all. His surrealist work centers the nude figure exploring its own delights, ranging from the sensual to the ecstatic. In defiance of the societal forces attempting erasure by legislation, algorithm, or so-called “community” standards, he delights viewers with imagery of sex and body positivity. His paintings have appeared in NYC galleries like Foley Gallery and the SoHo Project Space, national exhibitions dedicated to erotic art such as CLAW Leather Getaway Kinky Art Show and Tucson Erotica, and numerous naughty, but high quality, publications like Erotic Edges, Doable Guys, and Dirty Little Drawings. He likes his martinis straight up, with a twist, and, of course, made with gin. He adores the grit, freedom, and wild unpredictability of urban existence and continues, likely to the grave, attempts to get that orchid plant to bloom again.
Dazzling dispatches to spice up your inbox!
Ghost in the machine
How are you, darlings? Looking fabulous, as always. You’ve no doubt noticed the proliferation of the letters “A” and “I” in all sorts of contexts—warranted and otherwise. These two little letters have become de rigueur for techbro edgelords, flailing politicians, and corporate types. And this goon squad is taking us all along for the ride, willing or not. Confession time: if you hadn’t already guessed, I’m a bit unimpressed with the current wave of what many are calling artificial...
READ POSTIs a flower really just a flower?
Hello, darlings, how are you? Looking fabulous as always. One of my various artistic endeavors is finally coming to bloom. May I present the first batch of the series called Chromatic Desires. Flower and figure, blossom and body. Desire and delight embodied in different but complimentary forms—the same fundamental essence creating an endless variety of manifestations. Flowers bring immediate joy and power with their simple presence, a potent reminder of the temporary nature of all phenomena....
READ POSTLife, the universe, and everything
Hello, darlings. Looking fabulous as always. Today’s missive was started while I was at the lovely Omega Institute in upstate New York for a little fall sojourn. There’s a cute little library with even cuter little nooks perfect for contemplating life—and let’s be honest, napping. Begun, but not finished. It was meant to be a break, right? So, the missive was completed and dispatched to you today amidst the bustle of daily city life. A change in season and change in scenery often produces...
READ POSTGot you covered
Hello, darlings. How are you? Looking fabulous as always. A sporadic, but always welcome, addition to my inbox are the missives from the delightful Adam Rowe about his quixotic and singular passion: retro sci-fi art. In addition to the newsletter, he’s also published a gorgeous book for you to really sink your teeth into. Looking at art on screens is lovely and all, but a big fat book is a great way to savor some art. Illustrations for covers are most, if not all, of the art he showcases. A...
READ POSTThe revolution will not be funded
Alright, darlings, this missive gets busy with some feisty political talk—and, true to form, a big fat complicated book to read! The book is not immediately about art, it comes from the world of violence prevention work. But, it’s about art, too, even if they authors don’t mention it specifically. Hopefully you’ll stick with me on this little journey. We begin at the unlikely starting point of “philanthropy” and the aforementioned book about it called The Revolution Will Not Be Funded. It’s a...
READ POSTCoded works, coded lives
Hello, darlings, how are you? Looking fabulous as always. In the spare moments of repose between day job shenanigans and artistic exploits, I’ve nearly finished a recent biography of John Singer Sargent called The Grand Affair. I came across this lengthy tome while browsing at a Barnes & Noble. Yes, an accidental discovery of a real book in a real book store—I know, so retro! Somewhere in the back of my mind was a recollection that Sargent had a things for the boys. I was intrigued and later...
READ POSTsaturate this, mofo! color as rebellion 🌈
Hello, darlings, how are you? Looking fabulous, as always. I recently finished a lovely book mentioned by an artist on a podcast. It was an offhand mention and the conversation quickly moved on, but its title really caught my attention. Chromophobia by David Batchelor. “Wait,” I thought, “is that even a thing? How can you be afraid of color?” So, I had to find the book. Read it, loved it. I think you should read it, too. And just who is it that is afraid of color? Why, our society is, that’s...
READ POSTFascinating
Hello, darlings, how are you? Looking fabulous as always. Nestled at the bottom of this morning’s round up of news from the New York Times was a fun little article (gift link) about the still on-going excavation of Pompeii. I mean, for how many centuries now have people been picking away at those lava-covered ruins? While finds like cool frescoes in a dining room garner coverage in major outlets, rarely does anyone discuss the amazing number of erotic works uncovered. Uncovered and then,...
READ POSTShameless and perverse flaunting
One of the most wonderful spring rituals of the NYC area is the New York Botanical Garden’s Orchid Show. A fabulously steamy display of the sexiest flowers nature has to offer. You’ve got more sexual organs on display than even the wildest backroom. It’s on through April 21. If you’re in the area, check it out. Over the last couple of years, flowers have been showing up more and more in my paintings. So, on the occasion of my visit to this year’s extravaganza, I posed myself the question: why...
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