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Whether you know me from my live shows, you have a piece of my art (or me) hanging in your house, or you're my mom (Hi, Mom!) here's my story and what makes me the BRF you know & love today.
Mom with her landscape painting
Dad proudly showing off Mom's landscape
My Dad, on the other hand, taught me valuable life skills such as physical strength and wood chopping, and later became my mentor in running a successful art business. Despite working double full-time as a civil engineer, he never failed to support my artistic endeavours.
Both of them became my greatest inspiration and provided unwavering support throughout my artistic journey. I am immensely grateful to my Mom for her unconditional love and artistic talents, as well as to my Dad for instilling in me showmanship and confidence. Without these two incredibly caring individuals, my art journey wouldn't have reached the level it is today.
During my childhood, my parents played a significant role in nurturing my artistic abilities. My mom, a talented landscape painter, registered nurse, and full-time mom, continued to pursue her artistic passion and taught me the fundamentals of drawing and creating.
Born at 2:03pm on January 24, 1979 in Surrey, British Columbia, Canada.
At the tender age of two, my mom bestowed upon me the magical gift of pencil crayons. She has always been my greatest supporter.
From that moment on, my imagination took flight, soaring beyond the confines of paper and lines. I became a master of colour, a maestro of creativity, and a cowboy rebel of the artistic realm.
2 Years Old
My imagination has always been adventurous. I have fond memories of coming home from school to watch Mr. Dressup make arts and crafts on a Canadian children's television series.
It all started with my first series of abstract paintings: clowns, rainbows, and colourful monsters using tempera paint on craft paper.
On my first day of nursery school, I only went a couple of days by myself before deciding I didn't want to go without Mum. After getting comfortable among strangers, I was introduced to painting by Miss Smith, my school teacher.
3 Years Old
On my fourth birthday, I received my first pair of roller skates, and I absolutely loved them! Roller skating quickly became one of my favorite activities, and I would spend hours gliding across the kitchen floor on my quad skates.
4 Years Old
Figure skating lessons
Playing cards with Grandpa Ray
As a shy, introverted boy, drawing became my solace. It transported me into exciting adventures where I could be the hero of my imagination. With each stroke of the pen, I brought to life action heroes, muscle men, monster trucks, dinosaurs, and a whole world of imaginary wildlife.
In addition to my drawings, I would write handwritten short stories to accompany them, giving my creations even more depth and meaning.
One of my fondest memories was playing cards with my Grandpa. His first name, "Ray," became my middle name, a constant reminder of the special bond we shared.
As I grew older, I decided to explore new interests and enrolled in ice skating lessons. Little did I know that this would lead me to the world of figure skating, where I discovered a whole new way to express myself and find joy.
5 Years Old
I always got the best gifts and was spoiled with sporty presents, like my new BMX bike.
This year, I joined Beavers, a youth organization, with my dad and older brother Gordon, who was on his way to becoming a Boy Scout. Through Beavers, we developed a respect for nature and others.
We had team-building activities that encouraged sharing. Later, after advancing to Cub Scouts, we had exciting adventures camping under the starry night sky, hiking through rugged trails, and building incredible structures in the wilderness.
On my 6th birthday, my mom, who loved getting creative, hand-painted our birthday cakes with unique artworks that reflected each of our interests. For my party, she made me a Gremlins cake.
6 Years Old
Christmas always left a lasting impression on me as a child. My mom had a talent for artistic baking, and every year she would design and construct elaborate, colourful gingerbread houses for us. On Christmas Eve, we would gather around these edible sculptures and demolish them with karate chops, testing our strength to break them into little pieces.
During the times I was home sick from school, my mom would often watch soap operas while I quietly drew. However, one day she changed the channel, and Bob Ross appeared on the screen. This was my first introduction to the famous artist, and it had a profound impact on my imagination.
To this day, I still enjoy watching Bob Ross paint. Besides my mom, he quickly became a major source of inspiration for me. Thanks to his influence, I started creating landscape artworks.
Additionally, my love for art was shaped by countless Saturday morning cartoons, including Looney Tunes, Hanna-Barbera, Merrie Melodies, and, of course, my all-time favourite, Pee-Wee's Playhouse. These shows played a significant role in my later endeavours, especially when it came to playfully decorating my silo studio.
In 1986, muscles and Wrestle Mania were all the rage. Inspired by WWF wrestling TV shows, I looked up to Hulk Hogan and even created my own persona as "Brent Hogan" through my drawings.
This passion for visualization and manifestation has stuck with me, as I have never stopped drawing and flexing my muscles.
7 Years Old
Playing dress-up continued to be a passion, and I even explored wearing women's dresses, flashy wigs, and flexing my muscles while wrestling with my brother.
This year was extra special. After blowing out the candles on my mom's "3 Amigos" cake creation, I opened a new WWF wrestling ring present from my parents and received action figures from my best friends.
8 Years Old
With a special Batman birthday cake made by my mom, I officially turned 11 years old. This year was spent drawing movie characters like Edward Scissorhands, wildlife including bald eagles, hawks, and coyotes, as well as creating some super cool self-portraits. This year I also experienced Disneyland for the first time and spent a lot of quality time with family doing camping trips.
11 Years Old
In my childhood, I developed a passion for woodworking and carpentry. Together with my friends Matt and Ryan, we built intricate tree forts in our parents' backyard and nearby forests.
We would collect materials like wood and nails from construction sites and use them to construct our forts. Although I don't have any photos of our forts, this pivotal time in my life sparked my passion for building. It ultimately inspired me to construct my silo studio in 2003.
The beginning of junior high school was both exciting and scary. It was a new place with new faces, and to make things more intimidating, my older brother was already part of the popular group.
I can still vividly recall my first day, walking to school and meeting up with him and his friends before the
bell rang. They always gathered at the same spot behind the school, known as the back pit or the Smoke Pit. It was an exclusive area just outside the school boundaries, and being the brother of Gordon, I was
granted access.
This unexpected fame had its advantages, but it also had its drawbacks. The years from 8th to 12th grade were some of the most challenging I've ever experienced, but they also built a resilience within me that would later unlock my artistic abilities like a superpower.
13 Years Old
Unfortunately, my actions did not go unnoticed. The Vice Principal discovered my sketchbooks in my locker, linking me to the graffiti art. Needless to say, she was not pleased.
The following day, the police came to my class and apprehended me for my actions, which resulted in me gaining artistic notoriety throughout the entire school.
To prepare for this new style, I dedicated myself to sketchbook drawing. I would spend hours practicing and honing my skills. Often, I would venture out in the late hours of the night to paint unauthorized large-scale graffiti on local buildings.
One of my most daring acts was covering the entire building of my Junior High School with my sketchbook designs. Among them was "Kronik the Hedgehog" and some inappropriate nude drawings of the Vice Principal.
During my teenage years, I was quite rebellious and often found myself getting into trouble. In my early teens, I developed a fondness for Hip Hop culture and would attend lowrider car shows.
I was particularly inspired by the custom-designed airbrush art murals on the cars and the large-scale graffiti art. This led me to create my own graffiti text and character art murals.
14 Years Old
During a weekend of reckless behaviour, I was asked to participate in an illegal act of setting fire to a friend's car. In my youthful naivety and desire to impress my peers, I volunteered to be the one to light the match.
Unfortunately, due to my proximity to the vehicle, the gasoline quickly ignited and engulfed my head and (right) drawing hand, resulting in severe third-degree burns. In that terrifying moment, as the flames consumed me, I caught a glimpse of the inner inferno before closing my eyes.
The doctor later informed me that if I had kept my eyes open a half-second longer, I would have been permanently blinded. It was a sobering realization that made me appreciate the fragility of life.
This near-death experience served as a turning point for me. It compelled me to reevaluate my choices and prioritize my well-being. I made the decision to leave behind my destructive habits and focus on pursuing my artistic talent, health and fitness.
16 Years Old
The artwork was painted on firehall #9 in Surrey that summer. Over the next 6 months, I immersed myself in drawing, painting, mixed media, creating a specialized portfolio that fulfilled all the requirements for acceptance into the highly competitive University.
As a result of my dedication and volunteer efforts, I was granted admission to the foundation year at Emily Carr University of Art, renowned as one of the top ten art universities worldwide.
After spending a year painting large-scale murals around the Lower Mainland, Mr. Pelech assisted me in creating my first art school portfolio application.
He recognized something in my talents that inspired him to offer me a unique opportunity. Pelech encouraged me to return to school for an intensive 6-month program of art classes, helping me catch up on my credits and graduate with my diploma. Additionally, I competed and won my first mural art drawing contest with a self-portrait submission of a fireman named Brent.
Throughout this journey, my participation in the Spirit of Youth project and other community art initiatives led to the recognition of several esteemed awards.
These include the Premier of Canada Award of Excellence for Artistic Achievement, the Youth Recognition Award for Artistic Youth of the Year, and the City of Surrey Award of Excellence for Community Art Contribution.
I met my first mentor, Mark Pelech, my high school art teacher, who crossed my path at the right time, motivated me to pursue art as a career and apply to art university. This same year, Mr. Pelech launched The Spirit of Youth Mural project to help students gain work experience in the arts in exchange for university tuition credits. As work experience I worked as a mural artist counteracting graffiti art and public art vandalism.
In junior high school, I experienced bullying because of my thin build and severe acne. I found inspiration in muscle magazines and became a fan of Arnold Schwarzenegger's documentary "Pumping Iron" and the movie Conan the Barbarian. Motivated by this, I started weightlifting and delved into the world of health and fitness. As I began achieving physical milestones, the bullying gradually decreased, and others started to applaud my accomplishments.
19 Years Old
Throughout my second year at university, I had the opportunity to partake in a variety of experimental drawing courses. These courses allowed me to explore a wide range of subjects, including nude figurative drawing, mixed media techniques, advanced anatomical drawing, and even the unconventional art of mark-making with pencils and power tools.
I also ventured into the world of body art, where I created my very first full body impression. Yves Klein's work served as a major inspiration for this project. He famously used a female nude covered in blue paint as a "living brush" to create paintings.
This concept of using the human body as an artistic tool fascinated me and became a central focus of my creativity
This year, I started personal training to utilize my fitness knowledge and earn some extra spending money. Additionally, I received recognition and multiple awards from the government for my involvement in the Spirit of Youth Mural Projects.
21-22 Years Old
Having this unique space allowed me to fully immerse myself in self-taught abstract painting, experimental drawing and live nude figurative drawing sessions. I also started creating process videos, documenting my artistic journey and becoming very comfortable in front of a lens.
I knew that in order to fulfill my dream of becoming a famous artist, I needed to overcome my shyness in front of an audience. This realization pushed me to step out of my comfort zone and seek opportunities to be in the limelight.
I was encouraged to pursue acting and modelling as a way to gain confidence. So, I put myself out there, got an agent, and started taking acting classes.
I didn't feel I was very good at acting, and to be honest, I didn't enjoy pretending to be someone else. It was already challenging enough for me to be myself at that point in my life!
In an exciting and pivotal year for my art career and confidence, I opened my Silo Art Studio on a remote farm in Langley, BC. It was a serendipitous discovery as I had initially gone to the farm to rent barn space, inspired by Jackson Pollock who painted in an old barn turned-studio.
However, after viewing the old barn in Langley and exploring the area, the landlord suggested that I use the abandoned Butler grain silo instead. Despite its rustic and unconventional nature, there was an undeniable magical energy within the cylindrical space. It was as if the positive vibes bounced off the walls, creating an atmosphere of inspiration. I immediately fell in love with the silo.
24 Years Old
Shortly after moving into the silo in 2003, I took a leap of faith and embraced a unique opportunity. My model agent asked me if I wanted to make some extra money by working as a topless bartender at private parties.
This fun experience eventually led me to become a topless bartender at a bar on Davie Street in Vancouver. It was here that I was introduced to the world of male exotic dancing and the art of the striptease.
Through a friendship with a male dancer, I became even more intrigued and inspired by this captivating art form. I dedicated myself to practicing as much as possible, which eventually led me to start performing part-time as a male stripper the following year.
Embracing this new path, I quickly excelled in the stripper industry, confidently shedding my clothes for complete strangers and conquering my fears.
Despite my achievements, I made the decision to keep my secret night life hidden from my family for the next four years. However, I confided in my younger sisters, as I craved someone to share the excitement and enjoyment of my newfound wild experiences.
This chapter in my life not only marked a pivotal moment in my art career but also allowed me to explore my passions and conquer my shyness at the same time. Winning! I embraced new opportunities, discovered hidden talents, and found a supportive community that encouraged my artistic expression.
I found solace and distraction from health challenges by creating art and building the studio space within the metal uninsulated walls of the silo. For years, I would paint in the freezing cold winter with an oil heater between my legs for warmth.
The summers were spent swatting horse flies and painting in the scorching heat, feeling like a turkey in the oven inside the metal walls. So, I saved my hard-earned money and built my first painting wall in the silo. I used my stripper tip money to insulate the walls of the silo, expanding and constructing dedicated spaces for painting and material storage.
This not only provided me with a cozy haven during the cold winter months but also allowed me to fully immerse myself in the world of art.
One of the most challenging years in my life was in 2004 when I was diagnosed with IGA Nephropathy, a life-threatening form of kidney disease. It scared me, to say the least. My Nephrologist told me that I would need a transplant within the next five years unless I changed my lifestyle, health, and nutrition.
It was the first time in my life that I was scared to die, and it was a sad reality considering all the dreams I had yet to fulfill. However, this diagnosis transformed the way I perceived my life and art, which turned out to be a blessing in disguise.
I dedicated my life to improving my health and fitness, as well as pursuing my passion for art. I fought against the inevitability of a kidney transplant. This diagnosis inspired me to focus on the human body as art and view my own body as a living sculpture and a machine for creating art.
25 Years Old
After the posing routine, I stepped off the stage and sat on a white plinth, symbolizing my body as a work of art. During this part of the live act, a friend dressed as a waiter served me unhealthy foods like donuts, sweets, and sausages. This action represented the transition back into mainstream eating habits.
Unfortunately, the high sodium content in these foods caused me to develop Edema, resulting in an extraordinary weight gain of 45 lbs within 24 hours. As a result, I had to be immediately hospitalized and
receive prompt medical treatment.
Thankfully, within the next 24 hours, I managed to lose 25 lbs of water retention. It was a challenging experience, but I survived and can now reflect on and share my story.
In the fall of 2005, I created my first live performance titled "The Transitional Culture" at The Lamplighter gallery in Gastown, Vancouver. The art piece revolved around the theme of transformation. The highlight of the performance was showcasing a complete body transformation as a form of art.
I displayed my daily food intake, workout program, and life-size before photos in the gallery. The centerpiece of the show was a bodybuilder classic physique posing routine on stage, where I presented my extremely lean muscular body as a work of art.
To prepare for the show, after bulking up, I followed a strict show prep diet and underwent an extensive workout regime. I hired a professional bodybuilder and also sought guidance from a professional posing coach to learn the techniques of flexing and posing with grace. Within a span of 12 weeks, I successfully achieved my goal and lost 35lbs in the prcoess!
The Transitional Culture
Fully immersed in the world of art stripping, I was reliving my childhood passion for playing dress-up. I had over 10 different costumes to choose from, including a cowboy, cop, construction worker, doctor, sailor, Santa Claus, Easter bunny, and even some really bizarre combinations of each.
The stage was a place where I could truly explore and express myself however I wanted. While other male dancers I worked with focused on stereotypical strip shows, I ventured into the avant-garde. My artwork reflected my love for stripper costumes, as I created a series of self-portrait paintings.
26 Years Old
During this period, I immersed myself in the study of tool drawings by Jim Dine, a renowned American artist who rose to prominence in late-1950s New York. As someone deeply passionate about tools and construction, I began creating my own drawings of various tools, even incorporating self-portraits using my own hand.
At that particular point in my life, my focus centered heavily on exploring sexuality, both through my personal life, my work as a stripper and in the art I created that revolved around the theme of sex. The tool drawings served as a means to temper the explicitness of my art, using phallic "tool" artworks as metaphors for my own masturbation and masculinity.
After four years of painting in the silo, my work was evolving faster than I could paint it. I was also attending every life drawing extracurricular session at Emily Carr and inviting girl friends to my studio to be drawn. Imagine the drawing scene from Titanic, minus the luxurious atmosphere. In my opinion, it was way more romantic inside the silo, especially with a little red wine.
Unfortunately, with the amount of drawing I wanted to do, I couldn't find enough adult muses willing to participate. So, I had the idea to draw nudes from readily available pornographic adult magazines. All I had to do was flip the pages until I found the pose I wanted. Of course, drawing inspiration from adult magazines tended to cause me to take more breaks to please myself along the way than drawing.
Needless to say, this form of figurative art was exciting and made drawing alone a lot of fun! I started to paint artwork of people having sex from Hustler magazine's, and designed the works to be somewhat discreet, so you weren't exactly sure what you were looking at. These sex paintings brought sex into my creative realm, and I would continue to explore the erotic arts from then on.
After working as a stripper for several years, I was inspired by the tipping experience to create a unique self-portrait dollar bill art business card.
My original creation, called Brent Bucks, quickly gained popularity and became highly sought-after collector's items. While Canadian currency is known for its vibrant rainbow colours and traditional portraits of the Queen and politicians, my Brent Bucks offer a more captivating and alluring aesthetic.
Each bill showcases a different costume I wore during my shows, adding a touch of intrigue and uniqueness. As a result, my self-portrait series has become highly collectible. By replacing the fussy monarch with my own charming, chiseled, and heroic image, I challenge the traditional notion of currency and embrace the power of art.
My very first live art performances were bizarre and a bit overwhelming because I was new to the world of performance art. Wearing costumes and masks became a way for me to ease myself into the limelight.
Almost always, my acts included some form of audience interaction. I enjoyed being an art guide, pushing people out of their comfort zones through drawing and painting. One of my memorable performances was "Green Eggs And Ham" at Snap Contemporary Gallery in Vancouver on May 12, 2007.
Inspired by the children's book by Dr. Seuss, I created a chicken mask using duct tape, injected green food coloring into uncooked eggs, sliced up some green-dyed ham, and put on a tank top.
During the performance, I served the green eggs and ham to the gallery patrons and guided them in a collaborative art activity, drawing a cock-a-doodle. To add some flair, I also threw greens at the paper.
28 Years Old
Over the course of a few years, I delved deeper into this exploration of tools, culminating in a large series of boldly expressive "hairy paintbrushes." During this time, I also began experimenting with plaster casting, creating mixed-media sculptural paintings by incorporating plaster replicas of various tools such as pliers, hammers, and paintbrushes. These replicas were affixed to wooden panels, which I then painted over, resulting in visually striking and textured artworks.
In 2001, I embarked on my very first full-body painting, an experience that pushed the boundaries of my artistic expression. Six years later, in the summer of 2007, I had the opportunity to create my second full-body painting. After performing at a gay bachelor party in Vancouver, I was invited back to the groom's apartment for a private show. To my surprise, the groom insisted that I keep the paint on my body from my nightclub act and even offered me a shower at his place after we engaged in collaborative art.
Curious and excited about what awaited me, I entered the residence to find a group of men eagerly anticipating my arrival. They proceeded to cover my body in paint, and it was at this moment that I proposed the idea of painting a mural on the groom's wall. In their intoxicated state, they enthusiastically agreed, and with the groom's assistance, I pressed my painted body against his wall, creating my very first full-body wall mural. This experience marked a significant milestone in my artistic journey, further pushing the boundaries of my creativity and expression.
In the summer of 2008, I was asked to model for a fun shoot with Vancouver photographer Hamish Hamilton.
With the assistance of a professional makeup artist, we went to Playland in Vancouver to shoot several clown pictures while enjoying the park rides. The photo titled "Grumpy Clown Rollercoaster" would later become a viral sensation on the internet.
This innovative self-portrait technique later inspired me to incorporate paint into my live performances, going beyond the mere act of disrobing. Inspired by my friend's multi-print painting, I decided that a single impression, a "Monoprint," would be a more impactful symbolic self-portrait.
Despite feeling ashamed of my secret life as an exotic dancer, I saw an opportunity to merge the taboo act of striptease with my passion for painting. This way, I could continue to strip while also pursuing my love for art.
By applying paint to my hand and using my penis and testicles as stamps, I have created unique imprints on a surface. This technique has become an integral part of my live performances and has resulted in self-portraits like no other.
It allows me to establish a unique connection with my audience, as they help press the canvas against my body, while staying true to my art. These one-of-a-kind artworks have evolved into an ongoing series that challenges my creativity and has ignited a prolific body art empire.
First DNA Painting, 2008
I set up my video camera, undressed, and prepared my brush. The concept behind this painting was quite simple: I was 29 years old at the time and on the verge of turning 30.
So, I capture 29 imprints of my manhood and use my cum as a signature, creating what would become my first "DNA painting." This artwork served as a way for me to leave behind my 20's and embrace my 30's.
On August 13, 2008, I created my very first self-portrait penis painting in a grassy field on Keats Island, an inhabited island located in Howe Sound near Vancouver, British Columbia. I had been invited to stay at a friend's private cabin, who was also an art collector of mine.
I was commissioned to create an original painting that showcased 29 impressions of my genitals on raw unprimed canvas. It was a Wednesday, and my friend was away, giving me the freedom to explore his acreage and find the perfect spot to create my masterpiece in solitude.
The first two shows I organized were titled "Blazin Guns" and "The Peep Show." These exhibitions featured a diverse range of art, including figurative paintings inspired by adult magazines, hand-painted landscapes, and mixed media combines and collages.
Initially, the amount of work involved in setting up these large-scale art retrospectives, dismantling them, and transporting everything back to storage seemed overwhelming and not entirely rewarding. However, the thrill of having the chance to display my artwork and receive positive feedback from attendees made it all worthwhile.
It was as if I had "made it" in the artwork, but I was only just scratching the canvas surface. Regardless, I considered it a personal victory and remained dedicated to working hard for future exhibitions.
One thing that most people don't know about me is that I have a shoe fetish. This passion for shoes has been reflected in my artwork for many years. In fact, I was even known as the "shoe guy" for a while, and there were articles written about my shoe artworks.
It was through one of these articles in Flare Magazine that Louis Vuitton discovered my shoe drawings. They were so impressed that they approached me for across-country tour.
During this tour, I had the opportunity to draw women wearing LV's luxury shoes at their Canadian flagship stores. This collaboration was a turning point for me, as it sparked my fascination with fashion and the glorification of brands.
The first two shows I organized were titled "Blazin Guns" and "The Peep Show." These exhibitions featured a diverse range of art, including figurative paintings inspired by adult magazines, hand-painted landscapes, and mixed media combines and collages.
Initially, the amount of work involved in setting up these large-scale art retrospectives, dismantling them, and transporting everything back to storage seemed overwhelming and not entirely rewarding. However, the thrill of having the chance to display my artwork and receive positive feedback from attendees made it all worthwhile.
It was as if I had "made it" in the art world, but I was only just scratching the canvas surface. Regardless, I considered it a personal victory and remained dedicated to working hard for future exhibitions.
During my time in university, before the rise of social media platforms, it seemed like the only way to gain recognition as an artist was through gallery representation and art exhibitions. However, finding a gallery in Vancouver to showcase my art proved to be quite challenging.
Instead of relying on gallery representation, I took a proactive approach and reached out to local business owners with a unique proposal. I suggested hosting solo art exhibitions and live art shows in unconventional venues such as shopping malls, jewelry stores, bars, restaurants, flooring companies, and hair salons.
Each business agreed to display my art annually, and as I continued creating new series in the studio, I would swap out the artwork for fresh pieces. At the time, I didn't have much storage space in my studio for completed artworks, so I stored the majority of them at my parents' house in Surrey and showcased them on the walls of these local businesses.
29 Years Old
In March 2009, I was invited to exhibit a collection of hand-painted abstract artworks and a series of my fashion paintings at the Juno Awards after party in Storyeum Gastown, Vancouver, BC.
On Valentine's Day 2009, I hosted my first-ever gallery striptease art exhibition at The White Ocean Gallery on Granville Island in Vancouver.
"The Ecdysiartist" was a distinctive art retrospective and live performance that showcased my erotic paintings, along with a surprise live body art performance by Cowboy Brent, featuring full nudity.
This exhibition marked my debut in demonstrating live body art in an art gallery setting and ignited a passion for live art body performance.
In 2009, I finally booked a lead acting role in Nickelback's "Never Gonna Be Alone" music video, which was released that year and has now garnered over 100 million views on YouTube.
It was a surreal experience for me, as I played the role of a young father who tragically passed away in the story. What made it even more unique was that I had the opportunity to witness my own funeral service and see my casket being laid to rest.
Amidst all the costumes and characters, it was the role of a police officer that truly captivated me the most in 2009.
I found immense enjoyment in portraying a fun, humorous, and sexy police officer who would liven up parties, handcuff birthday boys and girls, and tease everyone in attendance. This persona, known as Officer Hardonski, quickly gained popularity and developed a cult following within the erotic art community.
Wearing the cop uniform, I confidently and charismatically served and protected the community, becoming notorious and earning a dedicated fan base. It was an exhilarating experience to perform at multiple private parties in one night, encountering different people and embracing the wild and unpredictable nature of each event.
During my time as a stripper, I had the opportunity to wear various costumes and personas to entertain my audience. I would don the attire of a construction worker, cowboy, sailor, and even a doctor or firefighter. It was through these role-playing performances that I discovered my passion for embodying different characters and entertaining others. Each costume I wore quickly became a self portrait painting, embedding my stripper life as art history.
While learning to style hair and apply beauty makeup, I prolifically painted luxury brand suit jackets and high-end purses inside the silo. This series was inspired by Andy Warhol's exploration of seriality and multiplicity.
Along with my new fashion-based art career, I delved into fashion as a subject for my art. It was ironic painting clothing at the same time I was taking it off for a living. I created haute couture paintings using brand name purses and suit jackets drenched in paint and used as painting stamps.
This unconventional approach to art allowed me to challenge the notion of luxury labels and transform them into unique artistic expressions. It was a controversial technique that the media called vandalism, garnering a lot of attention.
This attention ultimately promoted my upcoming solo art gallery show called "Pret A Porter," which was exhibited at The Eastwood Onley Gallery in Vancouver.
My younger sister, Laurie, was in the middle of completing her diploma at makeup school around the same time I graduated. I vividly remember when she brought her makeup kit over, and I was captivated by the vibrant eyeshadow palettes and brushes.
It was then that I had an epiphany - perhaps I could pursue a career as a makeup artist. It was an art-related job, and I had a passion for colors, so I thought it would be an easy industry to explore.
In 2009, I enrolled in the Blanche MacDonald Centre makeup, hair, and special effects program and fell in love with makeup applications. After an intensive year of classes, work experience, and tons of practice, I successfully completed the diploma program.
Following that, I worked as a traveling makeup artist for Nars Cosmetics and Shiseido for a period of 3 years.
The transition from painting on canvas to applying makeup on faces was seamless and fulfilling. It felt like painting on a canvas that moved and talked. Needless to say, I discovered a passion for enhancing people's appearances and making them feel confident and beautiful.
After venturing into several years of interdisciplinary studies and deviating from my graduation requirements, I had the opportunity to truly immerse myself in learning while enrolled at Emily Carr University.
Initially, I was pursuing a BFA, but I decided to delve into two years of photography with an interdisciplinary focus. Following that, I found myself exploring the realms of classical animation which led to creating hundreds of drawings and working toward completing 2 years of computer 3D animation. My hope was to forge a career in the TV/Film industry, creating animations or working for a gaming company.
However, I soon realized that spending countless hours staring at a computer screen didn't align with my artistic aspirations. In 2009, I shifted my focus to obtaining my Fine Art degree, primarily to make my parents proud and finally put an end to my perpetual student status.
I successfully earned my Fine Art degree from Emily Carr University. As I sat among my fellow graduates in the class of 2009, I felt a profound sense of accomplishment in the art world. With my family capturing the moment from the balcony, I was overcome with emotion, eagerly awaiting my turn to be recognized.
Tears welled up in my eyes as I heard my name being called. Stepping onto the stage, clad in my graduation suit, I accepted my BFA with overwhelming pride.
The convocation ceremony took place at The Chan Centre for the Performing Arts in University Endowment Lands, British Columbia. It was a beautiful event, made even more special by the presence of Sarah McLachlan, who was receiving an honorary degree and graced us with a heartfelt song on the piano. Following this memorable performance, it was my turn to shine.
As luck would have it, I happened to have a Brent Buck in my pocket, as I always carry them with me. Walking across the stage, I received my degree from the dean of Emily Carr and approached Sarah, expressing my gratitude for her performance. I handed her the Brent Buck, playfully advising her not to spend it all in one place.
The following week, Blake moved away, and six weeks later, he unexpectedly passed away. This devastating loss affected me deeply and ignited a flame within me, motivating me to dedicate my entire life to art, fulfilling a promise.
Shortly after his passing, I drew a portrait of Blake in my studio, bringing him back to life through art. The portrait now hangs in his parents' house as a memorial and each time I go to visit "The Mack's", I say hello to my best friend.
It was that night, as I painted the skull and he witnessed my creative process for the first time, that he told me how proud he was of me. It was also during this time that he informed me he was moving away to pursue a new career path. In response, I told him I loved him, and half-jokingly suggested that our careless partying and friendship would eventually lead to my demise. So, him moving away felt like a blessing.
On October 26, 2009, my best friend Blake, also known as "B-Mack," passed away. Our friendship significantly impacted both my art career and my life moving forward. Blake and I met in grade 8 at William Beagle Junior High School and were inseparable from that moment on.
His parents became like my own, and vice versa. Blake was the only person I ever lived with; we shared two apartments in Vancouver over four years while I worked as a nightclub bouncer and attended art school. Naturally, Blake and I partied hard in our bachelor pad, staying up all night discussing life and art while engaging in unmentionable activities.
The last time I saw Blake was inside the silo studio on September 10th 2009. He had never seen me paint before, so on that special occasion, I decided to create my very first large-scale skull painting on canvas. During this experience, Blake finally came to fully respect my art practice as he watched a massive skull come to life in a short amount of time.
30 Years Old
In the summer of 2009, my life took a whole new turn when I spontaneously decided to join the pride parade in Vancouver unannounced. I dressed up as Officer Hardonski, and simply walked in with my mic in hand, while my videographer followed me.
Little did I know, this simple idea would greatly enhance my art form of public performance and freedom of expression. Since that year, I have made it a tradition to participate in Pride parades every year, not only in Canada but also across North America, including several World Pride Parades.
It has become my personal protest, encouraging others to freely express themselves in any way they desire and have fun along the way unabashedly.
In 2010, the Winter Olympics were hosted by Vancouver, establishing downtown as the epicenter for watching the games live at various bars and businesses.
The owner of Urban Barn invited me to paint live via webcam streaming "Home On Howe," allowing spectators from around the world to watch the furniture store's Olympic activities, including live painting with me!
I was invited to create a massive 10ft by 10ft polyptych painting live on Granville Street at The World Education Conference in the summer of 2010. It required a lot of hard work to transport and install this colossal canvas for my live painting entitled “Abstraktd”.
However, all the effort was well worth it when I started performing live art among the nightclubs and bars during the Olympic rush.
After establishing a strong relationship with the owners of the Eastwood Onley Gallery, Peter Eastwood and Yukiko Onley, in 2009, I was invited back to create a new exhibition titled "Abstract Works: The Fifth Season." This collection showcased colourful abstract paintings that were inspired by the changing colours of each season throughout the year.
The concept of the fifth season allowed me to incorporate cut-up prints of my mother's earth-tone landscape paintings, along with mallard duck taxidermy. This combination was influenced by Robert Rauschenberg's Combines (1954-64), which are hybrid works that blend painting with collage and assemblage of various objects from everyday life.
In the spring of 2010, I was hired to create an extensive amount of original art for a hotel commission at the Hi Whistler Hostel. This commission involved creating over 20 large, abstract, painted landscapes, each representing a different Canadian province. The goal was to provide international guests with a taste of Canada by showcasing its diverse landscapes.
The artwork featured a mix of iconic Canadian wildlife such as bald eagles, orca whales, bison, and grizzly bears, as well as elements like Tofino surfers, snowboards, trees, mountains, and city buildings. All of these were painted in my signature style.
This impressive collection is still proudly displayed throughout the hostel's common areas, allowing the public to enjoy and appreciate the artwork. I dedicated a lot of hard work and effort to this series, all completed within the confines of the silo.
I have had amazing opportunities to work with some of Vancouver's top interior designers, creating commissioned abstract paintings to coincide with color schemes and furniture for show homes, hotels, and suites. This experience has helped me pay for studio renovations, paint, and satisfy my hunger for abstract expressionism.
In the winter of 2010, I renovated the downstairs half of the silo, creating a cozier space.
Built as an octagon, each 8ft by 8ft wall was decorated. I created a candy collection wall, incorporated lava lamps, and organized and showcased my collections of my grandfather's antique license plates, disco balls, art books, and unusual collectibles. Additionally, I embarked on a never-ending muffin tin installation, drawing inspiration from the video game Tetris and Lego building blocks.
31 Years Old
During these shoots, I posed naked in front of the Vancouver Police Department, chopped wood naked on the steps of the Vancouver Art Gallery, and made phone calls from various phone booths.
I recreated artworks such as "The Death of Marat," "American Gothic," and "The Thinker" as self-portrait nudes, paying homage to my art heroes and further establishing my physique as art.
Alongside my self-portraits, I displayed a large array of male and female nudes, creating an enticing and provocative art show. This exhibition, held at the prestigious Eastwood Onley Gallery in Vancouver, marked my third solo show and left a lasting impression on the city's art scene.
I spent a year staging unauthorized public and discreet private performance-based photoshoots, recreating some of my favourite paintings from art history. This gave me the opportunity to be photographed in a vulnerable atmosphere, pushing my boundaries, and allowing my cousin James, the photographer behind the lens, to capture unique and powerful moments.
I always said yes to opportunities that had a feel good vibe. This year I was invited to paint a series of donated skull paintings for a live auction at Gambado, a charity fundraiser in Vancouver at Performance Work on Granville Island.
Going for a dip as Mr. Deer
In the winter of 2011, I decided spur of the moment to dress up in my boxing gloves, boots and robe along with Mr Deer's head, and made my way to the annual polar bear swim at English Bay in Vancouver. It was my very first cold plunge, and little did I know it would present a new path in my art career.
The idea was simple, before the big plunge, I put on a show, warming up my body to my portable stereo soundtrack of Eye of The Tiger. I shadow boxed like Rocky Balboa, did pushups, danced, and entertained the masses with a family-friendly striptease. It was definitely wild, my audience grew, and it turned into an instant dance party. It was during this time that I caught the attention of the producer of the Taboo Sex Show, who offered me free passes to the upcoming convention dressed as Mr Deer.
In 2011, my floral gun art was featured in The Lassiters' House in "Psych”, an American detective comedy-drama television series created for the USA Network. Since the show aired, I have had dedicated "Psych" fans regularly purchasing the print from my website.
My art has always been so eclectic that it's ideal for set decorations,
often being featured as hero art along side main character dialogue with lots of screen time.
This year, I had a surreal experience as I brought to life a wild performance creation - a mystical creature named Mr. Deer. Taking inspiration from my Fraser Clan Family Crest, I meticulously designed a costume that transformed me into this enchanting half man, half animal being.
I started by crafting a customized rubber deer head mask I bought on Amazon, to which I carefully glued fake fur and hand painted the features. To complete the look, I fashioned a tight-fitting furry loin cloth, furry hooves, cufflinks and spats.
Embracing my alter ego as Mr. Deer, I delved into various forms of artistic expression. I engaged in public art-making, sexy bizarre strip shows, and unusual live painting acts. This was the first year I started renting artwork to the tv and film industry in Vancouver.
32 Years Old
At the end of 2012, on New Year's Eve, I was invited to perform live penis painting at a Vancouver night club. Continuing my "BANG" series of body and brush paintings, I started by wearing a balaclava mask and a stylish tear-away dress shirt and necktie.
It wasn't long before I shed my clothes, revealing a Rambo-style gun bullet harness, ready to make a splash in the art scene using my lethal weapon as a paintbrush.
These text-based penis paintings showcased my impressive penmanship as I delicately brushed the word "bang" onto each canvas.
The spectators thoroughly enjoyed the spectacle of my unique artwork and engaged with me afterwards.
In 2012, I had the honor of being invited to perform twice as a halftime show featured entertainer at the Battle Of The Brush Live Painting Competition in Vancouver. During these performances, I showcased my unique act called "PUMPED", where I combined the art of boxing and painting.
This exhilarating art extravaganza aimed to energize and captivate the audience during intermission at this prestigious Art event. The Battle of the Brush served as a platform for showcasing artistic talent, with over 300 artists taking the stage.
During my performance, I would immerse my boxing gloves in vibrant paint and create powerful strokes on canvases, depicting iconic artists such as Andy Warhol, Jean Michel Basquiat, and the legendary Mike Tyson.
Additionally, I also created a series of larger-than-life self-portraits. Each punch I threw transformed the canvas into a visual representation of my admiration for these historic figures and my own artistic journey.
In 2012, I participated in the Cranberry Festival in Fort Langley as a live painter, providing entertainment for the attendees. The Cranberry Festival celebrates the harvest of cranberries and attracts approximately 35,000 visitors each year. During the festival, I had the opportunity to create a large-scale painting featuring a double love skull.
Later this year I was honoured to be invited to perform live at the 41st Coronation Ceremony at Performance Works on Granville Island in Vancouver. An event established by the Dogwood Monarchist Society, a non-profit organization that supports the Mother Court of Canada and the Imperial Court of Vancouver.
The society raises funds for registered LGBTQ+ charities in British Columbia and provides safe spaces for social interaction to celebrate Vancouver's drag community and their supporters. I painted a portrait of Empress XL Kamelle Toe.
The live auditions for Canada's Got Talent were held in Vancouver for the first time in 2012. I was determined to get on TV and reach a wider audience, so I decided to showcase my act, Mr. Deer "The Stripping Painter".
I waited in line for a whole day, alongside more than a thousand other hopeful performers. Thankfully, I made it past the preliminary round and was given the chance to perform on national television.
My act was a family-friendly painting strip show. It was a unique and entertaining performance that caught the attention of the panel of celebrity judges, including the renowned Canadian comedian Martin Short. Their feedback and evaluation added to the excitement and nerves of the experience.
Later this year, and Inspired by Hardonski and Mr. Deer's performances, I decided to combine their influences and create a unique art production. To bring this vision to life, I assembled a team of 25 volunteers, which I named the "Mr. Deers Fawn Crew."
Together, we embarked on a wildly creative journey. In order to showcase the unique production, I arranged for a Vancouver nightclub to serve as our venue, and on January 27, 2012, we presented a live art performance titled "The Rise of The Fawn Crew."
During the performance, Officer Deer courageously stripped down and utilized vibrant spray paint, acrylics, and pastels to both vandalize and beautify large canvas celebrity mugshots. This act showcased the fusion of art, performance, and the unconventional.
I organized the Bras for Breast Cancer fundraiser as a live public performance in honour of my mother's battle against breast cancer in the summer of 2012. The event took place at two locations in Vancouver, with the first being held at 437 West Hastings.
For this event, I created a massive wood panel painting using donated bras from around the world. I reached out for help on Facebook, and the post quickly gained traction, resulting in over 500 bras being delivered to me from different corners of the globe.
Each bra was carefully attached to two custom seven-foot by seven-foot wood panels, which were painted white to provide a blank canvas. During the event, I painted live directly on top of the bras, creating a powerful representation of a woman's battle before and after a mastectomy.
The second part of the project was held out front of the Vancouver Art Gallery steps, where I continued to paint the bras completely white with pink highlights, symbolizing the pink ribbon that has come to be known as the worldwide symbol for breast cancer.
The project garnered media attention and served as a symbol of strength and resilience in the face of breast cancer. It also brought me closer to my mom, who inspired me with her courageous battle against cancer.
Unaware of what the Taboo Sex Show was exactly, as I had never been before, I took advantage of the free tickets presented to me at the polar bear swim last year. I decided to go and dress up as my furry friend, as we had agreed.
To add to the excitement, I brought along the same inflatable sex doll as my arm candy. As I walked toward the Vancouver Convention Centre wearing a trench coat, spectators outside greeted me openly. However, it wasn't until I walked inside that I realized I had entered a completely different world.
The event proved to be an unconventional and liberating experience, allowing me to freely express myself sexually and explore various fetishes.
I began the year by making some exciting additions to my silo studio. Through a lot of dedicated effort, I single-handedly constructed an extension to the exterior structure of the grain tank. Beneath the existing patio deck, I skillfully built a bathroom and laundry room. On the upper level, I designed and created a charming custom kitchen, allowing me to enjoy cooking, cleaning, and bathing in
a rustic farm-style setting.
33 Years Old
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During the summer, I participated in the Vancouver Pride parade. Despite the scorching heat, I proudly marched alongside my cousin James. Together, we pulled a massive mobile art canvas float.
While James captured the moments through his photography, I expressed my creativity by painting a vibrant Pride love double skull artwork. It was an exciting form of entertainment that delighted the thousands of spectators and allowed me to celebrate my pride.
During the same weekend as the Pride parade in 2012, Officer Hardonski delivered a highly unexpected and explosive performance at the Dixx Magazine Pride Launch Party.
I performed a lip sync routine using a toilet plunger and proceeded to paint a series of self-portraits with my penis. Meanwhile, I danced around a flaming golden toilet bowl, which unexpectedly exploded due to the intense heat of the flames, causing the golden throne to be destroyed.
In the summer of 2013, I participated in the Vancouver Pride Parade. I decided to make a bold statement by wearing 6" platform stiletto boots, transforming myself into Officer Hardonski.
It was an exhilarating experience to walk the entire parade alongside my friend Melissa, who was also embracing her freedom by expressing herself half naked in public for the first time. As for me, it was my inaugural venture into the world of stilettos.
The entire parade was filled with excitement and joy, but unfortunately, it took a toll on my feet. The pressure exerted by the inexpensive stilettos caused my two big toes to experience extreme pain. By the end of the parade, my nails had turned purple and eventually fell off the next day. It took nearly a year for them to fully regrow, which led me to make a firm decision never to wear kinky boots again.
However, the following year, I came up with a brilliant idea to incorporate my love for roller-skating into parades. I started carrying my skates with me wherever I traveled, allowing me to roller-skate around the world. This new approach not only alleviated the discomfort I had previously experienced, but also added an extra layer of excitement and uniqueness to my parade participation.
In 2013, I also had the opportunity to showcase a solo skull painting retrospective pop-up show at The Arthur Erickson Waterfall Gallery in Vancouver. The exhibition featured large-scale skull paintings with unexpected elements integrated into them.
The audience was engaged by live art performances, where I brought the paintings to life before their eyes. The event concluded with a pop-up night club, where I painted half-naked surrounded by an enthusiastic audience, reaching out to connect with the art. It was a boundary-pushing exhibition that left a lasting impact.
When I wasn't performing on stage or in public in 2013, I devoted my time to working on a controversial art series. Later that year, I was invited to showcase my first international art exhibition at Mind Unwind Gallery in Seattle, WA.
The exhibition featured my "Bouquets" collection, which consists of floral gun hybrid creations aimed at addressing the issue of gun violence.
In this series, I juxtapose guns and flowers to explore the contrasting elements that give life its beautiful friction. Each hand-transfer on canvas portrays well-styled firearms arranged in the form of bouquets, symbolizing the harmony and balance between opposing forces in life.
The exhibition also had a live painting performance demonstrating my painterly passion for nude figurative art.
After being introduced to the creators of Vancouver's Sin City Fetish Club, Isaac and Trish, at the Taboo Sex Show in 2012, I received an invitation to perform at Sin City in 2013.
Sin City is a boundary-breaking and consistently astonishing fetish party held every 4-6 weeks in downtown Vancouver.
It serves as a celebration of the local fetish community and provides the perfect environment for me to express myself through various means, all while wearing captivating costumes.
As time went on, I became a regular participant in this adult event and eventually earned the distinction of being a featured performer on numerous fetish-themed nights, including the prestigious Vancouver Fetish Weekend.
I was invited back to the Taboo show in the fall of 2013 and was given my very own art booth.
This booth held a special significance for me because it was the same space where I had previously performed in various costumes, such as Officer Hardonski, cowboy Brent, and Mr. deer.
During these live painting performances, I would use boxing gloves to punch-paint life-size self-portraits, which attracted a large and enthusiastic crowd.
In addition to my painting performances, I also engaged in other artistic activities at the booth. I danced around fire and created paintings using my penis as a brush, which garnered a lot of attention and popularity at the convention. I also took numerous daring and provocative photos with willing participants.
The success and popularity of my penis painter booth at the convention caught the attention of the producers, and they took a chance on me by offering me main stage time for the following year.
This was a significant achievement for me and brought me one step closer to my dream of performing live art on a grand scale.
One of my most memorable art collaborations was with my friend Melissa Maan when we worked together to create the infamous Disco Dick strap-on art piece. With “Melly The Maker's” skilled hands, this unique piece was shaped and completely bedazzled with over 4,000 Swarovski crystals, giving it the appearance of a massive disco ball-inspired penis. It truly is a one-of-a-kind creation.
The Disco Dick strap-on art piece became an integral part of the "Super Cock" fashion costume that Melissa designed and created using feathers and many hours of craftsmanship. This costume transformed me into a hot rod rooster for a performance at The Taboo Show in 2013. The Disco Dick made its way around the world as a cherished costume piece, bringing great joy to all who crossed its mighty sparkly path.
After years of exploring various forms of erotic art expression, such as stripping, penis painting, and other creative endeavours involving my penis, in 2013 I crafted a sculptural art piece that embodies my journey.
With a 2L plastic pop bottle and dental alginate, I meticulously created a master mold for a series of self-portrait penis replicas. These replicas symbolize my path of self-discovery and artistic liberation.
Subsequently, I utilized them to produce ceramic and body-safe silicone dildos, which not only reflect my artistic development but also mark a significant milestone in overcoming my introversion.
In addition to the profound significance of this masterpiece, I aimed to create a functional and practical art piece that brings joy to art collectors' lives. These replicas allow collectors to hold a piece of me in their hands, adding an extra layer of connection and intimacy to the artwork.
After using my body to create art for several years and becoming aware of the risks associated with using my penis as a brush, I decided to take precautions. I obtained insurance coverage for $50,000, which would protect me in the event of a complete removal of my penis due to an accident.
Regrettably, this insurance plan only covered me for one year, and I now realize the missed opportunity of extending the coverage. Little did I know that I was about to embark on a journey of groundbreaking penis art masterpieces, and having that additional protection would have been invaluable.
34 Years Old
I frequently purchase art materials from Opus Art Supplies in Langley, BC. One day, the staff discovered my passion for art and became fans of my work.
They were so impressed that they invited me to conduct an art lesson on becoming a successful artist. The class, titled "Art 101: Eat, Sleep, Breathe Art," featured a live demonstration where I talked about and finger painted a large canvas skull.
While in Toronto, I spent some quality family time with my cousin Kristall and we both participated in our very first World Pride Parade.
The 2014 World Pride Festival was held from June 20-29, 2014 in downtown Toronto. It was an extremely exciting time because not only was it the fourth such festival in the world, it was also the first ever to be held in North America!
This year celebrated the 45th Anniversary of the Stonewall Riots. This was the perfect event to wear my RoboCock rollerskate costume for the first time.
In the summer of 2014, I had the opportunity to participate in a unique event called "Deliciously Disabled" at the Oasis Aqualounge in Toronto, Canada.
This exclusive adult lifestyle event took place on August 14, 2015, and aimed to provide a space for disabled individuals to explore their sexuality in an accessible environment.
As part of the entertainment for the evening, I dressed up as the Marvel superhero Wolverine and performed a live penis art performance.
With over 200 spectators in attendance, I entertained the crowd by combining a lap dance with the creation of a penis painting. AndrewMorrison-Gurza, one of the event's organizers, was the recipient of this artistic experience.
I had the honor of being invited to paint live for a charity fundraiser at Birks in Vancouver in 2014.
The event, called The Youth Education Farms, aimed to support and uplift a generation of abandoned children in Swaziland, Africa who have been affected by the HIV/AIDS crisis. During the event, I created a live painting which was auctioned off, raising a significant amount of money for the charity.
In 2014, I was invited by art curator Barry Dumpka to participate in the Eastside Cultural Crawl at Parker Street Studios in Vancouver. This invitation came after I had recently held a private full body painting performance inside my shack studio, where I invited four guests to watch the work come alive.
It was the first time I had ever invited a small group inside my art studio for a special private demonstration. One of the guests recorded a video while the others watched attentively.
I painted my entire body in black, from head to toe, and used it as a stamp to create a striking and colourful series of imprints. Once I finished, the performance concluded behind the farm garbage dumpster where, in front of the guests, the birds, and the bees, I used the garden hose to clean off the paint.
The next day, the artworks were hung at Parker Street Studios as part of a select group show during The Eastside Culture Crawl in Vancouver. This exhibition marked the first time I showcased my body imprints in a gallery setting.
The positive reception and interaction with the audience fuelled my passion, leading me to participate in the convention every year for the next 12 years.
As time went on, my act as the World Famous Penis Painter gained even more popularity, eventually granting me the privilege of being a featured performer on the main stage.
Aside from my stage performances, I also had a convention booth where I conducted live painting demonstrations and engaged with a diverse audience.
It was during these interactions that I created cherished moments, took naughty photos with spectators, and built a loyal following of art fans.
The Taboo Show Convention served as my annual adult playground, providing a safe and sex-positive environment where I could freely express myself.
The Taboo Show Conventions played a significant role in my performer career.
From 2012 to 2023, I had the opportunity to showcase my skills and techniques through various stage performances, featuring unique paintings and physical abilities.
These performances not only left a lasting impact on the spectators but also gained recognition from the Taboo production, earning me an incredible reputation as the World Famous Penis Painter.
During that time, I used various usernames with an artsy play on words such as "Pricasso" and "Dickelangelo". My shows were highly energetic, filled with creativity, and allowed me to connect with my fan base on a deeper level.
My live webcam chat room became a space where I could explore and learn more about myself in my most vulnerable state. It was a turn-on, fulfilling my childhood dream of having my own art TV show, similar to my idols Mr. Dressup, Bob Ross, and Pee-Wee's Playhouse. However, I never imagined it would become an adult art show!
This practice has helped me feel more comfortable performing for a live audience, even though I am technically alone. FYI, my live webcam art show is definitely not family friendly!
As fate would have it, in the spring of 2014, a friendly acquaintance unexpectedly suggested that I showcase my penis painting and performance art on the popular adult porn chat site Chaturbate.
Initially, I had reservations about the platform due to its nature as a porn site. However, after my first live broadcast, where I earned a generous amount of tips in just 2 hours while performing for 3,000 viewers, I was convinced and became hooked.
This experience completely transformed my approach to creating art in my studio. Previously, I would simply record myself painting alone. But once I started live streaming on the internet, I rarely created art without a live audience. It was addictive, and I quickly excelled in the webcam industry, gaining recognition for my unique naked artist chat room.
Over the next decade, I continued to perform on live webcam, gradually building a dedicated fan base and forming online friendships that eventually evolved into a strong community of art collectors. Despite the misconception that I was technically a porn star, I always saw myself as an artist first and foremost.
35 Years Old
In 2015, with the assistance of RBW behind the video camera, I painted my first wall body imprint mural to the classical music composition "Adagio For Strings."
The mural was completed in black paint, and I strategically pressed myself against the large stretched canvas, moving to the rhythm of the classical music, and feeling its rhythm.
In my Apothecary series, I wanted to explore the intersection of society's love for authenticity and handcrafted goods. I embraced this theme by purchasing charming glass bottles and designing vintage labels, giving them a rustic charm.
The self-portraits in this series were created using various body hair clippings, offering a unique and insightful perspective. Through these unconventional materials, I aimed to elevate the ordinary aspects of my daily life into something captivating and desirable.
The small vials in my Apothecary series, reminiscent of Damien Hirst's Pharmacy installation, cater to our fascination with exploring all sexual peccadillos. They serve as a reminder that art is deeply personal and intimate, while also commenting on our culture's obsession with celebrity and the desire for a piece of artists.
As I explored this concept further, I began to see myself differently and realized there was more to offer in terms of artistic expression.
This year has been an emotional rollercoaster for me. Despite the challenges, I have found solace in my passion for art and entertainment. Unfortunately, I experienced the heartbreaking loss of my older brother, Gordon, on November 17, 2015. His passing ignited a determination within me to pursue my dreams wholeheartedly.
In memory of my older brother, I embarked on a remarkable journey. I decided to climb a mountain and scatter a portion of his ashes, symbolizing his eternal connection with nature. As my brother shifted through my fingers into the air, I had a vision of a painting using his cremated ashes, to create something truly unique to honour his spirit.
After extensive research, I discovered a profoundly meaningful way to capture his essence. I decided to use another portion of his ashes to create a portrait.
Through a meticulous process, I developed a recipe using his cremated ashes mixed with gum arabic and ink. This combination resulted in a one-of-a-kind portrait that truly captured the essence of Gordon.
As I delicately stroked the brush against the canvas, I witnessed the magic of art bringing my brother back to life. Each stroke was a testament to his vibrant spirit and the impact he had on my life.
This profound masterpiece now hangs in my parents' family room, alongside our other original family artworks. It serves as a constant reminder of Gordon's presence and the love we shared.
Continuing on my journey of artistic expression, I embarked on a tour across Canada with The Taboo Show, shortly after my brothers passing. In each city, I painted several portraits of my brother using my penis as a brush.
This unconventional and provocative series allowed me to celebrate his unique personality and challenge societal taboos. Through these paintings, I found closure and a way to perpetuate his memory.
After spending years painting in solitude within the confines of a silo, my life took an unexpected turn when Fremantle Entertainment's France Got Talent stumbled upon a video of my unique artistic technique on YouTube.
It was April 21, 2015, when they reached out to me directly. Intrigued by the video of me creating a mural using my own penis as a brush, they inquired about my skills and ability to speak French.
They wanted to know if I could impressively perform within a two-minute time frame. If I could meet their criteria, they promised to advance me to the live judges round on national television. Without hesitation, I confidently assured them that I possessed both the required skills. [Did you?]
In preparation for my grand moment on France Got Talent, I devised a plan to enhance my speed and precision in portrait painting. Additionally, I embarked on a journey to learn the French language.
Thankfully, my amazing French Canadian cousin, Kristall, lent a helping hand in teaching me. Behind the scenes, we captured numerous moments on film, documenting the process leading up to my appearance.
As I took on the persona of a French Canadian Lumberjack, sporting daisy duke jean shorts, red suspenders, boots, and carrying custom-made log dumbbells, we created a lively and entertaining image.
Prior to my arrival in Paris, I dedicated countless hours to practicing and memorizing seven complete sentences in French. These sentences introduced myself and proudly proclaimed, "maple syrup flows through my veins." Although I must admit, my French skills were less than stellar. It may have been a fortunate occurrence that the footage of my initial attempts has not been made available online.
Finally, the day arrived for me to step onto the stage. Unbeknownst to me at the time, my performance would go viral, propelling me on a whirlwind journey around the world.
I had the incredible opportunity to showcase my lightning-fast painting act on more than 10 different Got Talent franchises, captivating audiences across various continents.
When I'm not traveling the world or expressing my creativity in the studio, you'll find me enjoying the therapeutic wonders of gardening in my own silo garden.
It all started in 2015 when I took matters into my own hands and built a small two-plot garden to grow organic food for myself. While saving money on produce was a nice perk, my true motivation was to immerse myself in the beauty of nature.
My garden is teeming with wildlife, from hummingbirds zipping by to bald eagles and hawks soaring above, and even a family of majestic deer pops by. What began as a humble plot with a few vegetable beds has now transformed into a flourishing horticultural extravaganza.
I have a variety of plants in my garden, including towering kale and majestic spinach, Swiss chard, carrots, and kiwis. Additionally, beets, tomatoes, apples, cherries, raspberries, and blueberries have all found their place in my garden paradise.
The Silo underwent significant changes in 2015, including the addition of a kitchen and washroom. With a plan in mind, I began constructing the wooden structure for insulation. As I worked on the exterior, the interior studio space and downstairs area also received a makeover.
Once the building was complete, I eagerly started decorating the washroom with a touch of interior design flair. It was adorned with muffin tins, colourful LED lights, photos, art, and disco balls.
The upstairs studio was transformed into a gym, where I would energetically broadcast webcam exercise sessions.
In 2015, an unexpected opportunity arose when I happened to be attending an upcoming show at The RIO Theatre in Vancouver. Coincidentally, the American reality television series "Total Divas" was filming an episode on the same day I would be at the theatre.
The episode featured lead actress Saraya-Jade Bevis, also known as Paige, the superstar wrestler, who happened to be in the audience. Corinne, the theatre owner, knowing I would be in attendance, suggested to the TV show that I surprise Paige with a special lap dance for added entertainment during the filming. They agreed, and before the big day, I signed a consent waiver with the TV show producer.
I put together a special Wolverine costume, bought a Cuban cigar, and made my way to the RIO. As a surprise, Paige was brought on stage into a chair unknowingly, while I made my way slowly onstage, looking exactly like Wolverine.
I performed a highly seductive strip show lap dance, dressed as the cigar-smoking superhero. To this day, it remains my best and most favoured fully nude lap dance ever.
Every week in the silo, I would perform and create a unique artwork on a live webcam for an enthusiastic audience.
On March 25, 2015, I hand-painted a large retro print heart motif that served as a frame for an iconic double portrait painting of Queen Elizabeth and Princess Diana.
Drawing inspiration from Damien Hirst's art piece titled "Mother and Child (Divided), 1993," I named my large-scale painting "Mother and Daughter (United)."
As an homage to Princess Diana, my intention was to unite her image with that of the Queen mother, symbolizing their unity as art once the Queen passed away.
Inspired by Salvador Dali's "In Voluptas Mors" (Voluptuous, or Desirable Death), a body art masterpiece created in 1951 in the Surrealism style, featuring a skull composed of seven nude women, I was motivated to create a large self-portrait as a tribute to my hero, Dali.
On April 29, 2015, inside the shack studio, I collaborated with my friend Roger B. Williams, who meticulously documented the entire painting process. I covered myself in white paint and strategically pressed against a large canvas on the floor.
Shortly after moving into the larger Shack Studio in 2015, I had ample floor space to work with. Inspired by Jackson Pollock's floor drip paintings, I had always envisioned recreating his abstract piece "Autumn Mist" by freely moving around the canvas, allowing paint to drip from my paint-covered hands onto the canvas. To capture this artistic process, I enlisted the help of my friend RBW to video record the act.
In addition to Pollock's influence, I drew inspiration from Marcel Duchamp's groundbreaking work "Paysage Fautif" or "Faulty Landscape" in 1946. Duchamp introduced the idea of incorporating semen as an artistic element, and I sought to take this concept to a new level.
With careful consideration, I blended my own bodily fluid into the paint can, resulting in a fusion of my DNA and the paint. This infusion of personal essence became an integral part of the canvas, infusing my art with life and authenticity. It also served as a unique way for me to sign the work, replacing a traditional written signature.
This process not only added some Art-sexual excitement to the creation of the artwork but also imbued it with a deeper sense of self-expression.
By incorporating my own bodily fluids, the piece transformed into a self-portrait, offering a unique and personal touch that added depth and meaning to the work.
I opened my second art studio in a vacant horse barn on the Langley Farm, next to the silo. The larger space I called The Shack allowed me to expand my performance training area and original art storage.
I also transformed it into a living space where I learned and performed aerial hoop and pole dancing, broadcasting live for an audience via webcam.
In this studio, I created massive canvas paintings and art series that were too big for the silo's small work area. It was a space where I could express myself through various activities, from performing to painting and working out.
36 Years Old
During my whirlwind year of traveling, I was contacted by Romania's Got Talent in Bucharest, called iUmor, to paint a surprise portrait of Mihai Bendeac, a well-known Romanian actor and comedian.
This act was one of my favorites as I lip-synced "The Marriage of Figaro," composed in 1786 by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. The judges laughed so hard at this part of my act that I couldn't wait to reveal the surprise portrait. Needless to say, as soon as I flipped the canvas around after strutting my naked body across the stage, they were blown away! I told Mihai that "I loved him" and wanted to gift the portrait to him onstage as a token of my love.
My painting act was so cherished by the TV show and judges that they asked me to come back in 2021 for a very special celebrity performance.
During my artistic journey, I ventured beyond familiar territories and embarked on an unforgettable experience in Normandy, France.
In 2016, I had the privilege of painting a live portrait on stage for two consecutive days at the Salon du Tatouage du Havre, which took place on Saturday, April 9th, and Sunday, April 10th. This incredible opportunity allowed me to showcase my unique talents to an international audience.
During the same trip to San Francisco in August 2016, something incredible happened. I received an invitation to perform for a crowd of 10,000 people at the Folsom Street Fair. It was an extraordinary experience to showcase my artistic talents on such a grand stage. During my act, I speed-painted a portrait of John F. Kennedy, holding it above my head to a roaring crowd.
After my performance, I enjoyed walking around the fair, absorbing the vibrant and energetic atmosphere. My friend Peter, who graciously hosted me during the trip, was deeply appreciative when I gifted him the portrait of JFK as a token of gratitude for his accommodations and for being an amazing friend. He also documented the entire Lumberjack trip, capturing the memories of our adventure together.
Art has always been a form of expression and activism for me. In a bold move, I participated in a public nude protest on Castro Street in San Francisco on August 8, 2016. It was the perfect opportunity to use art as a powerful tool to convey my message while exercising naked as Lumberjack Brent.
The march, which was permitted by the city, took us from the Castro district to the Haight-Ashbury and had been promoted as a nude "Summer of Love" parade. A group of about two dozen people, including myself, gathered and undressed in Jane Warner Plaza before embarking on the march under sunny skies.
The Cock Gun is a masterpiece that I created in 2016. It is a powerful combination of masculinity and artistry, blending the natural strength and beauty of the penis with the meticulously crafted form and function of a gun. This sculptural self-portrait challenges us to prioritize love and intimacy over conflict and destruction. While it may resemble a gun, it is important to understand that the Cock Gun is not a toy, but rather a work of art that deserves admiration and respect. Unless you possess a rare limited edition body-safe silicone version, it is reserved for true connoisseurs.
The message conveyed by the Cock Gun is crystal clear: "Make love, not war." It serves as a reminder for us to embrace pleasure and joy in our lives, and to celebrate the beauty of human connection. As I contemplate this unique piece, I can't help but wonder where I would install it to fully appreciate its artistic impact.
Alongside my artistic endeavors, I embarked on a unique fitness journey in 2016. I started traveling with my handcrafted log dumbbells, searching for the perfect opportunity to shoot my very first Canadian Lumberjacked workout videos. Little did I know that this series would continue to grow and inspire others for years to come.
In 2016, as an homage to my grandpa, whom my parents named my middle name Ray after, I was inspired to create a persona and spoof workout series of videos called "Canadian Lumberjacked". This series featured unique lumberjack-inspired exercises using custom-built lumberjack equipment, such as log dumbbells, wood plates, and various challenging activities like Bald Eagle Lateral Raises, Canoe Squats and Chairlift Chin-ups. I performed walking lunges with my log dumbbells around the world, making stops at tourist locations to entertain the public, much like a street performer, minus the tips.
The year following my painting of France Got Talent Judge Gilbert Rozon, he extended an invitation for me to showcase another special live portrait performance at Galas Juste Pour Rire Montréal, the world's largest humor festival. Rozon, who also founded the Juste pour rire festival on July 14, 1983, was the driving force behind this event, and it was an honour to paint a second portrait of him in Canada.
In a controversial live act in 2015, Officer Hardonski was banned from performing at Candyland, a burlesque bar-meets-supper club-meets experimental theatre, which serves fancy cocktails alongside circus-esque acts in Toronto.
During the penis painting performance, I came out dressed as Officer Hardonski, stroked my penis, which was then revealed, covered in whipped cream and topped with a cherry. This "prep work" led to a special surprise penis painting portrait of my friend Laura Desiree, a famous North American performer who was hosting the infamous cabaret club.
I had the incredible opportunity to be invited to perform live portrait penis painting in a series of unique performances from 2016 to 2023, exclusively produced for The Box NYC.
These performances took place in a captivating and very adult atmosphere, featuring a diverse range of performers such as naked dancers, drag acts, and occasionally even vulgar shows.
The shows were known for their display of sexual acts, individuals using their bodies as musical instruments, and an overall sense of fun and sensuality.
My paint technique quickly became a staple act at this unique club in Manhattan, fitting right in with the energy of the venue.
Later in 2016, I received a message from Zain Maghji, an actor and Head of Video Content for Daily Hive and Hive Labs.
Zain, who has experience as a presenter and producer for various North American entertainment shows, reached out to me with an exciting opportunity. He proposed a collaboration for a live online performance on the day of the United States presidential election.
Our idea was to create a time-lapse portrait leading up to the announcement of the presidential nominee. This particular year was significant because it marked the candidacy of reality TV star Donald Trump, which some found to be a surreal situation.
The performance was scheduled to start an hour before the announcement of the next president of the United States.
To create the perfect atmosphere for the performance, I adorned the shack studio with flags and dressed in my Canadian Mountie uniform. Then, with great skill and precision, I painted a 10ft by 10ft portrait of Trump in a "family-friendly" manner.
To maintain modesty during the live audience, I wore a white Speedo to cover my backside as I carefully balanced on a ladder. The grand finale was meant to occur as soon as the historical decision was revealed.
With a dramatic flourish, I dramatically threw a bucket of red paint onto the enormous face of Trump, leaving the world in shock.
In 2016, I created the first of many "Gag Portraits" as part of a series of performance paintings. These paintings allowed me to incorporate humour into my art by quite literally engaging in a comedic twist.
The concept was straightforward: I would cut a small slit in the primed canvas, precisely where the mouth of my painted muses would be. Then, during the grand reveal of the finished portrait, I would dramatically insert my penis through the mouth hole, creating the illusion of breaking through the canvas and engaging in oral sex with the subject of the painting. To enhance the experience, I would play gagging sound effects at the moment of penetration.
What made these paintings truly unique was the surprise element I incorporated. Since my penis penetrated the canvas and ended up on the other side, I was inspired to hand-paint lighthearted imagery that incorporated my penis into it.
This included depictions of My Little Pony unicorns, Barbie and Ken, Krusty the Clown smoking a cigarette (my penis), religious works of Jesus and portraits of Snoop Dogg and Eazy-E smoking joints with my penis in place of the actual joint.
In preparation for this additional surprise element, I covered the back of the portrait with black spandex velvet so that it was easy to remove and gave my penis comfort after the often painful penetration.
For the next five years, I continued to enjoy creating these outrageous and often self-injuring penis paint gagging acts at various venues across Canada and in New York City.
37 Years Old
It's important to note that not all shows at The Box club were over the top or sexual in nature. There were also shows that focused more on artistic expression and entertainment. One of my iconic acts, for example, was a spoof on the famous nude drawing scene from "Titanic." Instead of featuring Kate Winslet,
The Box showcased a New York City-based artist and performer named Tyler West as Rose, while I played the role of Jack. I continued to perform this act at The Box both in NYC and their other location in SoHo, London, England.
In addition to these performances, I also had the opportunity to perform at private parties hosted by The Box. This included solo political spoof penis painting acts, where I portrayed figures such as Bernie Sanders and painted portraits of Hillary Clinton.
I even created holiday and special event live art paintings, which depicted the Easter Bunny engaged in sexual activities. Additionally, I would walk around and create monoprints with VIP guests.
I learned how to make silicone molds and started creating replicas of my penis with flowers coming out of the tip.
From 2012 to 2023, I made multiple molds. I also made food-safe silicone molds to produce my body soap collection, casting replicas of my hand, feet, and arm.
My intention was to preserve my body as art for future generations and to "clean up my act." I learned how to make soaps and experimented with different essential oil combinations and soap bases. This led to the creation of my first series called "Hand Soap-on-a-Rope."
In the summer of 2017, I received an unexpected email from Alan Cumming inviting me to perform at his Intimate Club Cumming. Located in the East Village neighborhood of Manhattan in New York City, Club Cumming is a gay bar and nightclub that embraces a diverse range of the queer community. The atmosphere is filled with a welcoming and inclusive camaraderie.
Club Cumming is known for hosting a variety of events, including cabaret shows, Broadway-style performances, dance parties, and drag shows. It's not uncommon to see celebrities, especially Broadway actors, making surprise appearances at the club. Owned by actor Alan Cumming, the club opened its doors in 2017.
Since its opening, I have had the privilege of performing at Club Cumming almost every year. During my performances, I showcase a variety of interactive penis and body art painting techniques and styles to an incredibly receptive and enthusiastic audience. Club Cumming has become one of my favorite places to paint in the city.
After attending the Vancouver Pride Parade every year since 2011, I was thrilled to participate in a much larger march during the summer of 2017. That's when I started my annual involvement in the NYC Drag March and the NYC Pride Parade.
The Drag March is an annual drag protest and visibility march that takes place alongside the NYC Pride March. Both of these events honor the 1969 riots at the Stonewall Inn, which are widely recognized as the turning point for the gay liberation movement and the modern fight for LGBTQ rights.
Every year that I visit NYC, I proudly join both marches. My friend Steven Menendez and I dress up like two "A+ Queens" and lead the parade, spreading messages of Love and Peace waving custom flags and costumes.
Throughout the entire parade, I skate on roller skates, dancing, striking poses, and taking photos with a "less is more" approach to costume design. The reactions from the crowd are always positive, and I often find myself featured in news and media publications. With an estimated 4 million spectators in attendance every year, it's truly an unforgettable experience.
During a live performance with Susanne's Bartschland Follies at The Standard Hotel in NYC in 2017, I had the fortunate opportunity to meet Steven Love Menendez, a talented male fine art photographer whose extraordinary photos of nature and masculinity would deeply influence and inspire my appreciation for modelling and creativity.
Steven witnessed my wild performance at the Top of the Standard hotel bar, where I was painting a portrait of the famous drag queen Milk using my penis on top of the iconic golden bar.
After my act, having never met or heard of me before, he approached Susanne to express his interest in photographing my physique. I enthusiastically agreed, and since then, during each of my trips back to New York, we have collaborated on capturing stunning images in and around the city, resulting in an incredible body of work and a close friendship.
I received an unexpected email from Susanne Bartsch, a Swiss event producer who currently resides in Manhattan, NYC. Susanne is renowned for her monthly parties at the Copacabana in late-1980s New York City, which brought together both the elite and the underground, making her an iconic figure in the city's nightlife scene.
I had the incredible opportunity to be a part of her traveling show "Bartschland Follies," a captivating and daring burlesque cabaret that featured legendary superstars of NYC nightlife. From mesmerizing circus acrobatics to provocative burlesque acts and mesmerizing drag queen performances, the audience was constantly on the edge of their seats, eagerly anticipating the unexpected.
Known as the "Queen of Clubs," Susanne Bartsch hosts this weekly extravaganza alongside other nightlife icons like emcees Murray Hill and Shequida, while being joined on stage by renowned performers such as Joey Arias, Amanda Lepore, Dirty Martini, and Julie Atlas Muz.
I had the privilege of performing with the Bartschland Follies in various locations, including NYC, Art Basel Miami, and the Life Ball in Vienna, which happens to be the largest AIDS charity fundraiser in the world.Additionally, I was honoured to be invited to showcase my talent at MoMA PS1, a prestigious art institution in New York, where I had the opportunity to create a portrait of Amanda Lepore.
The Shack was buzzing with activity throughout the entire year of 2017. Apart from a few trips to NYC, I had the opportunity to fully immerse myself in the live webcam world that I had created within the walls of this expansive studio space.
I adorned the walls with captivating large-scale murals and even constructed a fully equipped washroom with a flushing toilet - a significant upgrade from the silo studio, which lacked this amenity.
Additionally, I built two mezzanines to maximize the use of space. One served as an art storage area, while the other housed my king-sized bed. From the outside, the unassuming Shack constantly underwent transformations, evolving into a truly unique work of art in its own right.
The silo underwent significant structural additions in 2017. I started by constructing a roof over the patio, which served as a much-needed outdoor space for my woodworking activities.
This allowed me to keep the dust outside of the painting studio, ensuring the preservation of the original art. Later in the year, I began building the walls for the upstairs kitchen, which were constructed on top of the patio.
However, due to budget constraints, the completion of the kitchen had to be postponed until the end of the year. In the meantime, I focused on painting large-scale commissioned artworks, performing on webcam, and decorating the downstairs area of the silo.