Some might think that the ultimate in sexual creativity is having your signature “move” that always gets your partners off (also, it doesn’t). Really, sex and creativity extend throughout our lives and can be married together in many different ways. Through our social interactions, our financial lives and even our emerging identities, creativity is an integral part of how we understand and navigate sex.
Changing the Game
Last week we discussed a horrific instance of sexual assault in virtual reality. As a follow up, I think it is important to note an exceptional instance of positive response from the tech and gaming world. Far too frequently, when issues relating to sex are brought up in this world, shit hits the fan. Of course, it did. Jordan Belamire became the recipient of the worst types of social media harassment and speculation. Yet at the same time, the game developers noticed. And they were appalled. They have now recognized their failing in not acknowledging the potential for this kind of act in their game environment and have acted to establish a “safe space” control in the game play. This is good! Should they have thought of this in their creative process to begin with? Yes. Just because you’re creating a new world doesn’t mean you can forget about the harshness of our actual one. Nonetheless, it shows leadership that other developers will hopefully follow.
Creativity or Cash?
I will admit, I have complex feelings about crowdfunding. I am all for it for start-ups and individuals who do not have access to funding using it; I'm less enthusiastic when people who have capital use it. So, I appreciate those who aren’t being given the chance, particularly those who are trying to introduce the world to sex product creativity. Given the precarious nature of getting some kind of sex-related invention or innovation off the ground, having some community support is not only a great way to get money, but to also get some much needed market research. So, you’d think I would be happy that Kickstarter, a company that has flat-out refused to feature sex products, has decided to dip their toe in with the next DAME product, Fin. I’m not. Actually, I’m angry. Kickstarter isn’t committing to sex products, but they are trying it out with a known quantity.
You might recall that DAME’s first product, the revolutionary Eva, was funded via Indiegogo to the record-setting cha-ching of $836,647. As of this writing, Fin has already raised $115,980, surpassing the goal of $50,000. Kickstarter’s model is that they take 8% + $0.20 per pledge on successful campaigns. As of this writing, they have made almost $10,000 off of DAME. Hats off to DAME for producing such a successful launch, but I'm not so sure Kickstarter's in the game to support innovation in the sex toy industry.
A Creative Bent
Inspiration to expand, test bounds and explore creative freedom can come in many different forms. Some folks are visual and seeing something particular can set them off to start a novel. The same can be said of all of our senses. Smell, sound, taste - all can contribute to a creative rush. And of course, so can touch; whether that be the gentle caress of a cheek or the painful smack of an ass. Increasingly, research is being done to explore the body and mind’s reaction to BDSM and kinky sex. One finding is that these acts just might put a person a state where they are more able to pursue their creative endeavors, particularly Dominants and tops. It is an interesting idea that is similar to the different states people have achieved with drugs, alcohol, food and exercise among other things. After so many different types of oppression, it is interesting to hear of studies that embrace the idea of sexuality positively affecting other parts of our lives.
Better Bodies?
Sure, we’ve been looking at how creativity can affect our sex lives outside the bedroom, but let’s get down to it. In what ways can we creatively jump-start our hearts and our junk? I know what you’re thinking, because I am too: best to ask a dentist. Well, at least one particular dentist. It turns out Dr. Kuang-Yi Ku has been putting a lot of thought into how to develop body modifications through prosthetics to increase our sexual pleasure. In both hilarious words and photos, you can relive writer Hannah Ewens' experience creating a specialized blowjob mouthpiece at Dr. Ku’s Fellatio Modification Project. Don’t worry if cocksucking isn’t your thing; he’s got others in mind, including creating mods for cunnilingus and analingus.
The Erotic Earth
One of the most creative sexual identities is that of the growing group of ecosexuals. These folks are embracing the world, Mother Nature, the elements, and our role in the communal governance of the natural order, and then reconciling all of these into their sex lives. I actually sat in on a talk by one of the most prominent figures in the ecosexual movement, the incomparable Annie Sprinkle, a number of years ago and found her reasoning and descriptions both confusing and enlightening. Sure, we all giggled when we heard about people who fuck trees. That is so far out of many people’s comprehension. On the other hand, learning about how some of our sex products can be unhealthy for us and our world is a lot more down to earth. I’m not saying ecosexuality is for everybody, but it is definitely something everybody should learn about.
Famous Face F***ing
And to round out of exploration of sex and creativity: celebrity cunnilingus.