You will be able to tell I'm still in vacation mode darlings.!!! How else can I get through a three day work week?!?!? Thank you for the lovely comments about Fire Island. Should I ever win the lottery, y'all pack your bags cause I'm taking all of us to the Island!!! While up in Fire Island we got invited to a little house party one night, where low and behold we had the pleasure to meet photographer Tom Bianchi. It was only for a couple minutes, but he was one hot daddy, I'm here to tell you!!!! My friend had asked if I ever seen his series of polaroid's he did capturing the Fire Island of yester year, and I hadn't. A little search and voila.....I absolutely loved them!
And you thought these were going to be my polaroid's of my sexual antics I bet didn't you?!?!?
“Fire Island Pines: Polaroids 1975-1983″, photographer Tom Bianchi captures the beauty of the gay utopia, both its environemnt and its occupants, before and during the onslaught of the terrible AIDS epidemic. Growing up in the 1950s, Tom Bianchi would head into downtown Chicago and pick up 25-cent “physique” magazines at newsstands. In one such magazine, he found a photograph of bodybuilder Glenn Bishop on Fire Island. He thought Fire Island sounded exotic, perhaps a name made up by the photographer, but would later call it home. In 1970, fresh out of law school, Bianchi began traveling to New York, and was invited to spend a weekend at Fire Island Pines, where he encountered a community of gay men. Using an SX-70 Polaroid camera, Bianchi documented his friends’ lives in the Pines, amassing an image archive of people, parties and private moments. These images are just a few, and record the birth and development of a new culture. Soaked in sun, sex, camaraderie and reverie, Fire Island Pines conjures a magical bygone era. While it still has the same feel, I'm sure it has changed also.
If Jon from over at Lone Wolf Concerto were on Fire Island this reminds me of him and his style....
We can hardly view men and Fire Island without a favorite Tea Dance Anthem can we???? So here's a Casa favorite for your evening pleasure. The minx is BACK!!!! Grab a cock-a-tail and get dancing in those undies!!!!!! And why not throws around some glitter too and go the whole nine yards........💋💋💋
What beautiful and natural shots these are....bring back some fond memories. And I haven't heard ABBA in ages....back when I was fond of my head bans. I may have to listen to it again.
ReplyDeleteOh I totally miss Polaroids – and these men are hot! Fine I say. And the added bonus of Abba? You sure know Mistress how to set the scene.
ReplyDeleteYou should see my table!
DeleteMistress Borghese....I'm a virgin here so to speak. First time to comment and rarely ever do, but have read you for several years. I had to thank you for your posting these and your Fire Island memories with us. You have awoken feelings in me I haven't had in some time.Having spent many summers there from 1975 where I celebrated my 16th birthday at my then partner,Paris Eagers home in the Pines. I can appreciate this work. It was even more magical back then since the world was much smaller and that was the heaven for creative self expression and the ultimate for both partying and relaxation. So much of what happenned to me as an adult,meeting important people who shaped my career,understanding what life held in front of me,getting to understand how gay men created their own “society” and the impact this had on the world outside Fire Island.I treasure my years spent in that penninsula.I would be enthralled by stories of how this place came to be.It is beautiful that this is chronicled, in polaroid's, the quickest way to see your photo,back in the day. My collection of polaroid's from the Pines during that period are some of my most treasured possessions. Just wanted to thank you for your entertaining style.
ReplyDeleteAntonio
Thanks for stopping in my little ole part of the world. I'd surely enjoy your stories. It really is unlike any other beach point I go to.
Deletewe can only imagine your polaroid's......
ReplyDeleteThere in Amsterdam at the sex museum.
DeleteIt was very cool running into him wasn't it? I always enjoyed his polaroid's concept for a exhibit or coffeetable book. LOVE THE ABBA! I'm ready to go again
ReplyDeleteShould I start packing again?
DeleteLove this series of pictures. These men were just average Joe's and hot. I have always thought something cheap and alluring about Polaroid's.
ReplyDeleteTwo good,adjectives about yourself no doubt too.
DeleteWhy that first picture could be you Mistress!
ReplyDeleteI believe those glorious butt chops in that first picture belong to Colt model Mike Betts.
ReplyDeleteAnd what a fine pair of chops too.
DeleteYes, you're alarmingly perceptive. That photo (with the phone) does capture my style (if indeed I have any "style"...).
ReplyDeleteI love all of these photos - so casual and honest, and so beautifully clear for Polaroids.
I'm always late in commenting because your posts are always late in showing up on my Blogger dashboard. Those pesky Google Gremlins are at it again.
the mistress does have a tasteful eye, no? I think her choice looks like you!
DeleteNo worries! Soon as I saw that I thought of you. Packin them there jeans. The hit of Hollywwod!
Deletesuch an innocent time...wonder where some of these boyz are now?
ReplyDeletePS - I am NOT opening that video; I will grab a cock-a-tail and spread glitter, but I just say NO to abba!
DeleteWHAT!!!!! I could dance to ABbA all night!
DeleteNo to ABBA?? Shame on you!
Deletenope, no abba! ever! on my dance party!
DeleteAhhhh.... Great post and music. I can't help myself, I DO love ABBA. (Sorry, anne marie in philly.)
ReplyDeleteseveral of my boyfriends like abba; they just never struck a chord with me.
DeleteABBA makes everything better.
DeleteI'd rather have several cock-a-tails instead!
DeleteI love the feel of those, even though I know they aren't old. A nice vintage feel. And you have got to love the comradeship and bonds between those guys. Now on to Abba!
ReplyDeleteYour right about the bonds. I even saw that there when I visited. Its like a fraternity, only cooler, and more meaningful.
DeleteI love the guy with the hose.
ReplyDeleteYou figure it out.
Nothing like a nice big hose above to quench a thirst!!!
DeleteI'm curious as to whether Mr.Bianchi had you pose?!? I'd love to see those!
ReplyDeleteIt does appear to perfectly depict life on the Island as my friend described. And, she loved to party! And her cock-a-tails were legendary. Hugs, my mistress!!
ReplyDeleteI love these Polaroids, not only for what's on them but the format brings back lots of good memories. At least today's smartphones are capable of taking great pictures.
ReplyDeleteI had no idea you were back!!!! I love there Polaroids of Bianchi. And don't get me started on those mens..........
ReplyDeleteI've always been wary of Polaroids, you never know what is going to pop out.
ReplyDeleteJP
Love those vintage Polaroids!!
ReplyDelete