This is from a recent shibari session with my friend K.

To be frank, I consider myself an absolute beginner in this art, and it would be foolish for me to claim to have much more experience than that. My rope tying is improving with practice, but like photography, the real art is in the deeply personal communication that takes place during a session. Literally anyone can learn how to tie some knots, and with practice make it look good. But that’s just the beginning, not the end goal. Photography isn’t about just making pretty pictures, at least not for me. My goal is to go deeper, to explore.

One soul to another.

I’ve heard that the rope, made of hemp, is an organic and living material, capable of transmitting spiritual energy. That may be so. In a handful of my sessions, I have experienced a feeling of connection. It is rare though, and requires full attention and trust, no less than what a musician requires or an artist enthralled in their craft.

And so I continue practicing and exploring.