Size Matters, and every inch counts! Well, especially when it comes to the aptly named 12 Inches of Sin exhibition.
Back in 2013, I saw a post that Tony Mitchell (who runs the Fetishistas.com) wrote about a juried exhibition he was involved with, called 12 Inches of Sin. Immediately, I thought, “wow,” what a great name for a show and what an interesting concept. All art pieces were 12 inches x 12 inches, so I decided to submit a couple of original latex pieces. Little did I know at the time what a journey it would be, that I would be involved in 5 shows, have my work publish in the 12 Inches of Sin coffee table book, and also become good friends with Laura, who from the start has been a great supporter of my work.
12 Inches was one of the very first shows I exhibited at, and I have to admit that I jumped for joy when I found out both the latex pieces I submitted had been selected. It was quite a thrill knowing my work was going to Sin City Gallery in Las Vegas. Considering I had only participated in one other show here in the UK, it was quite a feather in my cap.
I love that the show celebrates diversity and encourages artists to be themselves because there is no censorship, which is a rarity in these times. But considering this, it still manages to be both sexy and provocative while keeping an air of sophistication. In 2015, the Kickstarter campaign to create a 12’ coffee table book was really exciting. It was even more exciting seeing it in the flesh when it appeared in the post. The front cover was by Jeff Wack, who won the Best in Show that year. Flicking through the pages and seeing my “Gaze” piece in there was such a thrill, and it still takes pride of place on our kinky coffee table!
Although I have never actually been to a 12 Inches of Sin show, I love seeing all the videos and photos from the Private View nights, and one day, I hope to take a trip over. It’s certainly well overdue! I’m very excited to be submitting some new work created especially for the 2022 show, which I hasten to add is a whole 9 years after my first submissions! 12 Inches certainly gave me the confidence to embrace who I am and what I create and be true to myself. What a great journey 12 Inches has been, and I hope it long continues.
– Michelle Mildenhall (UK)
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