“Just Me”: Portrait by AJ ‘Spoopy’ Rappaport, Design by Liesjie Rola
I am thrilled to present to you ‘Man Is / Just Names’ - a collection of pieces I never intended to write, but one that saved my life. These pieces were my therapy; they helped me move through my pain and arrive at a place in my life in which I feel comfortable and proud in my own skin.
And just look at this BREATHTAKING ART!
“The Shackles Burst Off!”: Photography by Sophie Sahara, Design by Liesje Rolia
As a 23-year-old actor and director just out of school, I was lost for myself when COVID-19 hit, shuttering the world and all of its theatres for the foreseeable future. At the same time, my first relationship as an openly gay man ended over FaceTime. I didn’t know what to do with my legs, with my arms, with my brain, with my heartbreak. Then, for some reason, I heard a line in my head and it compelled me to grab my pencil and write it down. And in that moment, I discovered the things that would support me and see me through one of the most challenges parts of my (and potentially our) life: my own thoughts and creativity. I learned how to coexist with my pain and befriend my joys. I learned how to move through my sadness and luxuriate in my happiness. These pieces helped me transform into a more empathetic friend, a more loving son and brother, and a more confident person.
“Joy”: Portrait by AJ ‘Spoopy’ Rappaport, Design by Liesje Rolia
This project has also allowed me the opportunity and the privilege to work with some of the best visuals artists I know - all of whom I also consider to be friends. The featured talent in this book is incredible, starting with Liesje Rolia, my patient and meticulous graphic designer. She ran with all of my ambitious ideas and produced stunning results. Artists Carly Altberg, Rach Klein, and Saul Freedman-Lawson elevate some pieces with beautiful and striking paintings and illustrations, and Leora Bromberg created a gorgeous flower petal collage for ‘Funeral’. The incomparable New-York based fashion photographer Sophie Sahara took jaw-dropping photos for the ‘Man Is’ visual album. And, I reconnected with my childhood friend AJ 'Spoopy’ Rappaport to collaborate on 7 tender and disarming portraits to accompany ‘Just Names’.
Check out their websites and commission them to create beautiful art if you can!
‘Funeral’: Photography by Sophie Sahara, Collage by Leora Bromberg, Design by Liesje Rolia
This book has been a labour of pure love for me for close to 3 years, and I am so excited to finally share it with you.
You can purchase a copy at the link below. There is a limited stock, so get one fast.
Again, from the bottom of my heart, thank you x a million!
