Hello and Welcome to Speak Out. This week, WVQN is speaking to Rob Harmon, from Bound in Ink.

WVQN: First, tell us about Rob, the man behind Bound in Ink.

ROB: My name is Robert Harmon. I'm 32, and I was born in Indiana, but I grew up in various parts of West Virginia: Fayetteville, Oak Hill, and Hurricane.  I've also lived in Philadelphia, PA and lived in New Jersey.  I'm currently residing with my partner in Charlotte, NC...  I've been doing artwork ever since I was 13 years old, and I've been drawing homo erotica for 6 years now.

WVQN: Can you tell our readers what "Bound in Ink" is?

ROB: Bound In Ink is a body of work that's based on my own real and non-erotic experiences, and from my friends experiences, as well as stories I've heard through the years.

WVQN: What made you want to do a comic strip about bears?

ROB: Well, I wouldn't call it a comic strip about bears, but each piece does have its own story.  What really made me want to start doing this work was a way of expressing myself and my exhibitionism. 

WVQN: Have you had this passion for the male bear figure for a long period of time?

ROB: Oh yeah, I'd say since I was a kid.  I've always had a thing for bearded, hairy men.

WVQN: At what age did you know that you were gay?

ROB: Probably at 10 years old. I had a big crush on my gym teacher.  He was big and muscular, with a big mustache.  WVQN: Did you then start doing artwork that is equated with the male body?

ROB: Actually, no, I didn't really start expressing my love for this work until I was 26WVQN: Is this your full time job, or are you currently working somewhere else?

ROB: As much fun as it would be to do this full time, it is not my full time job.  I'm actually looking for a permanent job here in Charlotte, but for now, I've been trying to do as much freelance work as possible.

WVQN: What do you think you bring to the GLBT community?

ROB: This work has been going to various Bear Clubs along the East Coast.  About 10% of any sale goes to a non-profit organization, usually towards the HIV/AIDS community. 

WVQN: In what ways are you active in the gay community?

ROB: Well I'm usually helping with the art shows within the community, or doing graphic design for local bars.

WVQN: Does the artwork, Bound In Ink, represent just you, or does it represent all of the bear community?

ROB: If you’re referring to my artwork then it's a little bit of both.  Most of my inspiration comes from my personal experiences.  Some pieces are based on stories that I hear from friends.  It's that whole love, life, loss, kind of thing.  Though a lot of my friends are in the bear community it's been my family for so long now.

WVQN: Please give us a description of where the concept and artwork came to life.

ROB: For some strange reason I just wanted to step out of my "safe zone" in art. I started playing around with concepts with bears.  Then, I started making pieces for friends.  Sometimes I'd make gift cards, t-shirts, and mouse pads.  It wasn't until 2005 that the work took a life of its own.  The Liberty Bears of Philadelphia have been doing there annual art show for 3 years. Then, the Bear Albany Bears asked me to do a show.  Most recently, I did a show for Floating World in Edison, NJ.

WVQN: Do you feel that this is something that you would like to continue to do for years to come?

ROB: Oh yeah, it's been really fun doing the work.  It's always fun to do the art shows and help the community when I can.

WVQN: What acknowledgements and awards have you won for Bound In Ink?

ROB: In 2007, I had a piece of work placed in the Leather Archives Museum in Chicago, Illinois, and that was extremely flattering.  Recently I sold two pieces to a fellow in Australia, and that was pretty amazing, to think that someone has a piece hanging in there bedroom or dungeon in Australia.

Here is an example of his work.

WVQN: Are you currently working with any charities, or involved in any GLBT organizations?

ROB: Not as of this moment, but I'm still settling into Charlotte, and feeling my way around.

WVQN: How do you think that your work can help the GLBT community?

ROB: Proceeds of any sale I make at a show have gone to some charitable cause within the community. That's a pretty good feeling and I think it's just small part of helping the GLBT.

WVQN: Is there anything else you would care to say?

ROB: Yeah, just a small message to all of my fellow bears and non bear artists in the community.  Don't let anyone hold you back from your artwork.  Keep doing what you are doing, and express yourself through any means possible.  We are the future Toms of Finland and Huns Juliuses.  Keep drawing and expressing your love of art, whether it’s erotic or not.  Thank You.

WQVN: Thanks so much, Rob, for the interview.

To see Rob Harmon’s amazing work, visit http://www.boundinink.com   

Interviewed by:  Terry Urban