By 
Victoria by Max Cook
As a patron of the arts, I have had the fortune of meeting many amazing people in the local arts scene, including gallery owners, curators, artists, and others who equally share my passion. Only recently did it dawn on me that I have access to a quiver of creators, to some incredibly talented people whose lives and work I’d like to share with you, because well, it would be a shame not to.
Our city sometimes lacks the credit that it deserves in many aspects, particularly when it comes to the world of the arts. Some of this criticism is rightly due, but in the relatively short time that I’ve lived in DC it has continued to bloom and take on an identity of its own, and I can’t tell you how excited I am to be a part of it.
So I’ve decided to dive head first into featuring creative minds that I know and who shine in my eyes, to feature their work and to share their lives with you. My approach, much like my personality, is intended to be honest and unorthodox, and to educate you as well as myself in the process. I hope to avoid formalities, skip the bullshit, and get right down to the dirt.
We begin with local photographer, Victoria F. Gaitán. When I first saw her at a gallery opening years ago, I was intimidated by her height, 7″ heels, black latex pants, and blonde locks that flowed past her knees. By nature I am not an extrovert, and I sure as hell am not one with a beautiful specimen like Victoria, so it took me a long time to get up the nerve to speak to her. I remember a time when we sat on a couch next to each other, and given my fear factor and her shyness, not a word was spoken. As time went on, I realized that she is one of the sweetest, nicest, most creative and approachable people on the planet, which is why I have chosen her to be my guinea pig.
The rest of this article features strong language and imagery that may not be suitable for work environments. If that’s not your thing, take a gander at this instead.