Hard Licker
by Bassie

Comment by gajmaj:
Congrats on your top 10 - superb image with great colour and contrast. I gave it a 10 during voting and I would give it a 10 now. I didn't bother entering into shallow discussions in the current forum thread about whether or not this is offensive and I find the notion completely out of context and made from sheer ignorance.
There is absolutely nothing offensive about it (and we have our fair share of racism here in Australia) - pure art. Extremely well done and an image to be proud of.

Message edited by author 2004-07-13 03:21:47.

Hard Licker
by Bassie

Comment by Raven:
I honestly dont know how some people found it offensive.

Dont "people of colour" eat ice blocks?

Would it have still been offensive if the model was white, and the photographer had just done a Heida and used to burn tool to remove the colour from everything except the popsicle and the hat and whatever else?

Unbelievably shallow, people.

Hard Licker
by Bassie

Comment by hgpayne:
Somehow I'm reminded of the Rocky Horror Picture Show! Nicely done -- and to those that found it offensive -- I think you need to revisit what is truly offensive in this world; and there is plenty to choose from. This, my friend, ain't it though. This is just art. The black was clearly chosen to deemphasize everything but the mouth, hat, and eye (and popsicle of course) -- no other reason.

That being said -- the shot is scary -- just like in the Rocky Horror Picture Show! I SEE LIPS!!!

Hard Licker
by Bassie

Comment by MrsFuzzButt:
I think some people's pants are wound a little too tight. I don't see how this could be seen as offensive. It is very unique and creative. The detail in the face (skin texture, clarity of the eye) all add up to make this a 10 all the way. Knowing this is a self portrait makes me want to give it an 11 or 12 if that were possible.

Hard Licker
by Bassie

Comment by Mick:
Wow Kevin, you really stirred 'em up didn't you? :) I think it's a fantastic photo, and it really should have received the blue ribbon. If it wasn't for a few "Oh-I-just-need-to-act-soooo-offended-so-people-will-think-I'm-a-good-person" types, then you probably would have. Way to go! True art!

Hard Licker
by Bassie

Comment by wwwavenger:
Despite people's closed-mindedness, this did very well and I'm thankful. Way to go!

Hard Licker
by Bassie

Comment by BruB:
People, get a life! My wife is also of color and found this very amusing. Art, like the old Louisianna Show, old vaudeville, it's art and it's PURPLE!

Great shot, lots of work and thought went into it. I gave this a 8 originaly, great shot!

Hard Licker
by Bassie

Comment by heida:
Hey congrats on your top 10 entry!
I found this picture to be original and cool
It reminds me a bit of the 80´s
I think the composition is great and lips are perfect
only thing that could have been better was maybe to have the eye a little brighter
cause I see it is purple and could have worked better birghter I think
Anyway I really cannot see what can be offensive about this?
I think most people agree with me cause it got in the top 10 didnt it :)
Keep this stuff up I can´t wait to see more of your entrys :)

Hard Licker
by Bassie

Comment by amsmyth:
I, too, found it offensive - way too reminiscent of the old shows...

Hard Licker
by Bassie

Comment by Alecia:
ok, it took me all night, but i finally figured out what this image reminded me of. as i mentioned before, first impressions were of a weird al jolson spin, but giving the photographer the benefit of the doubt, i looked at it for quite awhile, and knew that it reminded me of something else--something about the vibrant, almost electric quality of the colors...and it finally hit me this morning. it reminds me of the old twizzler commercials, with the mouth and nothing else.