Lew Rubens: Gorgeous Bondage Prints

Lew Rubens just announced his new online print shop, and it’s reminding me of the first time I hung out with him.

I’ll never forget the time I met Lew Rubens. Five years ago when Kink.com was at its old location, it was a much more social atmosphere where friends and workers could visit and socialize at the regular invite-only Friday happy hour (photos). I met so many amazing people when I went, almost always by myself. One of the meetings I’ll never forget was when I watched Kink’s then-master rigger and rope bondage/Shibari expert Lew Rubens tie up two women after work – for fun.

I’m not a BDSM aficionado the way some of my friends and colleagues are; in most instances I’m actually a total n00b – if not a complete outsider. I’ve only ever been tied up once (professionally), so when someone told me that there was a rope bondage scene in the back room going on during one Kink happy hour, I was completely curious. Luckily, it was okay for me to go watch. I went in the back and Lew was tying and suspending two women in ways that blew my mind – for the experience, and not for sex (though it was incredibly sexy).

I asked if I could take a photo, and graciously all parties agreed. The skill Lew exhibited was so effortless that now I know it was like watching a figure skater – it looks easy and graceful, but later in regular life you realize that what you’re seeing is refined athletism, skill and art. But the thing I’ll truly never forget about that moment was Lew. The presence of his character was so relaxing, and smiley. Zen. Gentle (even when being dominant), smiling, a vibe that made everyone instantly relax, attentive and caring, strong – and a heart so warm, so full of room for everyone, so big it filled the room. Meeting people like that is rare. I’ll truly never forget it.

Anyway, I haven’t seen Lew in ages – he no longer works at Kink, and Kink no longer has social hours open to extended friends. I just got an email saying that Lew has a new shop (for prints, shirts and more) on his website. The images are stunning. The organic pieces shot in nature are fabulous.