Photography byJay Davies

My relationship with casual nudity has shifted and changed many times over my life. As a kid I was a little chubby, as a teenager I was sporty, fit, athletic even — but still very insecure. My body has always shifted and changed, and I was always so jealous of people who could walk around topless, or in less, without thinking twice.

As I’ve gotten older, I’ve surrounded myself with lots of different people with lots of different bodies. Our bodies are naked, we clothe them for warmth, for modesty, to serve looks, to establish a sense of identity, but we shouldn’t ever be clothing our bodies out of shame or stigma. Nudity isn’t inherently sexual, and it shouldn’t be inherently offensive, either. It’s taken me a long time to unlearn society’s stigmatized view of bodies and of sexuality, but it’s very liberating to learn comfort with your own body.

A lot of my work is driven by an empathetic curiosity — a desire to learn about people and about life. I have always been interested in how people lived behind closed doors and about the taboo things society taught us to hide, to be shameful of.

My work documenting nudity began in studio settings but very quickly moved into shooting in natural landscapes, in lakes and rivers, forests and bushlands. During this current period of my life, I am mostly photographing people in their homes, their safe spaces — their bedrooms, bathrooms, backyards. It’s as much about seeing how people live as it is about helping the person being photographed feel comfortable during the collaboration.

People’s homes are just an extension of the people themselves. The setting of the images contributes to the portraits of the people I’m working with, but I am still drawn to nature — indoor jungles made from house plants, water in the form of baths and showers.

It’s a big mix really. I generally photograph lovers and friends, or friends of friends, or people from the internet who follow me and understand what it is I’m interested in creating. I always prefer to collaborate with people I have some form of established relationship or intimacy with — it makes it much easier for everyone to relax and feel comfortable. I try to make things as comfy and casual as possible — it’s just hanging out together but also there’s a camera there.

I’m interested in people and how they live. I am interested in the diversity of the queer experience, how it shifts and shapes us. How our relationships and intimate connections form structures of support. I’m lucky enough to be surrounded by so many interesting and influential queer people from different walks and life experiences, and many of my collaborations are with members of this incredible community. I also think it’s really important for people to see and celebrate queer bodies of all shapes and sizes.

Existing outside of the gender binary generally goes further than just gender. It’s about breaking down patriarchal rules and societal expectations, it’s about learning about yourself and your interests outside of what heteronormativity has dictated we like based on our AGAB (assigned gender at birth).

My connection to culture is complex. I didn’t grow up in Aotearoa, I didn’t go to school there or grow up learning Te Reo. Whanau (family) has always been important, but I grew up quite disconnected — it’s only been in the last few years I’ve felt confident enough to identify with it. To identify as Maori without feeling like I’m taking up space — to feel strength in connection through identification. Reclaiming my culture against colonialism.

I very recently had my 9th or 10th Instagram account removed for violating their queerphobic community guidelines. Being censored in every aspect of my life is exhausting and extremely demotivating as an artist. I’m currently sharing my work on a backup account and trying to let people know where they can find me.

I always feel a little defeated when this happens, but everyone’s engagement and support really make a difference — I’m very appreciative of everyone who has been helping me weasel my way back into the algorithm.

Also, if you’re in Narrm (Melbourne) and enjoy contemporary homoerotica and queer aesthetics keep your ears peeled for an exciting announcement coming soon. A couple of friends and I are working as a new collective to curate an exhibition of our works that will be open to the public in November.