Base Camp: Image 2

To the Forest Cafe on Bristo Square for image number 2. The Forest used always run a strictly non gendered toilet policy, which left patrons feeling incredibly new age if not sometimes a little surprised and apologetic. Which is exactly how i felt when i strode in a few weeks back and had a good curious snoop around only to have two females emerge simultaneously from either side of the cubicles. So it appears they've straightened out the tradition.

A few creative volunteers of the cafe have recently redecorated and put some really interesting vibes into the ladies cubicles. A little like my project, some stuff is very confrontational and directly toilet related, but also strongly feminine. The real gem in the Forest toilets is the enviable door to floor space, a real rarity! I am certain that my nameless sitter appreciated it all. Anonymity is a fair price after all.

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Base Camp: Image 1

After almost a month of gruelling, detail grinding planning, I am proud to say that sitters is away! I have just finished the first shoot and i could not be happier. Nothing could be finer than cutting my teeth on a sensitive and suspect topic than with someone with absolutely zero self consciousness. At All.

For the props me and Carlos had to pull out all the stops of resourcefulness. Carlos' dapper zapatillas , some very tight womens' trousers and the underwear for a 4year old. No sacrifice unworthy to get the shot right, no expense spared. All in all, i can think of maybe only one restraint the whole time...

Move along now, nothing to see

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Join the dots

The blueprints are showing through! I've been busy tying up my ideas with the locations and the sitters for the project. From all the images and material i've found, not to mention all the toilets, i am starting to visualise my images better. I've taken out my crayons and colouring pencils for the last few days and i've been sketching out the shape of the images to come. Its maybe the most concrete part of the project, when you really get the sense that things are official. 

And with that in mind, its time for real things to begin

    

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You don't say

 The search continues! The obsession deepens....


I think i can safely predict that not a man alive will hate a toilet like i will come summer. But, for the meantime wrap your eyes around these gems! Another week and the hunt is still on with some diamond suggestions and golden discoveries. The location slots are starting to fill up nicely and i've been buried in notes and scribbles this week matching them up with the sitters. Its funny to see it come alive in my small charcoal sketches.I have been trying to push the context of the toilet away from the bathroom and to that end, i still have a lot of work left.
There is still an ace up the sleeve though! Keep tuned

 

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w a n t e d - Locations for glamorous purpose!

You there! Does one have extensive experience in the enlightened field of sanitations? Has one exclusive knowledges of latrines and closeted plumbing besides? Your service may be directly availed and in great demands - read onward one and all 

The project is still in the stages of reconnaissance!  I have been tentatively scouting door to door on the pub front. Admittedly, i couldn't exactly call it an all out toilet tour de force. I have been picking my pubs and choosing my clubs and what is needed, and i know it, is an all out whip-round to all. To dive in, hypothetically speaking, phone first.

The trouble is, from the locations seen, there is a lot that are too small, not quiet interesting enough, too dark, strangely composed and a hundred other reasons that dont make them ideal for the project. So there has been quite a lot of time spent barking up the wrong...tree (restraint with the puns now). Worse then mis-spending my own time is having some tired security chap grant me access only to have me hand him an extensive list of all his toilet's inadequacies. Also, I am a male. So here's to 50% unseen.

What i really need is suggestions! From any toilet experience in Edinburgh past or present: bars, cafes, clubs, houses, mansions, ditches... any great location that stood out just enough. Anything is beneficial, If there is anywhere you can think of please leave your knowledge in the comments section.

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