Barrels & Kegs

Barrels and kegs belong to a long list of everyday objects that found their way into the physique studio. Like stumps, they function as platforms, but they also arrive carrying their own baggage: breweries, pubs, ships, docks, wineries, and manual labor.

1. Joe Cataldi (see Sky May 8, and Walls - Exterior June 15) seated on a keg facing away with knees wide apart by Bob Mizer.

2. Gary Conway aka Gary Carmody seated on a metal barrel in a black posing strap on some sort of a set.

3. David O'Boyle seated on a wooden barrel holding a beer bottle for a bar scene still shot in Physique Pictorial.

4. Unknown model posing inside a barrel a 19th and 20th century joke about being unlucky with money.

The associations are sometimes practical, sometimes humorous. There's the old cartoon image of a bankrupt man wearing nothing but a barrel. Then there's Bob Mizer happily draping a model over one, letting anatomy spill over the edge with a wink that feels perfectly in keeping with his playful sense of innocence.

5. Another unknown model inside a barrel. (not sure what the watermark is as the bottom). Personal anecdote, in Minneapolis Pride there is always a group of men wearing only wooden barrels...literally...always a crowd pleaser as folks gather 'round for photo ops and a peak inside.

6. A third unknown model in a barrel. Poor guy;) He looks so sad.

7. Chuck Steury seated on a barrel. This shot appears to be taken outdoors.

Whether wooden or metal, barrels introduce a touch of working-class Americana into an otherwise controlled studio. They aren't neutral props. They invite stories, even if the photographs never fully commit to one. 

8. Chuck Moore straddling a steel barrel wearing only a red hard hat and black boots with a sledge hammer next to him and "Road Construction Ahead" sign in the background...clearly an AMG shot.

9. Chuck Weltch (maybe this model should switch last names with #8 above??) hanging himself over the edge of a keg with legs spread wide and arms folded on some sort of ship set by AMG...naturally.

10. Another photo of Chuck Weltch (and his luggage) straddling a keg on a ship, this time with his arms resting on his legs.  One of these images is flipped left-to-right, but I am not sure which is the original facing.

Please leave thoughts, questions, additions or corrections in the comments. Thank you, bns