Nude Awakening: Kinsey Institute honored photographer launches 'erotic art' handbags (slideshow)

Carolyn Quan is an internationally collected fine art photographer of nudes and nature. A self-described “lover of life and all of it's magic and wonders,” Quan’s creative genius bursts through in shades of lush green, hues of Hawaii blue, and bodies that arouse envy, and yes, a bit of desire. This week, she is adding to her repertoire of sexy art with the launch of limited edition handbags at the New Living Expo in San Francisco.

Her collages are sensual, graceful, and emotive (see slideshow). In 2007, two of her nudes were added to the permanent collection of art at The Kinsey Institute for Research in Sex, Gender and Reproduction in Bloomington, Indiana.

One of those photographs - Fire and Ice, from her 'Erotic Art Garden' line - is part of the new handbag collection. Think of it as wearable art for women with 'vavava voom.'

Playful titles, luscious art

Her nudes are lovely and luscious, including men and women. Pear Shaped Pleasure outlines the natural curvature of a woman's bottom; Field of dreams mesmermizes with the muscled torso of a man's upper body; Lotus Adonis pays respect to his nether parts; and Onion Skin Bikini finds clever uses for those earthy bulbs. Each of Quan's images evoke a desire to frolic (alone or with one of her subjects), and many reflect subtle humor.

Quan, who left a high profile career in New York post-9-11 to create her masterpieces, now lives in San Francisco. She finds inspiration from “spirituality and the beauty that I find in nature and in humankind.”

“I want to remind people that we are organic beings, just like the trees, the birds and the earth that we walk on. I think that far too often, we separate ourselves from the natural world and need to be reminded that we truly are one with nature. We are the same. When I merge different elements of nature together, including the naked human body, my work naturally begins to take on a spiritual quality.”

Eco-sexy wearable art

Her new handbag collection includes several sizes, images and price ranges. Variations reflect the unique construction of each purse, with prices ranging from $85 and up.  Many include images from her 'Animal' collages (for the tame beasts within us all) to daring examples of her 'Erotic Art Garden' collection.

They can be purchased online and at the New Living Expo, the official launch site of Quan's wearable sexy art and home decor. The three-day affair begins April 30.

"The New Living Expo has over 300 vendors offering mind, body and spirit-enhancing gifts, books, and services that sustain and improve your health and contribute to a healthy environment." This year, they are even getting into the ecosexuality swing, and offering a singles event.

As for Quan, one could say that her work is quintessentially eco-sexy. “I lived in Hawaii for nine years prior to moving to the SF Bay Area and it is there that I began creating my fine art and found so much of the inspiration that I speak of. In the warm tropical air, you “feel” the divine touch of nature much more sensitively. At least, I do. It becomes “sensual.” And in Hawaii, you don’t have to wear much clothing, so that adds to the sensual quality of being in nature.”

For more on her artwork, visit Quan at her website. For more on the 2010 New Living Expo, including prices, times and presentations, visit their website.

If you liked this information, read more about eco-sexuality, and erotica.

Check out Modern Love's sensual series: Tantra Tuesdays. Short and playful, it’s a weekly lesson in intimacy for lusty couples in love who want to merge the sacred and sensual towards a more conscious union.

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