Customer Reviews

Fruit of the Secret God

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John expertly shows his ability to turn the most mundane of objects into an absolute feast for the senses. With anything from baby dolls to birdcages, fruit to frogs, coffee tables to coffins; he paints a picture that is at times both unsettling and comforting. It brings to the forefront of our minds the dark thoughts and fears that lay within each person upon this planet. However, it also shows in tasteful elegance that such is the way we are all made and there is always a desire for what is considered "forbidden". Victoria's poetry adds to the ambiance and effect by providing a written "map" in this journey of the soul. It was my honor and pleasure to read this book and I hope for and expect many more visits to this magical place, compliments of this duo.

On first glance, the images in John Santerineross' Fruit of the Secret God are dark, foreboding, unsettling. So why the compulsion to look? If one were to seek a simplistic dismissive answer he might say its like being drawn to the scene of a train wreck, unsettling yet intriguing. If this were so, these images would hold our eye briefly at best. If one steps back and minds what he is feeling father than thinking, he may find an entirely different experience. Dark shadowy images become warm and embracing...stark representations of the human form are rendered tenderly...if there is violence in the embrace, it is measured by calm in the eye of the subject. If the compositions subjugate women, why do the subjects seem so empowered? The artist seems to urge us to examine our definitions of eroticism, sensuality, beauty. To my eye, to my senses, these images produce a feeling of calm...the feeling of a warm reverent embrace of my femininity. Fruit of the Secret God is a complex, evocative, and aesthetically beautiful series of images, which i strongly encourage you to look at for yourself.

When I first saw John's work displayed on a website I was overwhelmed by the visuals. The design of his sets, to the models he used, it looked aged to me, antique and quite beautiful in a rough way I have no words for. I immediatly wanted to write something about the scene I was viewing, and that is the highest compliment I can give to another artist. Soon after I had the pleasure of getting to know him as a friend as well as an artist, and there are so many wonderful things to be said about him and his work. His work never ceases to move me in some way and I will always recommend it to others I think will appreciate his unique vision.

Everytime I look at these images I see and feel something new. It is very easy to look at a particular image and feel as if you are a part of it, as if your own emotions have created the visual. There is nothing simple about this book, so sit back and prepare yourself for something very intriuging, a book that you will still be thinking about long after you have closed the cover.

This is wonderfully creative and expressive work. The photos are beautiful, captivating, and thought-provoking. I often wonder about the complex inner visions that manifest themselves in the final compositions. Aesthetic qualities and erotic content are melded into one making the visual both upfront and complex. The writings enhance the photos by forcing the viewer to link the words and pictures, giving them a new dimension. Looking forward to future editions!

As an erotic photographer myself, I dont see too many of my peers whose work Id cross the street to see. Or whose work I would say even "moves me". But for Santineross Id run across the street. His haunting images that showcase femalians wrapped in gauze or naked and clothed merely with angels names written upon them, are really some of the the most original images Ive seen of late. You cant really put his art in a "slot" which is what makes people shy away from some artists and I think this is one of the things that will hurt Santineross in the long run as they will try and slot him in with Witkin. His stuff is really more erotic and more glamourously beautiful than Witkins imagery. Give this book a chance. Youll be happier for it.

Santerineross' photographs are reality-bending composites born from the synthesis of his creative energy and dream interpretations. They are dark, foreboding, and at first glance .. fear inducing. Yet he's not what one would call a fetish photographer, nor is he a pornographic image maker seeking to tantalize. His work is a fiendish alchemy of symbolism, archetype, and erotica that when wrought together gives rise to grander sense of itself. It's like how one can get lost in the medieval nightmare of a Hieronymus Bosch painting, or they can revel in its artistic splendor and genius. The same can be said of John Santerineross as he weaves the malcontent elements of his imagination into a provocative and beautiful union. This is a large-format book (13" x 10") that is a wholly beautiful a production.

before my friend pratically made me buy this book, i had never really understood or appreciated visual art. it didn't do anything for me. but after i discovered this book, that changed. his pieces made me feel something, offering me a glimpse into what must be an infinitely complex and talented individual. they made me think about a lot of things, like what constutites beauty and sensuality and power. some of his pieces still make me catch my breath and i feel a sense of awe.

I happen to have had the chance to visit with John int he studio where most of this was shot - and I must tell you that the sense of reality you see in his art is present in John's daily life.

The book is an amazing addition to your collection.