Featured Artist: Snapped Ginger
Shibari Circus Rope Artist: Snapped Ginger
1. How did you first get tangled up in the world of rope?
I got into rope on the stereotypical bottom to self-tie to top track. I exclusively bottomed at first, and I wasn't interested in learning to tie at all. My (now former) partner and were co-teaching rope classes. I was leading discussions on safety and teaching bottoming skills, but eventually, we had so many people attending that he said, "I need you to learn how to tie what we're teaching so you can help people hands on." I said, "No thanks," but apparently that isn't how power exchange works. At first, I self-tied out of necessity, but once I figured out how to lock off my own uplines, it was game over and self-tying became my niche. Eventually, people started asking me to tie them, then to teach them how to tie, then to perform and host events. One thing led to another, and here we are!
2. Do you remember your first tie — what was that experience like?
Sadly, I don't. But, I do remember my first self-suspension! I suspended a self-tied futomo off of a Jungle Gym wooden swing set in the living room. I hadn't really seen self-suspenders in our community before (though now there are many) so I felt a huge sense of accomplishment in figuring out an uncommon thing, but also a huge rush of self-fulfillment and freedom as I got spacey in the self-suspension.
3. If you had to describe your rope style in three words, what would they be?
Synergistic, responsive, and empowering. I like purposeful rope that is shaped from collaborative wants and needs and tailored to the bodies involved. I like dynamic rope that changes, often frequently, as the people interact (or not) through the session.
4. What inspired your shibari name or performer persona?
My mom inspired my scene name, actually LOL. I was lamenting about needing a new username, and my mom suggested "gingersnap." I pointed out that I'm pretty sure every redhead ever has been called "gingersnap" at some point, so she countered with "SnapGinger." I tweaked it to "SnappedGinger" because the snap is past tense. Already happened, can't be undone. I prefer to be called "Snapped" over "Ginger" though when someone shortens it. There are a lot of Gingers, and I like being special!
5. Who or what has most influenced your journey as a rope artist?
The needs of the person in my rope has most influenced my rope journey. Since I primarily self-tie, this most often means me, which feels like a very snobby narcissistic answer to give. What I mean is that I seek out education and experimentation to explore the desires and struggles of the person in my rope. Chances are, my "stylistic" choices are probably specifically chosen to meet a purpose the best I'm able.
6. What’s your favorite rope length, color, or texture — and why?
I like 8 meter natural colored jute. I like it 6 mm with a slightly looser lay and knotted ends. I like them conditioned by breaking them over a ring, stretching, singe-ing, waxing, baking, and oiling them. All of these choices feel good to my body from a texture perspective, work for my body from a length perspective, and natural colored jute doesn't clash with my redhair :)
7. What’s your pre-session ritual — music, scent, tea, playlist, superstition?
When I'm self-tying, the set up is very much a ritual to me. I have a favorite playlist I like to hit shuffle on. The music inspires me and shapes how I tie. Then, I set out my rope and supplies in a specific order and placement. Finally, I blindfold and gag myself. What started out as an aggressive way to keep well-meaning people from interrupting my self-ties is now a core part of my self-tying experience.
8. If your ropes could talk, what secrets would they tell?
If my ropes could talk, they would tell everyone that they're probably covered in my spit and tears.
9. What’s one hilarious rope mishap you can laugh about now?
Probably all the times I've been self-tying blindfolded and failing to find the hardpoint... Woops!
10. What does your creative process look like when designing a new piece or scene?
I am soooo bad at pre-planning scenes and performances. I usually tie "in the moment," with next to no plan. If I do have a plan, I'm likely to abandon it or at least change it as I go. For example, I had a performance sequence in mind for a performance at the high protocol masquerade at The Event Center in Knoxville that featured a 14 layer ball gown. I tried the dress on one more time literally the hour before I left on the 5 hour dreive, decided I felt too neurospicy for the tightness of the sleeves, and decided to leave the dress at home and wing it. Later that night, I was staying up late with my co-teacher and the venue decorator talking about the performance. We started brainstorming together based on the decor, atmosphere, and theme. I made the playlist the next morning in between classes. That night, I tied with brand new red rope ShibariCircus had given me earlier in the day. I ended up doing a super hot and sapphic self-suspension performance *for* my co-performer (who had never performed before) to a playlist about worshipping my partner. It's my favorite performance I've ever done to date!
11. If your shibari were a movie genre, what would it be — action, romance, thriller, or comedy?
I don't watch a lot of movies, and I'm pretty aromantic, but my rope is like my playlists... A variety
12. What’s one thing people would never guess about you from your rope work?
I'm a pretty awkward person. I love when the people in my rope are down for weird too, and it's not uncommon for my rope scenes to be full of giggles and grimaces. But, most people tell me how graceful and hot my rope work looks. It rarely *feels* like that to me though. I'm just a socially anxious
potato who likes to self-tie right away at parties because it helps me chill out enough to be able to people.
13. Outside of rope, what brings you joy or inspires your creativity?
I enjoy music, art, yoga, nature, and lattes.
14. What’s your go-to post-performance comfort ritual?
My post-performance comfort ritual is to start planning the next rope adventure... Can't drop if I don't stop, ammiright?!
15. Finish the sentence: When I’m in rope, I feel…
When I'm doing rope, I feel empowered.
16. How do you hope your art impacts people who see your work?
I share my art because I like it, and I'm fairly auto-erotic, so I like looking at myself doing rope LOL. It's more for myself than the viewers, BUT I do hope that people can find something they relate to in the rope I post. Maybe that's a facial expression, or a pose, or prop. I like expression, and interpreting the expression is half of the artistic experience.
17. What’s one piece of advice you’d give to new rope enthusiasts?
The biggest piece of advice I'd give new rope enthusiasts is to intentionally create space to honor your own experiences. This means being self-aware and mindful of your reactions as well as your interactions. Explore things that feel yummy to you with plenty of self-reflection informing your pace.
