Hands of Eros interview
Emmanuel, or, hands of eros, is a hypnosis and shibari artist with a beautifully unique touch to the art form. What began purely as a method of sexual enhancement has evolved into an artful practice resonating with him on a profound level. Emmanuel stands out not just for his technique, but for the connection he nurtures in every session. As a rigger, his journey is driven by more than aesthetics; it's about presence, trust, and the transformative experiences shared with his partners.
Emmanuel’s interest in the practice of shibari began at a beginner’s workshop with Yagami Ren, he recalls Yagami asking ‘Why do you tie?’ he answered his own question with: ‘‘For me, the only goal is better sex.’ this response resonated with Emmanuel, he states that while shibari has evolved into a spiritual and healing practice, the sexual energy remains a vital part of his personal experience.
The spark that inspired the interest in hypnosis was David Marius- being a sceptic at the time, Emmanuel witnessed David’s work on a weekend, watching other sceptics put into a hypnotic space was shocking. When Emmanuel first tried it himself, he successfully put his partner to sleep and made her forget her name- this was a shocking revelation of the truth of hypnosis. David remains Emmanuel’s main master and inspiration in hypnosis- “there’s something about the way he teaches that truly resonates with me”.
When designing a shibari piece, Emmanuel relies on intuitive patterns known by heart, to allow for more mindless connection during a performance, "I tend to forget my skills when I tie”, he sates, “The true beauty of shibari lies not in the visual appeal but in the present moment and the connection created with my partner. By focusing on the present, I transcend the aesthetic and embrace the essence of what is.”. The most noticeable aspect of Emmanuel's performances is this connection he shares with his partner. He emphasizes the importance of this bond, likening it to a “a dance that we create together; the magic happens once we are both in that flow state”. For him, the flow and intimacy of that connection far outweigh the complexity of intricate knots or need for suspension, making it the true heart of his shibari art.
Emmanuel describes his hands and body as his favourite tool in his practice, this opinion stems from “seeing Yagami Ren move”, he is an Aikido master and “you can feel it in his practice”. “I’m aware that many artists say, ‘my ropes are an extension of my hands,’ but for me, the ropes are an extension of my entire body.”. He enjoys that the use of his whole body can be used to shock his submissive, they can be under a false sense of security thinking his hands are busy- but then will involve a knee, or foot.
Something inherent in Emmanuel’s practice is his unapologetic embrace of the sexuality in shibari. He remains unwavering in his authenticity. "I’m grateful for the sexual awakening shibari has brought into my life. I want to be honest and authentic; I’m not going to lie and say, ‘for me this is only spiritual.’ My initial motivation was about having better sex, and I want to remember and incorporate that in my practice." On navigating societal misconceptions, he states simply “The opinions of others are not my concern. Embracing shibari and BDSM has given me a sense of ownership and confidence in my path.”.
While many riggers aim to attain higher skill levels and become shibari masters, Emmanuel’s goal is simple- to “blend everything (he) knows into a session to make people feel better.” “My vision is to make BDSM and shibari accessible, challenging the misconceptions that surround these practices. I strive to help others express their authentic selves, integrating all my knowledge and disciplines to serve those who need to be seen and heard. This journey is about empowerment and holistic healing.”
Having grown up in a repressive environment, he states he wants to share the empowerment and confidence he has gained- especially with women. He expresses the need for more understanding around BDSM and how he wants to inspire this view, how media such as ’50 shades of gray’ have indeed created a way for the lifestyle in mainstream culture, but has bought with it even more misconceptions, such as the need to be tortured and tormented to be dominant.
His plans for the future of ‘hands of eros’ still include his nomadic lifestyle which he finds pleasure in, but he envisions a permanent space in the future “perhaps in the countryside, where I can host a sanctuary of immersive experiences like a retreat. I anticipate this will come in the next 3-5 years.”. Emmanuel remains committed to breaking down the stigmas around BDSM and shibari, empowering others to embrace their authentic selves through his art.