BBW Art, via Artist Ian Ianardo

BBW, it’s a term that has empowered many women it stands for Big Beautiful Women.  Most men with the exception of a few like me don’t openly identify as being interested in the larger sized women.  In society one is viewed as weird or kinky if they like women who are plus sized.  Often BBWs are linked to porn, which is to say the least unfair, absurd and honestly quite inaccurate. 

In my teen years I became aware that I was really interested in the fuller figure.  I also remember how hard it was for people to accept that I liked a woman who was plus sized.  There were a number of instances where I was thought to be some sort of weirdo.  As time has gone on I have openly asserted that there is nothing wrong with the idea of wanting a plus sized woman in fact I am married to one who has been my wife for 18 years.   

  

There is a lot of art depicting BBWs in a very positive way.  I found a really interesting site run by Ian Ianardo.  The site has dozens of drawings of BBWs, none are overtly pornographic, but many are cheeky and quite cute. 

  

Now just as another note Ianardo also does connect to sites that have plus sized clothing, but he is an artist at heart, Ian thanks for taking time out in your busy schedule to do a quick Candid Conversation 

  

Ian I.:  Pleased to meet you, Cliff. 

   

Cliff T.:  I have to say I am delighted to meet you.  Like you I believe in the concept of fat acceptance.  As stated on the site BBW art is a specialty, when did you begin to take interest in BBWS? 

   

Ian I.:  I've admired plus sized beauty since childhood, and that preference became stronger as an adult. I've since found that a lot of larger ladies have a very understanding and accepting nature. 

   

Cliff T.:  I see that you began posting your work in 2001.  What prompted the decision to begin putting your works online?     

   

Ian I.:  I had a career change and also first went online in year 2000.  I discovered the world of BBWs and size-acceptance and decided to set up in business as a portrait artist, using the internet for promotion. 

   

Cliff T.:  There are some really nice drawings on the site.  How did you go about selecting which works would be posted on the site?   

   

Ian I.:  Initially, I asked a few ladies who had a lot of photos online, if I could draw them, to build up a portfolio to show my work.  Then customers commissioned subsequent portraits.  I nearly always dreamed up the clothing for them. 

   

Cliff T.:  Are you planning to add more?   

   

Ian I.:  I rarely do customer portraits any more, but when I get the time, I like to add to the gallery in my own time. 

  

Cliff. T.:  What has been the reaction from BBWs and the public in general to your work?   

Ian I.:  It has been almost all positive, mostly from ladies who have found my art to be uplifting.  For that reason, I intend to keep the gallery on display, regardless of any new career path. 

Cliff T.:  As I mentioned in my intro a lot of people seem to think it odd, out of place to want to be with a plus sized woman.  Has there been some of that directed at you? 

Ian I.:  Some folk find it hard to grasp such a preference.  Some don't fully believe it. Others think I must be attracted to all large women, with no other criteria! My attraction has far more depth than that. 

Cliff T.:  Interesting, thanks for sharing that insight.  I could go on but I know you have a busy schedule to tackle.  In closing what would you want people visiting the site to understand or appreciate and if a BBW wants to be drawn how would she go about contacting you to be a model? 

Ian I.: I hope that those viewing my portraits will see more than just images of large ladies.  I try to convey confidence and character in each drawing, and maybe a little of myself shows as well.  A few ladies have commented that they can interpret my character too.  Time permitting, I can still do the occasional commissioned portrait for a fee, for any lady who is interested.  There's a page on my site for portrait fees/procedure. 

Excellent Ian, thanks so much for doing a Candid Conversation. 

Ian Ianardo, artist, specializing in BBW art wrote to us from the U.K.  To view the works go to www.ianardo.com.