Chantal of Ropemarks.com BindMe interviewed Bob and Chantal. A couple that promotes and lives Oriental Bondage the Ropemarks-way. This interview is in two parts. Here is Chantal's page. Bob's part is here BindMe: What does BDSM/bondage mean to you, and when did you first come into contact with it? The D/s in BDSM means nothing to me. Bob and I have an equal relation and we both wouldn't have it any other way. Bondage means a lot to me; it became a way of live. No sex without bondage for example. It is a way to give myself completely. I am quite a control freak and very impatient, but these bad qualities disappear when Bob puts me in bondage. When Bob wasn't my partner yet he sent me a photo of a bound woman on a table in a hogtie (I know now). I did have SM experience, but not with bondage and my first reaction was not very positive. It looked very uncomfortable :D BindMe: Do you think you are influenced by others (like models) and if so in what way? (example: that girl is sssso flexible: I wanna do that too :) ) To be honest? I don't look at other models, I don't browse the internet to see photos of others being bound. I like to be in bondage, that's a turn on for me. But others in bondage? No, it means nothing to me. BindMe: And who else do you admire in "the scene"? No one really, I am only a bit jealous of the Oriental girls, because their bodies are made for bondage so it seems :). Most of them are slim, flexible and petit. BindMe: And now: which bondage-rigger do you fancy? As in attractive person and bondage-style. (We know about Bob ;), he doesn't count for this. I fancy only Bob as an attractive person. I do have one wish and that is to be put in bondage (suspension preferably) by another rigger to feel the difference (if there is any). It could be a learning experience for me and Bob I think. In Holland there's no one we would trust to do this; it has to be someone with a lot of experience (for example James from NawaShibari or Dr. D Vice). BindMe: Does being bound and seeing yourself back later, in pictures, strike you as "art"? Being shaped and formed like Bob wants? And if yes... do you do something about it (or do you value that) to see it accepted as art? (If no, what else is it?) Art? Well that is one way of putting it, erotic art. Bob makes art of me, my body and ropes as he pleases. Accepted as art? Well no, people have to see it as how they wanna see it. BindMe: Do you have a favourite way/shape of binding? A favourite position? Yes: suspension of course! My bondage motto is "I love to fly". BindMe: Being bound like we see you must be very hard sometimes. Do you sometimes struggle against the ropes or do you give yourself to it? I know Bob likes to see me struggle, but I usually give in. Most oriental style bondages make you suffer one way or the other, no matter what position you try, always something hurts. You have to choose between 2 bad ones so to speak. BindMe: Is having a website an extra kick in your "play" (being shown, exhibitionistic streak?). During our play I never think about the website, I just like to "pose" for the camera. And yes I am very exhibitionistic (does it show? :) I know that during shows and demonstrations the exhibitionism comes in, because I can handle a whole lot more with a crowd looking at me (sorry Bob ;) BindMe: And following that: what made you decide to be on your site showing your face? Ehh, nothing? Why should that have to be a special decision? That's like you make it a taboo yourself. I believe in being open and honest, the whole world may know what I am doing, because I am not ashamed of what I do and who I am. People don't have to like what I do, as long as they respect me because what I love, what I am doing. That's the most important thing. BindMe: What other BDSM-elements are you most attracted to? Pain, I am a masochist BindMe: How did it feel to be suspended for the first time? We know you like flying now ;) I felt great, I think. Well... it was ok. It is not to compare with how it should be like being suspended nowadays. I think it was more of an experience for Bob. BindMe: Do you think that Japanese bondage seems like a hype lately? Everyone seems to be "into it".... I don't think so. A lot of people would like to learn, only a few people know how to do it. And when people find out how much work, time and energy it takes they stick to the more common bondage play. Maybe it looks like a hype now because you yourself are more interested in it? And because internet makes it possible to get your hands on a lot of information. BindMe:We can read on your site that you are interested in more Japanese culture elements besides bondage. What was first....? For me bondage. But to understand Japanese bondage, you have to understand some of the Japanese culture I think. I would love to go there once. BindMe:Does music play a part in your sceneing or are you totally not aware of your surroundings at that moment? (If you DO hear, what kind do you like? ;)) Well, I really hate songs from Enigma. Every BDSM club plays that music, brrr. I can have a good bondage play on heavy music like Rammstein, but I also like the Kabuki drums. Or just some more "ordinary" music like Madonna, Eminem or Massive Attack. All depends on our mood. BindMe:What do you recommend people that feel attracted to this form of bondage and want to learn? They have to put in a lot of time and energy and see it as more then just "tie someone up". You have to be patient and learn from others. And register for one of our workshops of course :) And people have to forget about the idea that when they start with bondage that they want to do a suspension as soon as possible. There is much more to bondage than that. You have to start with the basics. And always realise a wrong bondage can do more harm than a whip. BindMe:Do you do special exercises to keep fit and be able to hold positions? Well I try to watch what I eat, work out in the gym twice a week and to be in bondage often (doesn't always go like that unfortunately). BindMe:If you have anything else to say that you would like people to know, please feel free to add that. People often say that Bob is so lucky with me, but we see that different. We are lucky with each other. Bondage is like Ying and Yang, it cannot exist with only one of us. It is something you do together; always. Marrow and Debora of BindMe.nl wish to thank Chantal very much for her cooperation on this special and being so open, informative and personal. What we liked very much is the openness and the fact that Chantal is just a very beautiful and outspoken person. Thank you, Chantal! It was very interesting. :)) And of course you'll visit them at their own site, if you haven't already. You can find Bob and Chantal here.