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| Me So Thorny |
It was a perfect evening, sun setting over the skyline, fall breeze blowing cool, as I lingered in the city rose garden. Amazed by the vast
collection of Grecian statues, moss covered oaks, and endless roses, I was suddenly distracted by a young man walking alone. Admiring his
perfect body, I began to follow his path. Our eyes met, I looked away only to return his unchanged gaze. “Hello,” he mouthed. His pleasure was
visible through his tight jeans, as I moved closer to him we met face to face, “Hello, stranger.”
collection of Grecian statues, moss covered oaks, and endless roses, I was suddenly distracted by a young man walking alone. Admiring his
perfect body, I began to follow his path. Our eyes met, I looked away only to return his unchanged gaze. “Hello,” he mouthed. His pleasure was
visible through his tight jeans, as I moved closer to him we met face to face, “Hello, stranger.”
| Slits and Tits |
My wife and I are in our mid 40’s. She’s cougar hot and over the years has remarked about her bi-curiosity. Often commenting on how sexy women
can be, I didn’t think much of it. For our 20th anniversary I decided to make a custom invitation. It read: ‘We both love what we love, wear your
sexy black dress, Italian heels, but no panties. Be ready for pick up at Ten-O-Clock sharp. No questions.’ The limousine was right on time. She
being a good girl, asked no questions, despite her biting curiosity. The car dropped us at the strip club where VIP treatment awaited. “You bad
boy,” she said mischievously, and giggled like a school girl as we entered the club. We were led to our private booth, where chilled champagne
was waiting. The show began, we enjoyed it together, but after a few moments I excused myself, as planned. As I walked away, the private dancer I’
d arranged appeared and led her off to a room where I secretly witnessed her experience of seduction. Turned on like a teenager, I returned and
waited for my wife at our booth. Her face was flushed, smiling ear to ear, she said, “I love you, I really, really love you.”
can be, I didn’t think much of it. For our 20th anniversary I decided to make a custom invitation. It read: ‘We both love what we love, wear your
sexy black dress, Italian heels, but no panties. Be ready for pick up at Ten-O-Clock sharp. No questions.’ The limousine was right on time. She
being a good girl, asked no questions, despite her biting curiosity. The car dropped us at the strip club where VIP treatment awaited. “You bad
boy,” she said mischievously, and giggled like a school girl as we entered the club. We were led to our private booth, where chilled champagne
was waiting. The show began, we enjoyed it together, but after a few moments I excused myself, as planned. As I walked away, the private dancer I’
d arranged appeared and led her off to a room where I secretly witnessed her experience of seduction. Turned on like a teenager, I returned and
waited for my wife at our booth. Her face was flushed, smiling ear to ear, she said, “I love you, I really, really love you.”
TNYO: Ryan what made you start Filthy Home, and why did you decide to name your company this?
Ryan Cox: The idea for wallpaper actually came about as an idea while I was fixing up my new (to me) 150-year-old apartment. I was stripping my
metal front door to the apartment, and was planning on using chalkboard paint on the inset panel as a "to-do" list area. I was staring at the door and
thought, if I wrote a to-do list down it would probably be the only one I'd ever write... so I thought I should do something more interesting. I thought I
should write really awful words (you fill in your own examples) in beautiful handwriting. That night I had a ex-Playboy employee get-together (we were
a close bunch at the NYC office and have a monthly event since the office closed) I was telling a few ex-coworkers (friends now) about the idea and
they loved it! My friend Lisa and I had a few meeting about getting it going, and we came up with the name over quesadillas and I bought the domain
name that night.
Ryan Cox: The idea for wallpaper actually came about as an idea while I was fixing up my new (to me) 150-year-old apartment. I was stripping my
metal front door to the apartment, and was planning on using chalkboard paint on the inset panel as a "to-do" list area. I was staring at the door and
thought, if I wrote a to-do list down it would probably be the only one I'd ever write... so I thought I should do something more interesting. I thought I
should write really awful words (you fill in your own examples) in beautiful handwriting. That night I had a ex-Playboy employee get-together (we were
a close bunch at the NYC office and have a monthly event since the office closed) I was telling a few ex-coworkers (friends now) about the idea and
they loved it! My friend Lisa and I had a few meeting about getting it going, and we came up with the name over quesadillas and I bought the domain
name that night.
| Love, More, Porn |
TNYO: Where are you from?
Ryan Cox: A small town called Hooper, Utah about 35 miles north of downtown Salt Lake City.
TNYO: Can you tell us a little about your background, you’re an extremely talented individual soft spoken with a beautiful spirit? This would be my
deduction in the short time that I know you.
Ryan Cox: Well, I'm not sure you could call me "soft spoken" but my grandma always told me I had a "sweet spirit and a willingness to help others,"
but she always just said things like that...
• 1978 - Born in a small Utah town called Hooper, pronounced “hooker” with a “p.”
• 1984 – Started singing in his Grandmother's band “The Hometown Players” and began to wear pimped out white sport coats, sequins, and
carnations in his lapel.
• 1985 – Won his first art contest. A multimedia piece using poster board, watercolors, dirt and glue.
• 1986 – Started helping his mother teach wood refinishing classes and waking up early Saturday mornings to watch “This Old House.”
• 1989 – Learned he was good with power tools and built a rocking horse (for his awesome Sis' Angie) out of reclaimed oak and 2x4s. The finishing
touch was hair from his pony -- Chip’s tail ;)
• 1990 – Got sent home from 6th grade for writing and drawing “dirty things” in his text books.
• 1991-1993 – Grew pubes and was the T.A. in wood shop, pottery and home education classes.
• 1994-1997 – Tried to make out with girls but always wished they were boys.
• 1998 – Started college thinking of a pre-law, but realized he would never survive actual law school. Decided on a BFA.
• 2002 – Interned in New York City. He was quickly hooked on the Big Apple (or was it the gay bars?).
• 2003 – Received a university artist grant to make a short film about Fame.
• 2005 – Left Utah for NYC to prove that he could "make it."
• 2006 – Started his "Porn Career" at Playboy Enterprises. Climbed the ranks as a designer in the licensing division.
• 2008 – Turned 30 and finally recognized he was a grown up.
• 2010 – Moved into a one bedroom in Brooklyn by HIMSELF. Embraced his inner perv. Filthy Home was born.
TNYO: What are your goals for Filthy Home? where do you see your product thriving most.
Ryan Cox: My ultimate goal is having a whole home collection. I love wallpaper and felt it was a perfect place to start as that’s where the idea began,
but I have designs for (super dirty) stain-glass windows, porcelain china, throw-pillows, rugs, bedding and even bread boxes in my bag of tricks. I
want to do them all now, but I want the designs perfect before moving forward
I see the design everywhere! I love the fact that you could put up a design like "Reno whore house" and your mother in-law could come over and
enjoy the design, while you sit and decide if you want to tell here what the patterns called. That's what I love about most of the Filthy Home designs;
they're not just pretty. They touch on subject matter that some people feel is taboo, but really we all experience.
TNYO: I have always been fascinated with the gay culture, it seems that the gay men that I know are usually highly intelligent talented human beings
with so much to offer to society and culture, what’s your take on this (Optional you don’t have to answer this if you choose not to)
Ryan Cox: I think John that you have surrounded yourself with good/interesting people and there for "the gays" (*wink) you meet are good/interesting
people. Really, I don't want to make this about you, because this article is really about me (which I love), but I think a lot of the world really needs to
get past the "gay" stereotype. I'm a designer and I happen to like dick.
Ryan Cox: A small town called Hooper, Utah about 35 miles north of downtown Salt Lake City.
TNYO: Can you tell us a little about your background, you’re an extremely talented individual soft spoken with a beautiful spirit? This would be my
deduction in the short time that I know you.
Ryan Cox: Well, I'm not sure you could call me "soft spoken" but my grandma always told me I had a "sweet spirit and a willingness to help others,"
but she always just said things like that...
• 1978 - Born in a small Utah town called Hooper, pronounced “hooker” with a “p.”
• 1984 – Started singing in his Grandmother's band “The Hometown Players” and began to wear pimped out white sport coats, sequins, and
carnations in his lapel.
• 1985 – Won his first art contest. A multimedia piece using poster board, watercolors, dirt and glue.
• 1986 – Started helping his mother teach wood refinishing classes and waking up early Saturday mornings to watch “This Old House.”
• 1989 – Learned he was good with power tools and built a rocking horse (for his awesome Sis' Angie) out of reclaimed oak and 2x4s. The finishing
touch was hair from his pony -- Chip’s tail ;)
• 1990 – Got sent home from 6th grade for writing and drawing “dirty things” in his text books.
• 1991-1993 – Grew pubes and was the T.A. in wood shop, pottery and home education classes.
• 1994-1997 – Tried to make out with girls but always wished they were boys.
• 1998 – Started college thinking of a pre-law, but realized he would never survive actual law school. Decided on a BFA.
• 2002 – Interned in New York City. He was quickly hooked on the Big Apple (or was it the gay bars?).
• 2003 – Received a university artist grant to make a short film about Fame.
• 2005 – Left Utah for NYC to prove that he could "make it."
• 2006 – Started his "Porn Career" at Playboy Enterprises. Climbed the ranks as a designer in the licensing division.
• 2008 – Turned 30 and finally recognized he was a grown up.
• 2010 – Moved into a one bedroom in Brooklyn by HIMSELF. Embraced his inner perv. Filthy Home was born.
TNYO: What are your goals for Filthy Home? where do you see your product thriving most.
Ryan Cox: My ultimate goal is having a whole home collection. I love wallpaper and felt it was a perfect place to start as that’s where the idea began,
but I have designs for (super dirty) stain-glass windows, porcelain china, throw-pillows, rugs, bedding and even bread boxes in my bag of tricks. I
want to do them all now, but I want the designs perfect before moving forward
I see the design everywhere! I love the fact that you could put up a design like "Reno whore house" and your mother in-law could come over and
enjoy the design, while you sit and decide if you want to tell here what the patterns called. That's what I love about most of the Filthy Home designs;
they're not just pretty. They touch on subject matter that some people feel is taboo, but really we all experience.
TNYO: I have always been fascinated with the gay culture, it seems that the gay men that I know are usually highly intelligent talented human beings
with so much to offer to society and culture, what’s your take on this (Optional you don’t have to answer this if you choose not to)
Ryan Cox: I think John that you have surrounded yourself with good/interesting people and there for "the gays" (*wink) you meet are good/interesting
people. Really, I don't want to make this about you, because this article is really about me (which I love), but I think a lot of the world really needs to
get past the "gay" stereotype. I'm a designer and I happen to like dick.
| Cut Wood |
TNYO: What are some of your hobbies?
Ryan Cox: I love my fix-gear bike (I built it myself out of an old French racing bike frame I found abandoned in Chelsea), skateboarding, long board,
snowboarding, wake boarding, drinking a pot of coffee in the morning, yoga, watching people clean glass for some reason, and design (not in that
particular order).
TNYO: What are your religious beliefs?
Ryan Cox: I believe in my family, friends, lovers (exes and current) and community. If you are looking for a religious affiliation, I was raised in the LDS
Church (Mormon Church. Note: I only have one mom and she's wonderful). I was considered "inactive" around 17 years old and officially resigned
from any Mormon affiliation after their involvement with the Prop 8 decision in California.
TNYO: Do these beliefs play into the way you see things or do they affect your art?
Ryan Cox: I think they do in some ways, growing up I had to suppress a lot of my feelings sexually. I think now maybe that is why I am so open about
sex and other subjects that some might feel "are not polite conversation."
TNYO: How old are you?
Ryan Cox: 32
TNYO: What was your first Impression of New York?
Ryan Cox: I was blown away when I first got here (I'm blown away still). I'm from a western state of 3 million people. To see a city with 8 million people
was crazy for me... I couldn't believe it! I loved it! I got an internship two days later (true story).
TNYO: has this city influenced your art in any way?
Ryan Cox: Of course... how could it not? Kind of a dumb question :) Everyone should try and live here at some point. It changes you.
TNYO: Please tell us a little bit about the process that goes into the design of The Filthy Home Wallpapers.
Ryan Cox: Not to sound arrogant, I’m just really a visual person. I notice things and tend to look at them in a different manner than most. If you asked
me where I had dinner last week I wouldn't remember the name of the restaurant but I'd remember that it had a mahogany inlaid oak floor, original
plaster ceilings, leaded glass windows and the waiter had a chipped tooth but a nice ass.
TNYO: At first glance when you look at the wallpaper patterns it looks like, well beautiful designs. Then on closer inspection male and female genitalia
begin to appear, what a wonderfully nasty surprise. Why are putting penises on your papers?
Ryan Cox: Because we either have them or want them. I'm just saying it.
TNYO: You mentioned you have a new boyfriend would you like to mention anything about your relationship or about relationships in general and how
they affect yours and all of our lives.
Ryan Cox: I never said "boyfriends," just that I was seeing someone. He's really amazing, talented, very handsome and has been a very nice
distraction. That's all I'm saying
TNYO: After you have become a bright shining star in the sky and your business becomes hugely successful what would like to do then?
Ryan Cox: Thank you for saying that you think Filthy Home will be successful. I hope so, too. In the last few years of my life, I have realized that being
happy and successful is something that you shouldn’t have to look FORWARD to. It should be present in your life. Today I was successful at finding
time to FINALLY go grocery shopping, now I don't have to eat shitty pizza from the place around the corner and that makes me happy.
TNYO: I would love to see these papers on exhibit in frames like paintings in a gallery that’s how I see them would you be interested in showing them
this way?
Ryan Cox: FUCK YEAH!
TNYO: Do you do paintings and drawings?
Ryan Cox: I worked in watercolors when I was younger and I still draw, but normally just as a starting point. I have to say I love new technologies and
prefer working on my iMac (and yes, it's huge *wink). I also just found a studio to work in to get my hands dirty, I really will find any reason to buy a
new power tool; seriously, sears/home depot gift cards are the perfect gift for me.
TNYO: Can you pick a song for our readers to listen too?
Ryan Cox: One song isn't enough, I'll give you 5.
• Tammy Wynette — Stand By Your Man
• Wilco — Jesus, Etc.
• Bon Iver— For Emma (it's actually my ringtone)
• Arcade Fire —The Suburbs
• Girl Talk— All Day (listen to the whole album)
Bonus (guilty pleasure)
•Robyn— Hang With Me
Ryan Cox: I love my fix-gear bike (I built it myself out of an old French racing bike frame I found abandoned in Chelsea), skateboarding, long board,
snowboarding, wake boarding, drinking a pot of coffee in the morning, yoga, watching people clean glass for some reason, and design (not in that
particular order).
TNYO: What are your religious beliefs?
Ryan Cox: I believe in my family, friends, lovers (exes and current) and community. If you are looking for a religious affiliation, I was raised in the LDS
Church (Mormon Church. Note: I only have one mom and she's wonderful). I was considered "inactive" around 17 years old and officially resigned
from any Mormon affiliation after their involvement with the Prop 8 decision in California.
TNYO: Do these beliefs play into the way you see things or do they affect your art?
Ryan Cox: I think they do in some ways, growing up I had to suppress a lot of my feelings sexually. I think now maybe that is why I am so open about
sex and other subjects that some might feel "are not polite conversation."
TNYO: How old are you?
Ryan Cox: 32
TNYO: What was your first Impression of New York?
Ryan Cox: I was blown away when I first got here (I'm blown away still). I'm from a western state of 3 million people. To see a city with 8 million people
was crazy for me... I couldn't believe it! I loved it! I got an internship two days later (true story).
TNYO: has this city influenced your art in any way?
Ryan Cox: Of course... how could it not? Kind of a dumb question :) Everyone should try and live here at some point. It changes you.
TNYO: Please tell us a little bit about the process that goes into the design of The Filthy Home Wallpapers.
Ryan Cox: Not to sound arrogant, I’m just really a visual person. I notice things and tend to look at them in a different manner than most. If you asked
me where I had dinner last week I wouldn't remember the name of the restaurant but I'd remember that it had a mahogany inlaid oak floor, original
plaster ceilings, leaded glass windows and the waiter had a chipped tooth but a nice ass.
TNYO: At first glance when you look at the wallpaper patterns it looks like, well beautiful designs. Then on closer inspection male and female genitalia
begin to appear, what a wonderfully nasty surprise. Why are putting penises on your papers?
Ryan Cox: Because we either have them or want them. I'm just saying it.
TNYO: You mentioned you have a new boyfriend would you like to mention anything about your relationship or about relationships in general and how
they affect yours and all of our lives.
Ryan Cox: I never said "boyfriends," just that I was seeing someone. He's really amazing, talented, very handsome and has been a very nice
distraction. That's all I'm saying
TNYO: After you have become a bright shining star in the sky and your business becomes hugely successful what would like to do then?
Ryan Cox: Thank you for saying that you think Filthy Home will be successful. I hope so, too. In the last few years of my life, I have realized that being
happy and successful is something that you shouldn’t have to look FORWARD to. It should be present in your life. Today I was successful at finding
time to FINALLY go grocery shopping, now I don't have to eat shitty pizza from the place around the corner and that makes me happy.
TNYO: I would love to see these papers on exhibit in frames like paintings in a gallery that’s how I see them would you be interested in showing them
this way?
Ryan Cox: FUCK YEAH!
TNYO: Do you do paintings and drawings?
Ryan Cox: I worked in watercolors when I was younger and I still draw, but normally just as a starting point. I have to say I love new technologies and
prefer working on my iMac (and yes, it's huge *wink). I also just found a studio to work in to get my hands dirty, I really will find any reason to buy a
new power tool; seriously, sears/home depot gift cards are the perfect gift for me.
TNYO: Can you pick a song for our readers to listen too?
Ryan Cox: One song isn't enough, I'll give you 5.
• Tammy Wynette — Stand By Your Man
• Wilco — Jesus, Etc.
• Bon Iver— For Emma (it's actually my ringtone)
• Arcade Fire —The Suburbs
• Girl Talk— All Day (listen to the whole album)
Bonus (guilty pleasure)
•Robyn— Hang With Me
| In the Bush |
Live piano music resonated into the streets, inviting strangers. Comfortably crowded, the pub continued attracting thirsty patrons as the
night grew dark. The low hum of scattered conversations was comforting to Paul as he sat alone in the corner. He’d been traveling solo
for several weeks and was ready for company, the music and rich mahogany of the pub’s façade drew him in. Terribly attracted to his
waitress, Paul made each of her visit’s linger, wishing she could join him, he finally asked, “When do you get off?” Her flattery was visible
and she replied, “Hopefully at the same time you do.”
night grew dark. The low hum of scattered conversations was comforting to Paul as he sat alone in the corner. He’d been traveling solo
for several weeks and was ready for company, the music and rich mahogany of the pub’s façade drew him in. Terribly attracted to his
waitress, Paul made each of her visit’s linger, wishing she could join him, he finally asked, “When do you get off?” Her flattery was visible
and she replied, “Hopefully at the same time you do.”