Interview by Keith Russell, BGMLC website contributor

Where were you born and raised and where do you currently live?

Vega: I was born & raised in New York City, but went to college in Chicago. I didn’t discover my gayness until I was 17, and I wanted to explore my sexuality away from home. I have been living in South Jersey for the past 23 years.

What is your educational background?

Vega: I have a Bachelor’s & Master’s in Architecture from the Illinois Institute of Technology. From an early age I wanted to be an artist but I thought that Architecture would put food on the table on a regular basis.

You have been a photographer for many years specializing in photographing Black men. How and when did you get started as a photographer?

Vega: I started out as an artist, working in pen & ink, charcoals, then oils. When I embraced my sexuality and adopted a new name (i.e., Vega) I started to produce homoerotic illustrations because I didn’t see many gay black male images. Some of theses have been published in a couple of gay magazines (i.e., Mandate, Blueboy, The Advocate), back in the early eighties. It wasn’t until I read my first book of gay poetry which also included male photography that I decided to explore writing & photography as an extension of my artistic nature.

Are there any other interests that you enjoy besides photography?

Vega: I don’t see myself just as a photographer but an artist or a Renaissance man. I enjoy drawing, painting, writing and photography equally. I haven’t tried sculpture or music yet though.

You have published a number of books showcasing your photography, drawings and prose under the banner of Vega press. What does Vega stand for and how long has the Vega press been in existence?

Vega: In 1980, while still in Chicago, I adopted the name Vega, which stands for Victory, Empowerment, Gratitude, and daily Assessment. The press was established shortly after that with a limited line of gay greeting cards which where sold to local gay stores in Chicago. My motto was ‘Self-empowerment thru self-imagery’. I had an idea to produce a book about the gay black male couple to include my illustrations, and someone else’s photography and prose. When I could not find someone to provide me with the photographs or prose, I decided to do it myself. My first was born and titled “Men of Color”.

Is the Vega press your full time avocation? (if not what is your full time avocation?)

Vega: No unfortunately, my full time job is as an Architect. I use art as a way to fulfill my creative needs and the Press as a way to try and contribute to the BLGT Community.

What have you wanted to accomplish by creating the Vega press?

Vega: I think that it’s very important that we not only see positive black images but most importantly positive gay black images. I also feel that we, as a community have to be responsible for our own images. This became the title for my first book of photography, which featured the work of 6 other black photographers. One of the goals of Vega Press was to provide an avenue for gay black artists to show their work. As a supporter and consumer of gay products & establishments I wanted to provide a variety of products for the Gay Black Community, similar to 10percent or any number of product lines available to the gay white community. I want to see black greeting cards, T-shirts, coffee magazines, magazines, books, calendars etc.

How do you finance the Vega press?

Vega: Unfortunately, through a second mortgage.  I am an introverted artist first and a businessman last. It takes a lot of money, a lot of publicity, and a lot of support. Anyone who has tried to start a black magazine or book publishing company has discovered this, and usually only lasted 5-7 years before giving up in frustration. While some people may not like what I am about to say, unfortunately the gay black community does not have the same spending habits as other gay communities. On the flip side most people just starting out don’t have the back-up of old world money or a trust fund.

How do your products get distributed?

Vega: Originally my books were sold through a distributor, and sometime directly to local bookstores. I was literally being raped by the outrageous fees that the distributors charge, and there are still some bookstores that still owe me a measly $10.00. Some of my photographs are on T-shirts, Coffee mugs, magnets & mouse pads, and can be found at www.cafepress.com/vegapress. After being on line for the past 3 years though not one product has sold which brings me back to the spending habits of the gay black community. While these types of products seem to appeal to the gay white community, most blacks are not out enough.

How have your products been received overall?

Vega: Over the years, many people have come up to me to tell me how much one of my books of poetry has meant to them, and at that moment, as an artist, I am grateful that I have been able to affect somebody’s life. As a businessman, I don’t think that the products have been received very well. You can visit any gay bookstore today and see only 1% black images represented on the cover of magazines, greeting cards or calendars. I used to think it was about there not being enough supply, but over the years I have learned that the demand just isn’t there.

What motivates you as a photographer?

Vega: Even though I haven’t taken a photograph in about 3 years, I am motivated by the desire to depict the beauty of black men. My first series of photographs were of two men together, and I would like to concentrate on that, but it is very difficult to find two black men who are willing to pose nude together, and make that kind of statement.

Are there any other photographers or artists whose work you admire?

Vega: While there are many very talented photographers and graphic artists who deal with male images and particularly black male images, there are a select few who I really admire because they are brave enough to address homo-erotic subject matter: Belasco (graphic artist); AJAMU (photographer); and Tom Bianchi (photographer). As a gay person of color I want to see photos, paintings, and watch films about two men. For the latter I want to thank and applaud the creators of ‘Noah’s ARC’ and the ‘DL Chronicles’.

How do you find models?

Vega: I have met people at conventions, at parties, through referrals, or even on the street. At one time models would even approach me by sending me a copy of their portfolio. I tend to deal with everyday people though as opposed to professional models.

I know it’s an old cliché, but do you sleep with any of your models?
Vega: I have never slept with any of my models, but I have photographed someone I have slept with (smile).

If you could photograph anyone in the world that you liked who would that be?

Vega: It’s a toss up between Keith Hamilton Cobb, The Rock, or LL Cool J. That’s of course, if I could stop drooling long enough (smile).

Where can people purchase your books?

Vega: Until I can get my website up and running again, they can contact me at vegapress@aol.com for a backlist of books.

Do you have a website?

Vega: No, I had one before but let it drop for lack of interests. Now that everyone has a computer in their home and are used to ordering things on line I am looking for a web designer to help me create one again. Hint! Hint!

What are your plans for the future of Vega press?

Vega: I have been working on another book of photography and a book of poetry but the money issue has kept me from publishing them. Once I get them completed I will start shopping for a publisher. When I did that once in the past the response I got was that there wasn’t enough demand for gay black images or voices. I hope that our community has changed somewhat.

What do you do in your leisure time besides photography?

Vega: I love to travel, I am helping to raise a child, and I just started a new relationship after being single for 12 years, so I am pretty busy right now.

What advice would you give any photographers aspiring to specialize in photographing Black men?

Vega: I know that it sounds corny, but follow your dreams! ‘Self-empowerment through self-imagery’.