DavidLawrence

Support the Ivy Screams Legal Fund

At question is the right to artistic expression in Detroit, Michigan

Thursday night October 13, 2011 I went out on location in Detroit with a group of six people to shoot at the Art Museum for my City Lights Series.  Ivy Screams (FetLife profile name) was the model.  We began shooting
some test shots just before midnight.

 Ivy was wearing a very sexy little black dress with spaghetti straps that went around the sides and back.  While doing a couple test shots for lighting a State Police vehicle drove up.  I chatted with them and explained what I was doing.  They had no issues and just said they found it odd to see people on the streets at that hour.  I assured them we would be done within 10 minutes and would be on our way.  They drove off with no issues.

 I proceeded with the shoot and had Ivy squat in a sexy pose in front of the staircase fountain at the foot of the steps to the museum.  At that moment a Detroit Police Cruiser passed by, then made a u-turn and stopped at the street in front of us.  Ivy still had her dress on at that point.  I approached the police car and was asked for my identification.  Ivy was asked for hers too.

 I was asked by one of the officers, the older one, if I had a permit to shoot here.  I said no, and then asked do I need one?  The officer went on to say that I could be arrested for shooting without a permit and using a historic building in images for profit.  I explained that this was a collaborative art shoot on speculation.  Whether it would be for profit is not even a thought at this juncture. 

 The older of the two officers took Ivy to the side at that point and started to intimidate her and embarrass her over her shooting in the nude.  That surprised me when I found this out.  Why would a police officer berate a young woman for posing for artistic imagery?  That is not his place.  The important piece of information here is
that Ivy was not then or ever nude during this shoot.  We had only taken 6 or 7 images most of which
were test shots.

 I was told about Ivy’s interaction with the police officer and when he challenged her motivations for doing this she said it was for artistic expression.  I think the police officer was offended by her answer in that she did not appear to repent for her behavior. 

Back to me for a moment…the older officer was now sitting in the police car checking out ID’s and then proceeded to tell me that I could be arrested for shooting here.  He then got out of the car along with the other officer and asked to see the images.  I did not agree.  They told me to erase them.  Rather than cause an issue I proceeded to format my CF card.  I also knew that I could recapture these images later on with some software.  They did not arrest me but said if any of these images show up anywhere I would be arrested.  This was a threat coming from public servants which is again something they are not suppose to do…intimidation tactics.

The older police officer proceeded to then write up a Summons for “D/C Nudity” and gave it to Ivy.  This was something that was just uncalled for and unwarranted because she was NEVER nude.  Ivy was shaken up by
this and scared.  I do not blame her and understand completely the implications of what she has to now face and deal with in the Detroit Court System.

Myself and the other people present talked with her at length and told her not to worry.  We would all band together to support her in this situation.  She felt a tad bit better.

The next day I called Susan Wright at the National Coalition for Sexual Freedom (NCFS) and explained what had happened and asked for her help and support.  She referred me to an attorney, Rudy Serra, who practices in Detroit.  He is an advocate for our community in Detroit and the perfect person to represent Ivy in this case.  In addition, Susan Wright stated that if this case does not get dismissed that the NCSF may get involved because it does involve First and Second Amendment Rights.  That is good to know and provided Ivy with some ease in the matter.

Where we are at this moment is what I want you all to consider.  Me and a group of people in the Detroit and Ann Arbor Communities are going to be raising funds to cover Ivy Screams Legal expenses and any fines that may or may not be imposed if the case is not thrown out for having no merit.

To that end I am asking that you consider contributing to the Ivy Screams Legal Fund.  Any contribution will be greatly appreciated.  So give from the heart to help this lovely girl and ease her fears. 

I am contributing 5 copies of reBOUND, Shibari Style Impressions.  The copies will go to the 5 people who contribute the most financially in this effort.  There is no maximum or minimum contribution sought.  All contributions will be and are so appreciated.  The SRP of reBOUND is $145.00 and is currently selling for $115.00 (just and FYI).

You can make your checks payable to Ivy Scream’s attorney, Rudy Serra.  Your check will go into a client trust account and used to cover the expenses and fines relating to this case.  Any funds collected in excess will be donated to the National Coalition for Sexual Freedom (NCSF).  You can go to their website at www.ncsfreedom.org/ to become acquainted with the work they are doing on behalf of our community.

Send your contribution to:       Rudy Serra, Attorney at Law

                                                1705 Wordsworth Street

                                                Ferndale, Michigan 48220

Make sure to put in the memo section of your check that this is for the “Ivy Screams Legal Fund.”  This is very important.

Our goal is to raise at least $2,000.00 by November 30, 2011.

I thank you from the bottom of my heart for reaching out and helping Ivy with your contribution.  It also makes a statement to the community at large that we do not want to be regulated by the government or harassed for our self expression.

I will be available to talk with you about the status of this case moving forward.  Please feel free to email me directly at davidlawrence@shibariartphotography.com.