In a March '97 article on the Glamourcon convention, Playboy magazine wrote: "Artist David Nestler sells his most noted work, a giant duct-taped girl". It's not exactly "Let there be light," but it set the tone for what has become one of the most recognizable series in the female art market today.

The original concept for the "Blonde & Gagged" series was to blend Pin-Up and Glamour art with fetish overtones. The black tape strategically wrapped around the models bodies hinted at the implication of bondage situations. It might have seemed like a gimmick at the time, but I needed an angle to set myself apart from all the other Pin-Up artists that were already established. Gimmick or not, it worked and my paintings were recognized and accepted by enthusiasts everywhere. The attention I've received throughout the series has allowed me to stray away from the more sexual scenarios in my work, and focus more on design and technique. The "Duct Tape" that Playboy referred to a few short years ago has now become more of a signature for the "Blonde & Gagged" series than a device.

At the 1999 Erotica USA show in Manhattan, I received the greatest compliment of all when Tom Stanton (son of legendary bondage artist Eric Stanton) and I were having a conversation. He informed me that his father had just recently passed away. With much sympathy I spoke with Tom about his father and the respect and admiration I had for him and his work. He told me that his father always said that I was one of his favorite artists.

I returned home after that weekend and pulled out my copy of Blunder Broad 38 that Eric had given to me at a show in Los Angeles, and read the inscription inside.

9-15-96 To Dave: "Wow, I love what you do - for me and you". - ERIC STANTON