Mike Ruiz :: Just Gets Prettier

Whether handing out sage advice on Logo's "A-List: New York" as the show's resident "normal one" or turning the photo world on its ear with his unique hyperrealist imagery, Mike Ruiz is never out of the headlines or making an impact on the scene.

This year alone Ruiz has expanded on his brand by becoming the face of MEOKO Vodka. He's directed hit music videos including one for Brian Kent's new single "Su-Su-Su-Superstar" and he's become engaged to his long-time partner, the equally dashing Martin Berusch. This signals the end of his run on the hit reality-soap so that he and Martin can pursue a new horizon.

"It just ran its course for me," Ruiz told us about his decision to leave after two seasons of "A-List: New York". "I am truly grateful to "A-List" for giving me the platform in the community that it has, but I feel that there isn't anything more that I can contribute to it."

If you're wondering what Mike Ruiz will be doing in the meantime as he and Martin prepare for their impending nuptials, you can bet he won't be out of the spotlight for long. Ruiz maintains an immediate connection with the community through all of his charitable works. In fact he was recently honored by the Ali Forney Center at its 2nd Annual A Place at the Table fundraising event for his continued support of the arts.

"The work that the Ali Forney Center does really resonate with me. I really struggled with so many things for so long," he shared, having learned from his own life lessons. "After years of hard work and focus, I finally figured things out. I wish I could have had the helping hand that the Ali Forney Center now provides." Ruiz recently launched a line of t-shirt designs to support the educational efforts in the arts that the center provides to young, emerging LGBT artists, who, like himself, have found a venue to display their work and attract attention even into the mainstream.

Masculine and Sensual

A master photographer and image-maker Ruiz continues to push the envelope of his skill and talent; Experimenting with evolving techniques and exploring themes as diverse and prolific as beauty and sexual identity. His latest work is to be featured in the just published coffee table book "Pretty Masculine". And as is Ruiz' tradition, the book itself will be introduced in an upcoming event to benefit GMHC and its continuing outreach to those affected by HIV and AIDS.

The images in "Pretty Masculine" feature his signature exploration of the dynamic male image. They are also intensely beautified with a dramatically classical edge. "I was interested in portraying masculinity out of its usual context," Ruiz explained. "I think that the younger generation of gay men don't feel the need to overcompensate for being gay like my generation did aspiring to hyper-masculinity by achieving very muscular bodies and dressing very 'butch'."

The photo essay is a glowing example of slick, heightened masculine imagery with the occasional hint of gloss and shine. Even the floral complements that adorn the models in several shots including one with Rodiney Santiago, his "A-List: New York" cast mate denotes a romantic sensitivity perhaps indicative of the always blossoming romance between Ruiz and fianc�e Berusch, who also appears in the album.

"Pretty" Inspired

"He inspires me is so many wonderful ways that it was necessary to include him in the book," Ruiz says of including Berusch, amid the stylishly gorgeous assembly of models. "What inspired these images is pretty much what inspires all of my work, and that is the desire to create a more beautiful and flawless world for me and everyone who will participate."

Under his skillful eye and guidance, the world of "Pretty Masculine" is a marvel to behold and one many would happily hope to inhabit. It's the latest offering from this iconic photographer who now has a relatively unpaved road ahead to continuously challenge his vision. "My passion has always been and continues to be photography. Whatever vehicle will allow me to do that, I will explore. Ya never know what's around the corner though!"

Whatever it is Mike Ruiz chooses next, we're sure that for him and Martin -- it'll be plenty pretty.