Tension & Trust – A Shibari Journal
Interviews, Art, Practice, and Essays from the Shibari Studio Berlin
From the studio floor in Berlin-Mitte, Tension & Trust explores Shibari as a contemporary art form and embodied practice. The journal brings together personal reflections, behind-the-scenes insights from photo shoots and workshops, and visual narratives rooted in fine art photography and film. It functions as a living archive of experiences, aesthetics, and ideas emerging from the Shibari Studio Berlin.
Alongside the work of artist and founder Dan Carabas, the journal features interviews and portraits of riggers, models, educators, and artists who shape today’s international Shibari and Kinbaku scene — from Berlin and across the global rope community.
Tension & Trust is written for those drawn to rope in all its forms: from quietly curious beginners to experienced practitioners and professionals. The journal approaches Shibari as art, as a language of touch, and as a relational practice, inviting readers to explore presence, intimacy, and connection through rope.
Dan Carabas on Shibari, Sculpture, and Transformation. Originally featured in Séparée Magazine and KISSED Magazine
An editorial conversation with Dan Carabas on Shibari, sculpture, and transformation — featuring a plaster sculpture creation of Sophia Thiel, originally published in Séparée and KISSED Magazine.
Restriction, Exposure & Connection – An Interview with Shibari Rigger Davide “Laodai”
Professional Shibari rigger Davide “Laodai” talks about how he discovered Japanese rope bondage, why his tying always centers on restriction, exposure, and connection, and what people get totally wrong about “traditional” Shibari styles. A raw, honest interview for everyone who wants more depth in their rope practice.
Why I Created Tantric-Shibari Workshops for Intimate Partners
How ropes, tantra, and intentional space became my favourite way to guide couples into deeper intimacy.
Watercolor; Expressive Bodies in Rope: Watercolor & Shibari Life Drawing Workshop with Alireza
Curious how rope, watercolor and a playful mindset can create an exciting workshop? This interview with Aryo Kunstwelt takes you behind the scenes of our Shibari x life drawing collab and what you can actually expect from the workshop.
My Shibari is Preferred Minimalistic, Organic and Mostly Floor-Based
Each rope must be in service of several intentions, such as shaping, transforming, or giving the body a specific sensation. This generally leads to a very fluid and organic way of tying.
An Interview about Shibari Life Drawing – Intimacy, Rope, and the Art of Witnessing
Not everyone is ready to be tied or to commit to a full workshop, but many are curious about the practice. Combining it with drawing opens the door wider.
Vulnerability: The Heart of the Shibari Experience
Vulnerability isn’t weakness here, it’s the doorway to depth.
While vulnerability can feel intimidating, in a safe and respectful setting, it often becomes one of the most transformational aspects of the practice.
The Essence of Shibari: A Physical and Emotional Journey
At its core, Shibari is not just a technique of tying knots — it’s a dialogue between two people, communicated through tension, touch, rhythm, and breath. The experience works on two intertwining levels.