Thanks for finding us! Are you in the UK and in London?
Would you like to take part in one of our events?
If you are further away I know we would like to make Spirited Bodies happen in many places when we can!
Do you have a particular reason for joining us? We would love to hear your story, but if you just want to hang out with us first that’s cool.
We look forward to hearing from you.
estherbunting@gmail.com
or simply reply to a post
Good evening
I read with interest an email sent to tutor at the life drawing lesson at which I’m a model.
I’m interested in taking part in the Drawing Theatre as a life model.
I am a male in my mid thirties and am lean and defined. I have now been a life model for the past 5 years in various council and educational life drawing classes.
Would be happy to provide references from some of my tutors if you’d like.
Let me know if you are interested.
Look forward to hearing from you.
Hello! Thanks for your message and interest. The event is mainly for people who have not tried modelling before, to give them a taste of what it may be like, in fact in an unusual context i.e. with multiple models and a little choreography. You could join us though you understand this is not a paid position. If you are interested it would be great to meet first. Please email if this appeals. Cheers, Esther
I to am a male art model, however based in Sweden, and I’m curious about how come you focus on gender in your statement “Empowering Women Through Art”?
This is a very good point and something we have wondered about – thanks for asking! The statement is because we began the project just for women because that was our first passion and where we of course have experience. Since the 2nd event we have included men in our events, though it is true we have not changed the tag line. It is possibly time to change it, however my observation is that women tend so far in our experience, to having a bigger breakthrough when they participate. I mean there seems to be a bigger need among women to reclaim their bodies. For example, there are many women who are happy to take part if modelling just with other women, but they wouldn’t do it with men. Men don’t seem to mind if there are women there or not, if anything they prefer to be with women. So the statement is in reference to the continuing gap in equality of gender. It may be different in Sweden or elsewhere?
Yes, in many cases there is a clear difference due to gender but it is not always biased towards one end.
For instance many art schools and similar here, as well as testimonials from people attending their courses, claim that there is a lack of male models, that variation is good and that male models often offer a higher degree of challenge to those attending but still they only hire the typical models – curvy or young women.
Another example is that male nudity is often regarded as more offensive or lewd. How come?
The third example is that many, so also women, claim that the female body is more esthetic, more pleasing to the eye and generally more beautiful than the male body that is described as harsh, uninteresting or ugly. Add to this that too many men tend to confuse homosexuality with expressing positive views about an other man’s body which further adds to this case as well as the first I stated.
I would be delighted to hear what other visitors think.
Hey Konstmodell! You make some important points again, and fill in the picture more acurately, thank you.
The problem with artists/tutors often hiring the same female types certainly exists here, and I put it down to old fashioned male chauvinism – the models are hired according to the tastes of the men choosing. In one place we model, the female artists habitually complain aout the lack of fit young male models! I’m sure they would like you. There are a few muscular guys who get booked regularly and it is said that the level of definition on their form makes for a strong appreciation of musculature, as well as an ability on their part to hold difficult poses.
As for your comment on the opinion that male nudity is seen sometimes as more offensive, I think this is down to an unhealthy attitude about nudity generally. Fear and what we call ‘political correctness’ mean that laws and regulations are based on the unfortunate cases of abuse that arise. Men are more likely associated with abuse cases, though of course this is not simple, and while men may be more likely to be actively involved, women are often enablers, or less visible as more of the psychological variety.
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and visually we are more confronted with images of ‘attractive’ nude females in the media. So your point about the aesthetic appreciation of men may be partly down to exposure (!) And yes, it is more acceptable, still, for women to appreciate other women, than it is for men to enjoy looking at men (unless they are gay).
I do wonder however, if a memory from when we were babies perhaps, makes us all drawn to look at breasts! I remember as a child being fascinated with the female nude, partly because people are mostly covered up so there is a mystery, but also I reckon due to that early feeding instinct. I was not interested in male nudes till I was older. Is this just socialisation?
I would not claim that I am muscular but maybe I could fit into “well defined” and, well, “well hung” too which I know by comments some female artists indeed notice. No matter if artist or not, man or woman, I think we can conclude that people like seeing wimply what they like seeieng according to their standards, ideals and taste.
By this I do not at all claim that I as an art model want to be looked upon as anything but a model and a subject for creativity, not for artists’ fantasies or desires, male or female.
It is, so I believe, best to be subject to variation and not just focus on what you like the most so if an art class is to offer the artists the best experience it is wise to offer male and female models of different shapes, right?
By the way, some photos can be seen at http://konstmodell.se/foto.htm if anyone reading this might be interested.
I wear my nude body naturally and relaxed and has been doing so for as long as I can remember. I am a naturist so I always choose nude beaches to relax in the sun and since beeing a teenager I enjoy mixed saunas and cannot understand the big fuzz about the nude body that forces friends of opposite sexes to not be allowed to enjoy a healty relaxing sauna together on a normal bath here in Sweden. In Germany that seems to be all natural and available.
i contact you a few weeks ago,about modelling with you. I could not do the date that was scheduled(21 march),so can you keep me posted to the next one,please.
Kind regards
Pauline
We certainly will keep you informed Pauline, we are just at an inbetween stage at the moment, considering where to put our attentions next.