Creature of the Sea & a Spirited Body

Today I modelled at ‘The Poetry School’ in Lambeth and inspired poems instead of pictures, aided by the imaginative props of Pascale Petit, the poet facilitating.

I held a conch; lay on a sofa my body covered in star fish; created a dance to the rhythm of the sea as I waved sea fans, was dressed up as an owl woman (mask and owl faces stuck on me), and beheld a Chinese deer skull. All in all a bit different and delightful to hear the results. I am hoping that people from the class will get in touch with their poems so I may include them here.

Owl Woman by Juul Kraijer

This image was the original inspiration which Petit recreated with me.

Some poems & images have made their way to me, I’m really happy to share them 🙂

Donnal Dempsey's response to my sea fan dance
L'Etoile de la Mer ~ star fish pose
this was the 'owl' pose, but Donnal has not drawn the owl faces on me, just a suggestion of a mask, works very well
Janice Windle captured movement in the sea fan pavane
Janice's star fish scape
First pose with conch, by Janice

Earlier in the week I hooked up with Barbie AKA Wench who will be participating in Spirited Bodies 3. She is an appliance engineer at British Gas who is hoping to quit her job soon; art is calling her! She creates cartoon characters including one of herself.

Wench on crack

A tall plus-size woman, she thinks modelling may supplement her art career. She never had art classes when she was growing up, and her family were constantly on the move, across the US mainly. So she has taught herself from way back. As a child in Georgia, in the middle of nowhere, there were no art shops, and sometimes a scarcity of resources. She recalls shaving off her hair one time so that she had a place to draw.

I love this character called Keras, gonna go for that look sometime

Of Spirited Bodies, Wench says “I’m looking forward to it. It sounds absolutely bonkers.” I couldn’t agree more.

@wench is at http://wenchlatte.tumblr.com/

Girl In Suitcase

This is the performance project I am working on for The Edinburgh Fringe Festival. It began when I was looking for advice about funding and direction for Spirited Bodies, as a possible social enterprise. A new contact in the life drawing world put me in touch with one Alex Dunedin, the director of The Ragged University (http://www.ragged-online.com/), an organisation promoting free education which is available for all. Based in Edinburgh and preferring face to face encounters, I paid him a visit in early May.

Alex is a natural academic and overwhelmed me with knowledge and avenues I could explore to enhance Spirited Bodies, but what stood out the most was when he mentioned he had a slot in The Festival, and would I like to contribute a presentation about my work with Spirited Bodies, and as a life model. I immediately translated ‘presentation’ into ‘Performance’, and then there was no going back. Theatre was my first love and where I have always intended to return; this life modelling lark was never meant to take up so much time! But I am a fussy figure and had to wait for the right opportunity.

In 2009 I created a performance with a friend, Szilvia Keffert, which began with a surreal scene of a life model having an eerie nightmare. We had wanted to resurrect this piece for some time and here was a chance. As it happened Szilvi is more dedicated to theatre than me, and was already committed to a number of other shows.

I searched for another partner and travelled again to Edinburgh, this time to visit Liz Windsor, a very close friend of my boyfriend. He thought she might fill the role, and certainly she was keen to try life modelling. We modelled for each other, and then for an artist friend of hers, Philippa Carter (http://laspecola.blogspot.com/), who recently trained at the Florence Academy of Art. Beautiful sketches ensued, though we were not able to hold still for more than a little time – she being used to poses lasting months!

Liz & Esther; 'pleased to meet you'

Seeing these images now I am moved; and reminded of this unusual encounter, whereby I initiated a new model into this art of stillness. Physically we are quite similar, though I am just a fraction smaller in all dimensions, proportionally we match well. There was the being close and for some time, and touching, a woman I had really just met! Her feeling me as I lightly started to wobble in part of my leg, though it would not have been apparent to an onlooker. This our first (and best?) pose, daringly interlinked, most emotive of the session.

Though wrapping myself between Liz’s legs more serpent-like would have been stunning, my own contortion would not allow it. As it is her weighted pose contrasts my curves very pleasingly.

Sweet partnership! Finally I struggled in rehearsal to direct the most forthcoming Miss Windsor adequately, she having no prior experience in performance. I had to admit to not having much of a plan, rather being keen of her acquaintance. I had come across her briefly years ago in shadier pastures, and had been startled then by her presence, so curiosity did lead me to her. My stay with her corroborates my theory that being naked if not sexual in the company of another may lead to enhanced bonding in the shortest of time. We caught up the years betwixt us through a late night and some poses. Unforgettable Liz, I look forward to knowing her more.

She held me as if an older sister (who is actually younger), and she certainly treated me during my stay to a great deal of help on this journey. She has a natural interest in the surrounding culture of her home (http://www.happeningedinburgh.co.uk/). An industrial gothic scene in common, we have loved some of the same men, trampled the same dance floors and partaken in all sorts of parallel sleep-deprived behaviour.

For now I have returned to London with an evolved script, and to an older actress to complement my nudity. One thing I learned with Liz; 2 similarly bodied women would likely extort much comparison in an audience and we would have to address this performatively. For now that is not my theme after all, instead a cross-generational relationship.

Many loving thanks as always to my incredibly patient boyfriend Aaron. And dear Lucia for finding us.

‘Girl In suitcase’ will show at ‘The Mascara Bar’, Stoke Newington, London on Saturday 6th August, 8:30pm, £4.

And in Edinburgh from 12th – 14th August, 7:30pm at ‘Out Of The Blue’ – (http://www.leithonthefringe.com/the-shows/girl-suitcase/) Though the listing has not yet been updated, the cast now includes Jaki Loudon.

There will be an additional mini performance in record shop ‘Elvis Shakespeare’ on Saturday 13th August at 2pm.

Drawing materials provided for all shows by Cass Art (http://cassart.co.uk/)

The Naked Date

A multi-life modelling event on Friday 5th August is open to men and women who would like to try it. This is being opened to men as well, as being comfortable with our bodies is something we may ideally share regardless of gender. If you are interested, please contact me, and if you think friends may be, then please post this message to them.

I don’t know how this will emerge until I find out who is interested – and the event will be tailored according to interest. So that if a couple wants to pose together, that’s fine, or a group of friends; and women may model in a separate space to men if preferred.

I prepare all new models in advance, and about 100 artists may be present to draw/paint. The actual session lasts 2 hours from 6pm in Central London, with a break in the middle. There are shorter poses to warm up from 5 minutes in duration, building up to half an hour, and models are encouraged to find the most comfortable and appropriate poses for themselves.

This is an opportunity to overcome body confidence issues, celebrate nudity, meditate in an artistic environment and be painted from life.

If you would like to participate but do not want to be entirely nude, that is fine.

Guestblog: Contrasting Worlds – Secret Life Model

I live in at least 2 worlds – World 1 where nudity is required, and where the use of a gown is the only veil to a complete acceptance of a naked body in a room of clothed observers.  It’s non-judgmental – fat or thin, white or black, hairy or shaved, anything goes and observers just observe.

World 2 – put on a pair of red socks or a brightly striped shirt and there’ll be comments.  Stepping out naked into the office one day and my career would be over.  Even knowing I was part of World 1 would be enough to make some people regard me as a weirdo, and not to be trusted again.  Nudity in World 2 is synonymous with sex, and people judgmental of each other’s appearance; revealing one’s nudity could only ever have a sexual motive….

Interestingly, people I meet in World 1 are surprised but never offended or unpleasant when I tell them I also live in World 2 – in fact some are intrigued….  Truth is very few people in World 2 know I also live in World 1 and for peers and my seniors it would raise concerns.  The risks run high.  Of course there will be some people in my office who have done life drawing and would see it as enjoyable and asexual, but they might still assume the models were slightly odd.

There is of course World 3 where I meet my friends and family – I guess that’s an in-between world where some people, especially those who are liberal minded or into the arts will take nudity in their stride, while some others would regard life drawing as an excuse to ogle at naked models…

I very often model on the same day that I am in the office… suit to work, strip naked at one, keep my suit on at the other…. Sometimes take calls in the modelling breaks… or take calls asking me to model while sitting in a meeting.  One of these days I’ll probably take my clothes off in a meeting room by mistake!  I like looking round the room asking myself what people would think if they knew where I had been only half an hour earlier.  I have to remember to watch out for the dreaded charcoal stains – tricky one to explain although fortunately no-one at work sees my feet which can be interesting after a day in an artist’s studio.

It’s kind of fun and exciting to have a part of your life that very few people would expect …. I relish not being predictable.   Luckily I am more or less the boss in my section of work so I can take liberties heading off for parts of the day.  I’m sure there are many others here who would enjoy getting naked and feel they can’t for fear of what people would say.  For most people getting naked is something they do either for sex, in the gym changing room or to have a bath or shower … all good stuff but quite prescribed and a long way from feeling at home with nudity.  Let’s hope Spirited Bodies can encourage nudity and have people embrace it (and each other) as a good thing in itself!

Guestblog: Male Perspective & the ‘Naked Date’

It struck me as odd that Miss Bunting – a sexual animal who enjoys the company of men, had devised Spirited Bodies with her friends as exclusively female.  I know there were good reasons for this but I also think that the aim of encouraging naked confidence is relevant for both men and women. So Miss B kindly invited me to put down some of my thoughts on modelling as a male, and perhaps to help out with a Spirited Bodies event one day for male and female models – in separate areas, or maybe not… ‘The Naked Date’!

* What do you think Spirited Bodies has to offer men?

I’d agree that historically women have generally been under more pressure to look a certain way and to conform to a society’s idea of beauty and the perfect body; but I’m not sure women realise that most men, probably of all ages, but younger ones especially, now feel under similar pressures. The six pack, the tan, the neat body hair, the lean muscles, the perfect teeth and the stylish clothes, the big cock; all desirable, all regularly portrayed as necessary to be attractive. The truth is that few men meet these ideals and most men look at themselves naked and say “mmmm, that could be better”. So the Spirited Bodies experience of being naked and seen by others in a positive and appreciative environment would be no less fulfilling for men as for women.

* What made you become a life model? Was it the chance to see lots of naked women?

I’ve always enjoyed being naked which is a good start for any life model. I also enjoy performing even if I’m quite introverted by nature. I could have been a musician but went for a safer career, then inevitably after a few years of doing an interesting but cerebral job I was looking for other stuff to do which would be completely different, challenging, and naked even. I started five years ago, and have never looked back.

There is not an abundance of naked women to enjoy usually as a life model. However, there are occasionally classes organised with a ‘double pose’ or where several models are posing in the same room and these are definitely enjoyable. I’ve found many female life models to be attractive and most express a certain physical self-confidence which can be erotic if you pick up on that sort of thing.

* What do you enjoy about life modelling?

Being naked – being naked with other naked models – expressing a mood or a thought in a pose – meeting interesting tutors and artists – meeting other life models (especially female) – enjoying the mental peace of the life class – seeing the works of art that are sometimes produced – seeing artists happy with their work – receiving thanks for my efforts – hearing tutors’ ideas and thoughts – helping disadvantaged people try something new – dating models!

* Why do you love being naked?

I love the feel of release after being enclosed in clothing; I like the sun on my body or even just the feel of the air or of fabric against the skin. I feel good about my body so nakedness is a sensual and enjoyable state to be in, if shared with others then even more so. Being paid to be naked – why would I say no!

* What happens when naked people waft through galleries?

What happens indeed! I guess most people smile; who minds seeing a naked body unless it’s someone flashing aggressively. We all love to see a beautiful body, it is both aesthetically and sexually pleasing. Nudity has long been a subject for artistic creativity, and so naked people in a gallery strikes me as an excellent idea and completely appropriate, there should be more of it.

The concept of having lots of women getting naked together is great and to be encouraged – especially in an artistic and non-exploitational environment. I’m all for any ideas or projects that encourage women to feel comfortable with their nudity and to enjoy it. I understand the women that have taken part have found the experience really rewarding which means that Spirited Bodies does what it set out to do. I’ve had girlfriends who have not been happy with their bodies or have been horrified at the thought of being seen naked by a stranger. That can’t be right.

* What do you propose for the ‘Naked Date’?

I think we could start with male and female groups posing in different parts of the gallery but perhaps within sight of each other. For the second half of the evening we could see if some people were happy to form a ‘middle group’ and pose together with members of the opposite sex. Those that weren’t happy could stay in the ‘one-sex’ groups. I think if you are encouraging and it’s promoted as being male and female, then hopefully most people would be prepared to give the ‘mixed’ group a go. Some men might get aroused if it’s their first time modelling with a naked woman especially if there are some fit women there, but I’m sure I can give some guidance on that …

* What’s it like being a naked man… in a world of naked women?

I love being a naked man – although it’s interesting that outside of a life class, people tend to see naked men as exhibitionists and flashers while no one seems to mind a woman getting naked! I think men and women should enjoy being naked, together if they want to be. I’d love a world of naked women – still looking for that one!

* Favourite/memorable encounters on the job?

The usual stuff like strangers wandering in unannounced, easels collapsing on me, tutors totally forgetting the time and running half an hour over, getting changed in cupboards or paint stores. Favourites would include:

– modelling with an exciting Spanish lady on a summer’s day with a small group of appreciative artists. (She was keen to try some really interesting poses);
– photographic work in outdoor venues (once standing on a Scottish mountain);
– working at Mossbourne Academy and other innovative schools and getting kids to be inspired by drawing the human form.

* How does life modelling add to your life?

It is an important part of my life – it adds to its richness both in terms of the experience itself and the people I meet. Yes, I do sometimes stand there thinking to myself, “What the fuck are you doing standing naked in a room full of strangers in some obscure building in London?!” but that feeling soon passes and I realise that I’m doing it because I enjoy it and who knows where it might lead, I’ll carry on for as long as I feel comfortable in my skin and for as long as I get good feedback from the artists. Maybe I’ll take up drawing life models when I’m done with being one!”