Nurturing Strength

Veronika and Ash allowed Spirited Bodies to discover the beauty of their relationship.

Morimda worked with them to draw out their inherent grace.

“The reason I love this picture is the sensibility of the female form holding and allowing the man to rest in a very very subtle and reassuring way. The artist has captured this moment of intimacy.”

Down to Earth

Dear Spirited Bodies, the artist in me is torn with the idea of business. The sensible way to go now is to start up a business basically delivering what I have, but being paid by wealthy women for the service, so standardising it to their requirements. i.e. ensuring that each woman receives a beautiful image of herself after the session, amongst numerous minutiae. Oh like venue, posh venue where I really am running the whole shabang…

Why does this not excite me?

What I love about Spirited Bodies is meeting women more like myself, and making friends, and giving them a wonderful time. I love the creativity and ad hoc-ness of working with whichever group of artists fancies trying it. I honestly don’t have a passion for putting energy into the richer folk. Though perhaps if I saw the transformations I would be inspired.

creative intuitive theatrical challenge directing new models to form good group poses with women they’ve never met before, when they’re all naked in front of a large silent collection of often geriatric (sorry guys but you know I’m right) artists. Yes it’s comedy too. THAT’S WHAT I LOVE!!!

I’ve thought about it, and I don’t think I am about to embark on a direction that doesn’t thrill me. I am bound to follow the love, trusting that the money will naturally materialise

Spirited Bodies, Journey Model

Spirited Bodies 2 was a beautiful success and many thanks are due to all who made it so; the Hesketh Hubbard artists, the brave new models and the splendid SB team!

In the pub, talk turned to the idea of a ‘journey model’, whereby some of our keen new models may come together over a period of time perhaps monthly and model again, charting developments.

With invitations from other galleries this can evolve into a multi-layered experience. There will be a time when the models may attempt to draw each other.

It’s Your Write

I was invited to ‘It’s Your Write’ – a celebration of the ‘self-published and freedom of self expression’ by an artist friend, Katriona Chapman. It’s been a delightful way to end the day before Spirited Bodies 2, and I had the pleasure of meeting 4 of tomorrow’s models today. Sunshine by the river and this really is an instinctive process, and a massive plus since the last event. I remember meeting most of the models for the 1st time on the night that time, so it all felt pretty hectic.

This time round I have a sense of why they’re coming, who they are, and how they may relate to one another. Most of all it’s just maximised the potential for making new friends, and creating an opportunity that everyone may benefit from.

Spirited Bodies will be a team effort with Morimda, my sister Rebecca, and I looking after different sections of models; as well as Lucy photographing and perhaps attempting to manage the artists! I have a comedic idea of wearing my flesh coloured body suit so that I may easily jump in and demonstrate poses… yes it sounds like the balmy exhibitionist within me, but it could be the ideal way to break up the usual tension of intense focus of those often elderly artists. I do want these models to feel at ease if they suddenly want to jump in the air, ask where the loo is or just run for it! There will be plenty to draw so that should take the pressure off, and while this is an artists’ feast, it’s still a point of potential transformation for the women who are excited and nervous.

Thank you ‘It’s Your Write’ for your blogging station and free drink (good motivation), and of course lively debate on the changing nature of protest. Good event, good vibes 😉