FROM WHERE I STAND II:

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MODELING PARADYGMS:

Similarly, the notion that models should deny our preference for the opportunity to explore, if not celebrate, our exhibitionistic idiosyncrasies further undermines our profession’s legitimacy. I have yet to meet a single serious “life model” who has articulated a preference for “draped or portrait” bookings as they dislike being “naked.” If anything, the reverse is true; without exception, we all admit that we enjoy the freedom of expression, exploration, and exhilaration…if not empowerment that comes with being “naked” and creating “the nude.”

This does of course beg the question: “What makes a serious life model?” In my experience, the willingness and ability to prepare for the session, in every possible way defines the role. This includes communicating with the instructor who is aware of the students’ progress and isn’t threatened by sharing the general structure of the class. In this way, the model is able to prepare for: longer poses allowing for greater muscle stress which includes the use of ropes and staffs. On a personal note; it seems that a model possessing rope and bamboo staffs is something of a novelty in less urban demography and is perceived as “kinky”. I, however, insist on knowing both the available props and the “space” in which we are to create. I know first hand, especially at my age, that the added use of a ceiling structure or wall can add untold potential to my musculature and the dynamics of my pose.

I was just reading an article written on a models’ internet site about the difficulty a photographer was having in finding responsible models who were willing to commit themselves to a project. Apparently, they didn’t respond to emails and those who were contacted by phone seemed less than interested. Although I know none of the particulars, perhaps the artist in question was at issue or the models simply were, in the words of the artist: “unable to answer the site’s email service.” If the latter is the case, it adds credence to the experiences that the instructors and artists where I work have shared, and why I have sometimes been blessed enough to work nine hour days.

So, it would seem that those who don’t take their “positions” seriously (pun intended!) whether as the “coordinator” or as a model continue to perpetuate the short falls of those of us in the profession. The importance of creating a collegial atmosphere when introducing students or an audience to “life modeling” is all important, but it must not be one of shame or forbidding as if one is visiting a shrine to “the nude”. Simply introduce me as you would if I was wearing clothes; I’m simply naked and enjoying it, I hope I’m putting you at ease while we chat and joke or I ask you what you’d like to see in the session.
I do not profess to speak for anyone outside of my experience, certainly not for all models; but this simple social interaction sets the right tone, banishes inhibitions, and frees creativity.

Ultimately, the success of the session is the pay off or purpose of the entire interaction…the same as it is for the artists, students or instructors involved. That’s why I’m excited, I’ve already worked out and warmed-up, shaved, showered, tanned, and brought my props, all to ensure I’ve prepared and practiced so that I can give you my best effort, concentration, and creativity. I’ve been told that this is often not the case as some young Adonis or Venus often comes in tardy, speaks to only the instructor, and proceeds to “disrobe” then goes through minimal routines and positions, constantly keeping an eye on the clock. I’ve been told some even fall asleep during their poses!

Nevertheless, it still fascinates me that simply by incorporating: professionalism, common sense, and good manners, one is able to stand out from the crowd of one’s peers. Arriving early, being prepared, enthusiastic, asking questions, putting people at their ease, and giving one’s best through: focus, concentration, creativity, variety and trying the dynamic, unique, and difficult poses or compositions is all that is required. Unfortunately, it only takes one insecure, ill mannered or unprepared coordinator or professor to make this interaction an up hill battle.

So, ultimately how is one to change both the perception and the general attitude that some institutions, if not North American society as a whole, still clings to if not actually perpetuates? Wouldn’t the basic social interaction be the obvious place to start? Similarly, models themselves have to take a more active role in promoting our profession: I’m a naked, creative professional exhibitionist and I completely enjoy it! My body is my palette, my posing, flexing, stretching; my medium, my preparation, dedication, and rehearsal is my professionalism. And lastly, unashamedly; my naked exhibitionism is the vehicle for my creativity, expression, and artistic contribution. To pretend that I would rather be doing anything else or that I model under duress would simply belie what I consider to be a noble and “inspired” profession.

In much the same way, being openly welcomed, introduced, and appreciated by a class, group, or audience creates the fundamental atmosphere that sets the tone for all its participants. This is instituted (if you will) by the instructor or designated host. I have seen both ends of the spectrum; from marvellously welcomed and appreciated to being dismissed, if not downright insulted.

In the first instance, I was invited to model at a small rural university where they hadn’t much of an art program and were about an hour from the nearest larger centre. As they were still establishing their program, they were very happy that I had contacted them and offered my services. When I arrived, the department head met me at his office and began to show me around as we headed for the studio. He was kind, witty, charming, and did everything in his power to show his appreciation and put me at my ease.
We discussed the make up of the class, the general break down of the session, and what he’d like to see.

As we entered the studio, he apologized and explained that they had just gotten what used to be the custodial shop. It had an overhead door, lots of windows, and everything else was painted cement. Nevertheless, there was an openness in both the available sunlight, the unhindered traffic flow of art students, technicians, and faculty, as well as the general ambiance and attitude. Furthermore, my host showed me to my private prop room and bathroom…a generally unheard of luxury for life models! In my experience, one generally has to “suit up”, wander down a corridor, and share the facilities with the general public…daunting in a robe or towel…to say the least.

Similarly, the old maintenance shop was incredibly clean and bright. I was offered coffee, introduced to the other personnel, and accompanied to my change room. The department head chatted to me as I took out my props and began to undress. Interestingly, as we were discussing the class and the flow of poses he’d like us to try, neither one of us was self conscious or uncomfortable in anyway, as a matter of fact, we walked out together, still in conversation…he in his dress clothes and tie, me naked, except for my towel. So, as we walked out into the hubbub of the instructors preparing, students arriving and chatting, my host had set the tone and everyone was at ease and welcoming.

Throughout the session, the instructor made a point of including me in every aspect of the class. During the review of basic anatomy, I was on the platform, and used as part of the review. As I stood, I was to flex or stretch every appendage or muscle group as he analyzed or highlighted them. Because we had discussed using me in this regard as well, I was enthusiastic to have him point, touch, resist, the various muscle groups and skeletal make up of my body. Further, because I felt so relaxed with the “intimacy” of the class, I had no reservations about allowing his students to come up and do the same, with his appreciative comments like: “excellent, look at his wonderful proportions, note the athletic ribcage…I’d like you to notice the flex of the buttocks and the width of the shoulders,” as they poked and stroked different areas of each position I took. I knew damn well he was being kind as I’m no bloody Adonis, and I appreciated it.

As a result of this twenty minute instructive process, the students were ready, inspired, and enthusiastic, and so was I. The transition to the platform and easels was truly flawless, and I went straight into one minute gesture poses, gradually getting longer. The first break was after ten minutes of gestures, then two ten minute standing, stretching poses, followed by a single ten minute staff and balance study. Even during the break, the atmosphere of collegial hospitality continued. I had some of my lemon water and I was able to slip out the back door to have a cigarette, as it was overlooking the back service entrance and a ravine, I was able to wear only my towel. Soon, I was joined by some students and we chatted about the session, and what they’d like to see in the way of poses.

They were also interested in my profession as a model: how long I’d been doing it, does one study somewhere, are there registries of models, how do you begin? We continued the conversation as we re-entered the “studio” and resumed the session with longer poses and composition studies. It was obvious to me that these students were receiving a much fuller sense of the artistic experience than many of their contemporaries in the more staid and established institutions a few hours away. They took some of my business cards and one young lad “Vincent” (yes I know…too obvious) gave me his email address and was interested in perhaps modeling as well…if I’d be willing to accompany him and maybe even do a dual session! That hasn’t come about yet, but we’ve begun to correspond.

So, by setting the right tone, treating me as a colleague, valuing my contribution, and demystifying “the nude”, this fledgling college department was enriching their students’ experience beyond the curriculum and validating our profession. Granted, they are struggling to find those of us willing to make the commute, but they are on the right path to building a reliable “stable” of models and imbuing a generation of students with a healthy appreciation of our profession.
--FOR WHAT IT'S WORTH...N.S.