I'm trying to figure out what's wrong with me! I would never, EVER, not even for a million dollars, pose nude in front of strangers (or friends, or family). I admire you for feeling so free in your own body.
Oh Asha - I loved this! I write a newsletter called 50 Things about trying and learning things throughout life (especially after 50) and I'd love to share this there!
I loved this also! When I was in my early 20s I did this once. I was so nervous, I don't remember seeing any of the results from the students, or even if I was paid. Sure is fuzzy in my mind. But I loved every word of your clarity!
Loved this! One of my first jobs was modeling for a 3 hour sculpture class at the local university. Pain set in at 20 minutes, but I was only 18, there's no way I could do such a long stretch now! Especially loved the bit about seeing other's perspectives. It's a little mind blowing.
I was a part time model for a local art school a long time ago. I was known as a 'handicapped' model, because I was unable to do standing poses for paintings or long sketches. My blood pressure would drop, and I would pass out. So all my long poses had to be seated or reclining.
But man, anyone who thinks being an artist's model is easy has never done it. I think I might rather dig ditches (as long as it wasn't hot). It's really hard on the body. Short sketches I could do. Anything longer, no matter how comfortable it feels when you start, there will be some nerve that starts getting irritated, and every time you when back to the same pose after a break, it happened faster than before. In a completely relaxing-looking reclining pose, I had a nerve in one hip that was nearly on fire when I finished. It was kind of hellish. And I wasn't an old creaky body then - I was in my mid-20's! Yeesh.
Also, there is something very very different when you're naked in front of people who are basically using you as still life practice. There is no leering in anyone's eyes. They're all simply working, and concentrating on lines and shadow. It did not feel 'dirty' in the least. But BOY WAS IT HARD WORK! I believe I was earning $7.00/hr for it. It was above the minimum wage at the time, but I quickly learned it wasn't particularly good money. And it would have been impossible to do for an 8 hour shift. (they were usually 2-3 hours)
Now have time to add that I love that you do this. And that you wrote about it in such an entertaining and friendly way. The painting is absolutely gorgeous. I have never read an essay like this and am so pleased to have done so. Although you barely qualify as old... aren't we oldsters entertaining!
Lovely piece, Asha! You write about this topic beautifully and with vulnerability. It resonated for me as I've been taking figure drawing classes for decades, most recently at the Art Students League of New York. I modeled once or twice many years ago but with clothes on, as a sub when the nude model was a no-show. Yet a few years back I started to think about trying nude art modeling, not because I wanted to, but as a hook for writing a story. What resulted was this essay, which I think you'll appreciate: https://www.salon.com/2018/06/29/the-naked-truth-about-nude-art-modeling/
What a wonderful way to support you personal creativity as a writer, the creativity of the visual artists in the room, and of course also your children. Sixty bucks buys some groceries! Thanks for sharing this🙏🏼
I too am a single mom living with two kids and two cats and proliferating plants in upstate New York! Maybe we should find each other. This writing was poignant and endearing.
This was such a lovely essay to read. I like that you had the opportunity to see yourself through the eyes of artists and that you were able to recognize that we don't all find the same things beautiful or ugly about ourselves.
Love this! I did nude modeling for Amherst College art students while I was recovering from a bad car accident, and it was very cathartic.
I'm trying to figure out what's wrong with me! I would never, EVER, not even for a million dollars, pose nude in front of strangers (or friends, or family). I admire you for feeling so free in your own body.
Oh Asha - I loved this! I write a newsletter called 50 Things about trying and learning things throughout life (especially after 50) and I'd love to share this there!
I loved this also! When I was in my early 20s I did this once. I was so nervous, I don't remember seeing any of the results from the students, or even if I was paid. Sure is fuzzy in my mind. But I loved every word of your clarity!
Loved this! One of my first jobs was modeling for a 3 hour sculpture class at the local university. Pain set in at 20 minutes, but I was only 18, there's no way I could do such a long stretch now! Especially loved the bit about seeing other's perspectives. It's a little mind blowing.
I was a part time model for a local art school a long time ago. I was known as a 'handicapped' model, because I was unable to do standing poses for paintings or long sketches. My blood pressure would drop, and I would pass out. So all my long poses had to be seated or reclining.
But man, anyone who thinks being an artist's model is easy has never done it. I think I might rather dig ditches (as long as it wasn't hot). It's really hard on the body. Short sketches I could do. Anything longer, no matter how comfortable it feels when you start, there will be some nerve that starts getting irritated, and every time you when back to the same pose after a break, it happened faster than before. In a completely relaxing-looking reclining pose, I had a nerve in one hip that was nearly on fire when I finished. It was kind of hellish. And I wasn't an old creaky body then - I was in my mid-20's! Yeesh.
Also, there is something very very different when you're naked in front of people who are basically using you as still life practice. There is no leering in anyone's eyes. They're all simply working, and concentrating on lines and shadow. It did not feel 'dirty' in the least. But BOY WAS IT HARD WORK! I believe I was earning $7.00/hr for it. It was above the minimum wage at the time, but I quickly learned it wasn't particularly good money. And it would have been impossible to do for an 8 hour shift. (they were usually 2-3 hours)
Now have time to add that I love that you do this. And that you wrote about it in such an entertaining and friendly way. The painting is absolutely gorgeous. I have never read an essay like this and am so pleased to have done so. Although you barely qualify as old... aren't we oldsters entertaining!
Lovely piece, Asha! You write about this topic beautifully and with vulnerability. It resonated for me as I've been taking figure drawing classes for decades, most recently at the Art Students League of New York. I modeled once or twice many years ago but with clothes on, as a sub when the nude model was a no-show. Yet a few years back I started to think about trying nude art modeling, not because I wanted to, but as a hook for writing a story. What resulted was this essay, which I think you'll appreciate: https://www.salon.com/2018/06/29/the-naked-truth-about-nude-art-modeling/
Great story
What a wonderful way to support you personal creativity as a writer, the creativity of the visual artists in the room, and of course also your children. Sixty bucks buys some groceries! Thanks for sharing this🙏🏼
This is great. I love your humor. Good for you!
Lovely portrait and article. Appreciate the bravery.
Oh I loved this. I have toyed with the idea myself. I think it would be freeing! You wrote it so well. Thank you.
I too am a single mom living with two kids and two cats and proliferating plants in upstate New York! Maybe we should find each other. This writing was poignant and endearing.
lovely!
This was such a lovely essay to read. I like that you had the opportunity to see yourself through the eyes of artists and that you were able to recognize that we don't all find the same things beautiful or ugly about ourselves.