Why stand naked in front of an artist, much less a roomful of artists sitting in a circle around your mini model-stand?

Why sit, stand, crouch, and hold twisty poses for artists? Short poses may last only a minute or two, but they are often strenuous, and longer poses may last 45 minutes – 45 minutes of stillness. And to make matters worse, other than during short breaks where a robe is worn, the model has nothing on. Why would anyone but a masochistic nudist do that?

Nine Reasons I Enjoy Figure Modeling

Here’s my non-nudist, non-masochist list of reasons why I enjoy figure modeling:

1. Fitness: Posing is hard, and it’s an impetus to stretch and to stay in better shape.

2. Stillness: Because long poses force me to be still, I’ve begun memorizing poems (like “Sea Fever,” by John Masefield) to help keep my mind occupied.

3. Quiet: I also use long poses to practice quieting my mind.

4. Art Appreciation: I see paintings and sculpture differently and more critically than I did before I modeled. I appreciate it more.

5. Body Appreciation: I’m lucky that I can hold dynamic poses. I relish that I am physically able to create art-worthy shapes with nothing but my (fifty-something) body.

6. Self-talk: I tend to imagine people thinking negative things about me. Being naked in front of 30 people is a perfect time to practice squashing negative self-talk and being more confident than I really am.

7. Creativity: I treat a modeling gig as a choreographed, stop-motion dance routine. I find images I love, in books, in museums and galleries, and online, and am inspired to create my own poses, where I’m frozen temporarily, like a living Rockwell Kent print.

8. Attention: When I model, I’m the center of attention. It can be nerve wracking, but despite my shyness I kind of enjoy it.

9. People: When I model, I meet interesting, artistic, friendly people, all trying to create something beautiful or exciting or challenging during a few quiet hours.

Creativity, Peace, Art, People

During a recent long standing pose I stared out a window where I could see the tree line and darkening skies. I listened to a thunderstorm beginning outside, while inside all was quiet except for pencils scratching. I could do nothing with my body but pose, so I relaxed (as much as is possible when standing stock still) and felt my worries leave. That quiet time was a kind of forced meditation, the end of which promised wonderful art created by cool people.

In short, I pose for the creativity, the stillness, the people, the peace, and the art.