My Model Origins Story

I am a fine arts model, posing for art classes and photography since 2015. While I model for photographic and digital projects, I most often model for figure drawing classes.

But I didn't start out this way. In college, I didn't even attend figure drawing classes on grounds of discretion and religious beliefs at the time. Today, I am now a married mother with a busy toddler who still looks forward to whenever I get asked to model for artists.

Here is my modeling origins story.

Upon graduating Randolph College, I returned to my hometown, embracing the bohemian spirit, picking up various odd jobs while preserving my freedom and scheduling flexibility. During this period, I was introduced to the public, "Drink & Draw" events at IX Art Park where the public gathered, bringing a beverage of their choice to draw a clothed model. In modeling for these sessions, I met Russell Richards, one of McGuffey's artists in residence at the time who often used models for his works. After learning the typical modeling protocols and safety precautions, we began working together. We got to know each other more through our collaboration. I shared about my experience being raped and how my Senior Capstone project at Randolph brought this experience and others' to light. Mr. Russel then shared his own project of bringing sexual assault awareness to our community and how many community members approached him in response to this project, sharing their own experiences with him, further expanding his awareness and sensitivity on the topic.

Because of Mr. Russell's discretion and his care for others' wellbeing, I felt safe. I sought to overcome my own fear of the "naked body" and to eventually be comfortable with both attending figure drawing classes as well as modeling for them. Although Mr. Russell's experience advised starting nude modeling like jumping into a pool, he worked with my progressing comfort level and we began clothed modeling sessions. Over time, I became so at ease in my own body and in this artistic space, that I advanced to nude modeling, and then modeling for figure drawing classes at McGuffey.

Under the guidance of Robert Bricker and Jean Sampson, I was fully embraced both as an artist and model. I learned how to further the beauty in composition and art of various styles. I rifled with the beauty of my own physical body as I learned to appreciate the the art in others' bodies. I glanced at the sketches artists would share, internally picking at my unwanted belly and particular body structure. Then, as all models are granted at McGuffey, I attended a drawing session for free, and more to follow. I became enamored drawing different body types, studying anatomy, form, shadow, the gloss of hair, the folds of flesh from shifting weight or age and more as my artist eye developed. Finally I began to see beauty in all bodies, including my own. I could pick apart my imperfections, but that is exactly what made me art. Precious gemstones are distinguished by their impurities which determine their color and composition. So too are human bodies.

Modeling through the years, I learned modeling etiquette, discovered the safe community and provisions that the proctors at McGuffey Art School have created, and befriended other models and artists. Some of these friends later assisted in my professional aspirations as well as aiding my PTSD healing process, or at the very least held space when I triggered, gently pulling me out of that space back into the present moment. The proctors at McGuffey go above and beyond, building trust and a community, looking after the safety and nourishment of their models, supporting us every chance they get.

Modeling helped me learn to embrace the beauty in myself and others, to heal my own trauma, find a group of wholesome companions, and to remove my masks.

These are the treasures I received from modeling. This is my modeling origins story.