Nudity

Naked and nude; two seemingly similar words, yet a world of difference in between.

Imagine how you would feel out of place, or even embarrassed being in a bathing-suit on a bus; yet you would feel perfectly comfortable in the same attire on the beach. In the same way, there is no shame attached to artistic nudity. Whether you're looking at, posing for or drawing nude art, you're fully concentrated on the beauty of the thing.

Having done it myself, I know that when you're modeling, you do not feel the least bit naked, but simply nude. It's like an act, a mask you put on. And as soon as you put your bathrobe back on, leaving your modeling role behind, you can talk to the artists, who just moments ago where looking at your body, without the slightest feeling of embarrassment, without reserve. The thought that these people just saw you naked doesn't even pop into your mind because, well, they didn't; they saw you nude. Also, because I've been on the recipient's side, I know that when you look at a model, regardless of his or her build, color or age, you're immersed in looking at the way lines curve, finding the right angles and examining the lights and shadows.

Another point I found interesting is looking at these representations of you later on. You're taking yet another stance, you're now the critic. When I saw a particularly well accomplished drawing, I was surprised not to find the thought I expected: "Ohh! Look at that, that's me!". Instead, I caught myself thinking, "I'm glad I could hold the pose that initiated this work, I'm glad the artist managed to work with it!" A successful drawing speaks for itself: "Thanks for this interesting pose, you inspired me."

Perhaps the last thing I wanted to say on the subject was that nude art, whether I'm drawing or posing, makes me feel mature and purposeful. It makes me feel like I'm not just part of the crowd, in my own way I stand out.