Baring it All

Ever consider stripping down to make a buck? There's one job on campus that involves nudity without the uncomfortable sexuality. Turns out sometimes bearing it all can be good for both the pocketbook and the ego when done professionally for the Art Department.

"Models apply for work in the Art Department to assist in the teaching of painting, drawing, and occasionally, sculpture courses. Because it is important to the life of a studio artist to learn to draw human figures as well as objects, landscapes, and many realistic subjects in addition to using one's imagination, it is helpful to work from a variety of figures, both clothed and nude," said Professor Annette Mitchell, Head of Nude Modeling and Art Department Chair.

There are no specific job requirements to become a nude model for the Art Department. It is as simple as signing up for any other job on campus. You just need to be in contact with the right people, such as the models, and art professors. Contrary to popular belief; body image does not play a role in the decision process.

"There is no ideal body type. Actually, it is quite the contrary. From all I've heard, and from the work I've seen hanging up in D&M, they really value bodies of all shapes and sizes, male and female," said PSU graduate Rachael Ferranti.

Art professors and art students try to focus on the true human form, and capture the imperfections and raw characteristics that people have. The point of nude modeling is for artists to try to evoke the natural curves and shapes of the models, rather than portraying them in a perfect idealized way.

"Rolls in the stomach, large thighs, a crooked nose are all gems in this form of modeling, which is so wonderful because it seems that all other forms of modeling value the exact opposite: minimal body fat, standard beauty features, and uniformity," said Ferranti.

The only true "requirement" to be able to obtain a position like this is to be comfortable in your own skin, and have the courage to allow others to invade your personal space and look at your body. Even if you go into this process with low self-esteem, it could in the end actually boost your confidence and self-admiration.

"It is scariest the first time, and just a little less scary every time, especially for the first few minutes. But after that, you start to feel comfortable, safe, good about yourself, and like a piece of art," explained Ferranti.

Many of the upper-level art classes study the human form, and they require the use of models to dive deeper into the content that they are studying. These classes include Drawing Figure in Value, Drawing Figure in Color, and Figure Painting, etc.

"I thought that the first time I'd have to draw a nude model would be awkward and I was a bit apprehensive, but the Art Department makes it comfortable for both the students and the models. It's a very laid back environment," stated Art Student Alyse Wisniewski.

"I was never once made to feel uncomfortable, either by a student or a professor. They know very well that being studied nude in front of strangers for two or more hours can make someone feel vulnerable, and they do everything to counteract that," stressed Ferranti.

Nude modeling allows artists to get an entirely different perspective, rather than studying art from a textbook. The nude models give them the ability to really capture the raw essence of a human figure. Ferranti added, "Trying to draw a breast or a collarbone from a picture in a book just can't be the same."

"Being provided with the opportunity to draw and paint nude figures has made me much more comfortable with the human body. Nudity doesn't bother me at all anymore," said Wisniewski.

The atmosphere in a classroom using nude models is always professional and focused. Typically, the model is used as a prop; the attention is never on the particular individual. It is not easy to get people to model, so making them comfortable is key so they continue to model for future sessions.

"The thing about being a model is the atmosphere is hyper professional, they want to make sure everyone is as comfortable as possible so they will come back. So like, in order to make a model comfortable they don't refer to you by first name, they treat you like any other object they are painting that day," said Senior model, Alexander Cabeceiras.

Standing on a pedestal with spotlights on you, de-robed in front of a room full of your peers, some strangers, and other familiar faces baring it all, can either be a very freeing or awkward experience.

"Where it really gets awkward is when you realize that you're being studied like an inanimate object, no different than a shoe or a chair. The professor will consult a certain student about their work, then walk up to me, gesture at my breast while taking to the student, and say something to the effect of, 'See how it's actually a bit more angular and sharp here?' or point to my stomach and, 'You're missing this crease where it rolls over.' 'I have rolls in my stomach? Are my breasts sharp and angular?' I'd think," said Ferranti.

Becoming a model for the Art Department does not necessarily mean you will be modeling nude. Sometimes the artists focus on specific accessories, clothing, or body parts on the model such as their hands or face.

"I've modeled with my clothes off, and I've modeled completely dressed, where students just focused on my face, or my hands," said Ferranti.

It is incredibly nerve wracking the first time to be a nude model or model in general. For the most part, it is the actual modeling itself that is the hardest part. Cabeceiras admits, "The hardest part about being a model is keeping still in one position for so long. You stick to one position for about two hours and take breaks whenever you are getting tired."

Before applying to be a model, you should consider your school schedule to make sure you're able to fit in time to model for a class. Typically the professor wants to book the model for two weeks at a time or less depending on the assignment. Also, keep in mind; professors try to give their students time to work on their pieces, and to get comfortable and familiar with the model.

"As hard as you might think it would be to stand in the middle of a room full of your peers wearing nothing but your birthday suit and maybe some jewelry, stepping out from behind the screen is the hardest and most uncomfortable part. Every moment after that is designed to make the model feel as comfortable as possible. In the end, they really appreciate the work that the models do and the courage they have, and it is all for the sake of creating beautiful art! That is the vibe I felt each and every time I walked into a class," said Ferranti.

If interested or want to find out more information about becoming a model for the Art Department contact Annette Mitchell at annette@mail.plymouth.edu.