My friend, Fine Artist Robert Vargas, asked me to join him in March’s Downtown Art Walk earlier this month. I could not resist because I had never done any figure modeling before, and I live to try new things. I was also super honored that he invited me to be one of the subjects in what he calls a “silent dialog between artist, model and viewer as a means to further challenge the painting process”.
I had never been to a Downtown Art Walk, so I really didn’t know what to expect. That may have been a good thing, because it became a bit overwhelming at times. It wasn’t just the physicality of holding a pose for 10 or so minutes, but the energy in the room was very intense. I was not prepared to be front of so many people. I maintained my focus on Robert, and tried my best to tune out the hecklers (one shouted “she looks like a cow!”), the people who were genuinely interested in watching him work (the majority), and the people who had never seen a nude woman in a gallery (the drunk kids who said my “tatts were dope”).
Maintaining this focus and blocking out everything around me became like a meditation, and I soon felt very relaxed and euphoric. I tried to take my mind to another place in order to ignore the pain of holding my poses. I soon felt a natural high. This is why I am addicted to being a subject and a masochist for art!
It turned out to be one of the most amazing nights of my life, and I thank Robert for the opportunity! Make sure to see his upcoming solo show at Edgar Varela’s gallery, opening April 18th!
This was one of the first poses and definitely the hardest.
I think he knew I needed a break so he told me to just stand in front of him.
Same pose for me, but different art style for him. Check out the vast differences in this drawing to the one above. His work is amazing!
Towards the end of the night I got to sit in a chair.
The artist’s view.
Robert graciously gave me these two paintings which now decorate my living room. He really captured the features from my Mom’s side of the family in the one on the right.
View from the street.
Your strength and beauty constantly amaze me.
Suzie and I missed your blog. we found you on twitter though, so its cool. lol
This is amazing. You looked gorgeous and I love the way the art turned out. Kudos for remaining confident with your head up in the presence of douches.
I can’t even begin to imagine how hard and scary this would’ve been.
Really amazing of you.
I only hope some day I get to work with you.