The Prince Regent, Herne Hill, 29 January 2020

“Any exciting costumes always very well received…” was the hint given to Esther and me by Lisa – organiser of SketchPad Drawing – when she reconfirmed our booking. I’ve long since run out of original garments to take to The Prince Regent but Esther always comes good. And this time she’d brought enough for both of us…

Artwork by Shiv Grewal

Whilst I’ve never shied away from wearing unlikely outfits in the name of art, I admit I felt rather daft in that dress. I thought it was only to be for the opening 5-minute pose but I was implored to keep it on for a second of 5-10 minutes. With great relief, I then un-dressed and we wore nothing but feather boas for the next four 2-minute poses.

Artwork by artshivinder

Unusually for this venue, we were posing together in the round rather than working in separate adjacent rooms. A handful of artists had given notice they were struck down with the flu so wouldn’t be attending. It meant everyone could fit in a single room, and Esther and I could do our duo thing. We did so next for 15 minutes, still just in boas.

Artwork by artshivinder

And then at last we were completely nude; it was the first and would be the only time this evening. We sat upon the floor facing each other, as close as possible with arms and legs embracing, for fully 20 minutes. In the break that followed, we slipped away to take opportunistic promo photos for Esther’s forthcoming ‘Growing Roots‘ event.

Artwork by artshivinder

Artwork by jorisbaboris

When our artists returned to complete the session, we had time enough left for poses of 20 and 15 minutes. I remained nude, whilst Esther manifested magnificence in just about every other item she’d packed for the occasion. First we were on the floor, then Esther sat on a stool while I – not for the first time – languished beneath her stiletto.

Artwork by jorisbaboris

Artwork by artshivinder

Artwork by jorisbaboris

Artwork by artshivinder

In sessions like this, where we’re indulged and trusted to be playfully self-expressive, it’s particularly important to create strong poses that work for the whole room. We did our best and, whatever the artists may have thought of our shenanigans, their artistic response was superb throughout. I hope I’m right to think a good time was had by all.