The Conservatoire, Blackheath, 13 April 2026

19 Apr 2026

In the rotation of standing or sitting or reclining for long poses at The Conservatoire, my instincts told me I was probably due a standing pose. When tutor Victoria Rance arrived saying she had an idea for a pose requiring exactly that, the die was cast.

My only concern before this session had been the ongoing pain of shin splints that I’d acquired when modelling two days before. It wouldn’t be an issue, however, as long as I avoided angling my feet by (for example) pointing my toes or pacing forward.

Victoria’s idea called for me to stand upright, head tilted forward gazing at a clay pot I would support with both hands, like an Ancient Greek citizen bearing the ashes of his fallen brother. No problem. I could do it flat-footed with my weight evenly-distributed.

As standard, I was offered stretch-breaks every 20 minutes. Usually I decline the first if I’m feeling comfortable. This time, however, I thought it best to take no chances. All available breaks were accepted.

The outcome was no exacerbation of existing injuries, no acquisition of fresh injuries, and splendid artworks created all around the room. Only my arms felt any aching; not due to holding the pot, but from their fixed angles. Few sessions are totally pain-free!