Simply sitting in stillness. It’s so welcome and sometimes so necessary. When I’m life modelling I prefer short-duration dynamic poses that project an energetic tension, but for portrait modelling I turn my focus inwards, radiating only gentle quiet calm.
Even after a long walk on a cold wet mid-November evening, I was grateful to find an enforced peace of mind at the end of what has been a challenging period for me. Not stewing endlessly on negative thoughts or unresolvable circular worries. Just being.
Over the past two years, both my elderly parents have been sliding ever-more rapidly to age-related diminished mental capacity. Memory loss. Confusion. I’ve been a carer as best I can, often visiting and making their meals on my way to evening jobs.
But it’s now overwhelming. Five months in the ‘system’, tests and assessments, NHS and social services, yet still no formal diagnoses so no support forthcoming. It’s even been traumatic trying to organise private home care visits. Until this day. At last.
The arrangement is not yet ideal (can one ever be?) but prior to this job I was able to introduce a carer to my parents and, for the first time, leave their house knowing they had a safety net of sorts. Another person to call in each day, help out, make dinner.
And so here with The Croydon Art Society, I did not sit serenely believing problems had all been solved or relinquished. I did not even feel satisfaction. Only relief. Relief that one hurdle had been cleared and I could draw breath before tackling the next.
Supporting a loved one (or, for me, a loved pair) living with dementia is both mentally and emotionally draining. I can’t begin to imagine how it is for my parents themselves. Thank you, Croydon Art Society; for inviting me, and for all your friendly warmth.
Pose minutes, 7:30pm-9:30pm
Part 1 : 55.
— break —
Part 2 : 45 continuation.
Artworks
With apologies to artists I’m unable to credit.
Artwork by Jenny Arnold.
Artwork by Jenny Arnold.
Artwork by jenniegro.
Artwork by Evi.
Artwork by Mandy Gomm.
Artwork by Mandy Gomm.
Photo by Mandy Gomm.
On Saturday I modelled for an all-day London Drawing skills workshop, focusing on ‘Heads, Hands and Feet‘. Tutor Rachel Mercer led the session, in which artists were invited to: “Tackle all your problem areas in drawing from the body…”
With 13 artists in attendance, Rachel first explained the anatomy of each body part in exquisite detail, then demonstrated techniques for drawing them. Theory done, it was time for some practical work, beginning with feet and repeating for hands and head.
My role was to sit in the centre of the space, back-to-back with fellow life model Mike, separated by a partition whilst artists and easels encircling us. We remained dressed other than to remove shoes and socks when required.
Feet were set unevenly at a sixty degree angle, one slightly forward. For hands I had my left hand palm up and fingers loosely curled; right hand similar but palm down. To finish, the head-pose was a standard portrait study.
I suspect few of us regard our feet as our most beauteous features, but the artists did what they could with mine. Perhaps surprisingly, it seemed everybody’s best artworks were the drawings of hands. Portraits… were definitely me! It was fun.
Aside from portrait-only sessions, this is surely the least dynamic form of modelling. I became literally less than the sum of my parts. That said, between poses I had some engaging conversations as a whole person, not just detached objectified extremities.
This was my first time at the Artizan Street Library and Community Centre venue. Hopefully not the last. And hopefully not the last time working with Rachel either, but with a baby on the way, my feet won’t be her priority. 🙂 Very best wishes, Rachel!
Pose minutes, 10am-4pm
Part 1 : feet, feet, hands.
— break —
Part 2 : hand, head.
Artworks
With apologies to artists I’m unable to credit.
Duo model bookings have become something of a scarcity. Esther and I had three in the two months immediately prior to the first UK COVID-19 lockdown. We’ve had just three in the four and a half years since.
To some extent this is for positive reasons. Life models had campaigned successfully for many London art groups to increase their hourly pay rate. Whilst this was overdue and very much needed, it means groups are less able to pay in full for two models.
Generally, Esther and I try to take a sensible pragmatic approach when agreeing duo fees, especially with groups that have given us lots of solo bookings. Not buy one get one free, nor undermining the market, but fair for all parties.
Esther has been modelling with Cosy Life Drawing London for many years, starting before they arrived at their current Framestore venue. For me, this would be a début appearance in any setting for the group.
Many artists here are animators and, as is often the case with animators, they favour lots of very short poses. We were impressed they did not compromise on the quicker pose times, even though their number of models had doubled.
Despite having so few opportunities for professional practice, when we got underway we found ourselves slipping effortlessly in and out of complimentary alignments. This was entirely unrehearsed, with no time for forethought, and with very little conferring.
Only once did I find myself in an uncomfortable position: a 10-minute kneeling ‘battle’ pose holding a stick while Esther brandished a sword. Esther’s moment of discomfort came when she curled up with her head resting in my lap, but legs not ideally placed.
Occasional misjudgements are inevitable with rapid repositioning, but overall it was a really good dynamic session for a well-organised, kind, considerate group of talented artists. Thoroughly enjoyable. And check out these artworks..!
Pose minutes, 7pm-9:30pm
Part 1 : 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 2, 2, 2, 2, 2, 5, 5, 5, 10, 10, 2.
— break —
Part 2 : 2, 2, 2, 2, 2, 15, 15, 15.
Artworks
With apologies to artists I’m unable to credit.
I’d been itching to come back. After a flurry of bookings in the first half of 2022, I then had to turn down an offer in 2023, and this was my first opportunity since. Something about those 2022 sessions whetted my appetite, however. Time to scratch the itch…
Strange how such a feeling can arise. In a city of umpteen art groups. Walthamstow Lifedrawing isn’t the most renowned, the most glamorous, the most elite, or highest paying, but I liked the purity of its practice, the spirit of community, the easy journey.
I found much was endearingly familiar: the ‘Melody Room’ space, the colourful trestle tables surrounding me, the pose times, the people. And the differences were positive, too: an extra abundance of artists attending; even the heater seemed more effective!
So I did what I do and gave of my best. I sat on the floor for two poses, but otherwise stood throughout. Latecomers to this full-house had to sit at tables behind the central circle and might have struggled to get a clear view of any reclining poses.
Ultimately, everybody seemed pleased with our evening’s efforts. None more so than the group’s organiser, Harriet, who beamed her way around the packed room as she photographed so many great drawings. I look forward to returning on 24 February.
Pose minutes, 7:30pm-9:15pm
Part 1 : 5, 5, 5, 5, 10, 15, 20.
— break —
Part 2 : 30.
Artworks
With apologies to artists I’m unable to credit.
Artwork by Harriet Armstrong.
Artwork by Leah.
Never was I more glad about clocks going back an hour at the end of British Summer Time. To arrive in good time for this Art in the Village booking, I had to be out of bed at 7:30am, having only got into bed at 2:30am after my Monsterlune catwalk capers during the night. That extra hour made a big difference. I felt unexpectedly fresh.
And I was happy because I wanted to be on especially good form for this life drawing session. It was my first at Art in the Village’s exceptional new venue, Jacksons Lane arts centre – a splendidly restored and converted former Wesleyan Methodist Church in Highgate. Its Studio 1 roof space is a perfect setting.
As at anywhere new, I made sure I was on the scene early, to both reassure the host and get acquainted with its layout myself. Congruously with my recent fashion model activities, I found Cleo arranging chairs for her artists into parallel rows with a runway space for me in between. A large silver velvet cloak would be only garment this time.
When everything was ready, artists were welcomed in. It seemed we had a full class, which was nice to see – a few newcomers, but most were familiar friendly faces from previous sessions. I got them started with five 1-minute poses, swishing nude up and down the improvised catwalk.
After this warm-up, I accessorised for a series of 10-minute poses. First, showcasing the impressive cloak to incorporate fabric, then leaning on a high table to incorporate straight lines, then seated in a wicker chair with lilies or a cane to incorporate natural materials, comfortably warm with sunshine streaming through the windows.
So: lots of fun, relaxed pace, good energy, and a fine community spirit. Most pleasing was being called ‘Stevon Schiele‘ by one of the artists. Over 12 years as a model, my style and form have regularly been likened to Egon Schiele but never before had our names been conflated so naturally. I guess a church venue inspires rechristening. 🙂
Pose minutes, 10:30am-12:30pm
Part 1 : 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 10, 10, 10.
— break —
Part 2 : 10, 10.
Venue
Jacksons Lane arts centre, Highgate.
Artworks
With apologies to artists I’m unable to credit.
Artwork by Lady Carstairs.
Return of the KitCat Club
Legendary 80s underground nightclub, the KitCat Club, was reactivated for one night only on 26 October 2024, at modern venue Omeara near London Bridge. DJs, bands and assorted Dark Culture glitterati were brought in for the occasion, as was Estelle ‘Monsterlune’ Riviere for a kooky catwalk. Esther and I were among her models.
The original KitCat Club (well, this version) was started by Simon Hobart in 1984. As an ignorant schoolboy at the time, I knew nothing of it and can add nothing to its pool of fond memories now. Rather than risk misrepresenting its place in history, I’ve taken the liberty of copying words below from the 2024 KitCat Halloween Special flyer…
“The KitCat Club was a renowned 80s London club night which gained fame for its unique atmosphere and eclectic mix of music featuring Retro, Alternative, Goth Rock, Punk, New Wave and Electronica. Its creator Simon Hobart named the night after the club in Cabaret.
“Simon Hobart opened the first KitCat club night in February 1984. Opening at Studio One on Oxford Street, it then moved to a converted warehouse known as the Pleasure Dive in Westbourne Grove, where it became London’s premier goth hangout, providing a more glamorous and tongue-in-cheek alternative to its more po-faced rival, the Batcave in Soho.
“The KitCat gave Simon his first taste of notoriety when in January 1985, it landed him on the front page of the Sun. Police had raided the club for drugs and arrested Simon, a photographer snapping “the godfather of goth” as he was led away – he was just 21 at the time.
“The raid had a profound effect on Simon and he decided to move the night to a more central location midweek at the Comedy Store in Leicester Square, then eventually residing at the Soundshaft venue which was part of Heaven nightclub.
“Simon sadly passed away on Oct 23rd 2005 but the KitCat Club remains fondly remembered still by those who experienced its heyday, and it continues to hold a special place in the memories of London nightlife enthusiasts.”
Fitting
Estelle had drafted an unprecedented 22 models for this catwalk, making it by far the largest of her Monsterlune shows in which I’d participated. Broadly the first half was to be goth and the second half punk but we could all have been characterised simply as freaks. Think David Cronenberg spliced with Leigh Bowery.
I was to be among the goth contingent, and indeed third upon the catwalk. All models were invited to a costume fitting two weeks before the event – my first encounter with the extraordinary creation I would be inhabiting. The mask alone increased my height from six foot four to nearer eight foot. This was going to be exceptional.
Preparation
Come the day, Esther and I arrived at Omeara bang on the mustering time of 9:30pm. This was well ahead of our catwalk (11:45pm), and an hour before the club’s opening time. It meant we got to see this magnificent space properly whilst the lights were still on, as we were led through and upstairs to the backstage dressing rooms for models.
There were two main dressing rooms, one already pretty full and the other empty. So we occupied a sofa in the latter. Soon we were sharing it with Katherine Blake in the company of Catherine Gerbrands and Takatsuna Mukai – all magical human souls. This was our time to relax before we transformed into Estelle’s staggering visions.
Monsterlune Catwalk
I left it late before putting on my costume as being 8-foot tall in a small shared space can cause trickiness. Soon enough, time was upon us. Estelle led us back down and got us in line to enter the stage. Skintight SJ introduced us to hundreds of flawlessly groomed dark clubbers, and on we went: weirdly, wonderfully, wild…
Skintight SJ – photo © Richard Williams.
Katherine – photo © Richard Kaby.
Michael and Katherine – photo © Richard Kaby.
Michael – photo © Richard Williams.
Me – photo © Richard Williams.
Me – photo © Richard Kaby.
Franco – photo © Richard Williams.
Andrew – photo © Richard Kaby.
JessicAlmande – photo © Richard Kaby.
Anna – photo © Richard Williams.
Takatsuna – photo © Richard Kaby.
James – photo © Richard Kaby.
Pauline – photo © Richard Williams.
Jeremy – photo © Richard Williams.
Esther – photo © Richard Kaby.
Alice and Esther – photo © Richard Kaby.
Alice – photo © Richard Kaby.
Jonney – photo © Richard Williams.
Sallyanne – photo © Richard Kaby.
Aizen – photo © Richard Williams.
Pepita and Aizen – photo © Richard Kaby.
Pepita – photo © Richard Kaby.
Amelia – photo © Richard Kaby.
Noé and Cazimi – photo © Richard Williams.
Noé, Catherine and Cazimi – photo © Richard Kaby.
Catherine – photo © Richard Kaby.
Estelle – photo © Richard Williams.
Party time! – photo © Richard Kaby.
Party time! – photo © Richard Kaby.
So much preparation for 40 seconds of solo stage time! But the individual time wasn’t the point; this was about being part of something. I made slow movements to sombre music, others moved madly or slinked sexily, but we all got our freak on. We made an outlandish spectacle for a fantastic audience. Dark, colourful, beautiful. Brilliant.
Full show
You can check out the full catwalk in the video below. It can’t compare to being there, but it gives a flavour. After the show, we stayed in character to mingle in the club and dance to the live bands. Esther was in her element. We both had work next morning, however, so couldn’t last till 5am. It never really ends, though. Energy is forever. ❤
Estelle – photo © Richard Kaby.
A busy week of life modelling (by my recent standards) ended with Sunday afternoon poses at home. Lucy McGeown of London Drawing Group contacted me two days earlier asking whether I would be free for a 1.5hr Zoom life drawing class. Plans for a weekend countryside walk were duly put back a couple of hours, and I accepted.
In my home studio room I fixed my phone camera to a large tripod and set my laptop on a small table adjacent. I would stand on a yoga mat, and kept a comfortable chair nearby for when seated poses were required. During the pre-session set-up meeting we selected my darkest backdrop for best contrast.
The theme was ‘cropping’, which meant that after five 2-minute warm-up poses, each subsequent 15-minute pose would be scrutinised by online artists with an intention of finding an area of the overall composition to ‘crop’ and draw. Lucy demonstrated how this could be facilitated using two L-shaped strips of paper.
Despite having become well practised and experienced at online life modelling, there will always be a detached peculiarity about posing naked and alone with no idea how many people are watching me, or who they are. The webinar format meant our video feed was one-way only, so I didn’t see any artworks. But I’m out there somewhere!
Pose minutes, 2pm-3:30pm
Part 1 : 2, 2, 2, 2, 2, 15, 15, 15, 15, 12.
steve ritter 