May 24, 2023Liked by Evan Nicks, Brett Marcus Cook
I strongly relate to your story. Posing for art classes was a breakthrough for me, too, in terms of comfort with my body being looked at. I first started modeling at colleges and universities during the autumn after my high school graduation. Over the summer I had discovered the freedom of a clothing optional beach and had even taken my clothes off at a few parties (hey, it was the 1970s), but in those situations I wasn't the center of attention and was free to get dressed if I felt like it. Committing to 3 hours of solo nudity, quite literally in the spotlight and usually on a raised platform, means welcoming the gaze of everyone in the room. You are there for the express purpose of being looked at. There's nowhere to hide. I was initially very self conscious but ultimately it taught me how to be comfortable in my own skin, even as the only nude person in a crowded space. I've never felt proud of my appearance, but I do take pride in my comfort with being naked in a wide variety of situations; life modeling played a major part in moving me beyond the body shame I was taught to feel.
That was an impressive and interesting read. Thank you.
I want to say to Brett what a woman who has hosted the longest running life drawing co-op here told me. "It's pure good karma." Good for you.
I strongly relate to your story. Posing for art classes was a breakthrough for me, too, in terms of comfort with my body being looked at. I first started modeling at colleges and universities during the autumn after my high school graduation. Over the summer I had discovered the freedom of a clothing optional beach and had even taken my clothes off at a few parties (hey, it was the 1970s), but in those situations I wasn't the center of attention and was free to get dressed if I felt like it. Committing to 3 hours of solo nudity, quite literally in the spotlight and usually on a raised platform, means welcoming the gaze of everyone in the room. You are there for the express purpose of being looked at. There's nowhere to hide. I was initially very self conscious but ultimately it taught me how to be comfortable in my own skin, even as the only nude person in a crowded space. I've never felt proud of my appearance, but I do take pride in my comfort with being naked in a wide variety of situations; life modeling played a major part in moving me beyond the body shame I was taught to feel.
A very different initiative for promoting naturism. Congratulations on completion of 7 years & best wishes for the future journey.
Would love it if such a coop existed out here in LA. Have yet to find one.