Wednesday, February 3

Comfort Zone

by adam rake

update 2.9.10 : I could write another post with the why's and the why nots, a life of "no regrets" and the the knocks of opportunity, but instead, I'll just say, I'm going to do it. In March or April whenever they schedule me. I'm going to do it.

xoSherry



I have to remind myself to step out of my comfort zone, it's not something that comes naturally for me. I've always secretly admired those that take big risks, leap at opportunity and walk regularly on the wild side. Not me.
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My life has been filled with some amazing experiences and a few risky adventures, but I've generally thought them through first. Which brings me to my little story....
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A girl I've known since my son was in kindergarden stopped by the house the other day. She knew Danny was at school, and had come to see me. She's very talented and attends the University of the Arts in Philadelphia. We had a nice little chat and then she wanted to ask me something.
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She invited me to pose nude for her figure drawing class. Well, knock me over with a feather, or maybe a brick wall. She explained that lots of the models were older (thanks), more interesting to draw. I think she gave a few more reasons and told me about a 54 year old man that was the class favorite. I wasn't really listening at that point. There was a lot going on in my mind.
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I'm not seriously considering it, but I'll tell you, just being asked was enough for me. And I wish you could have seen the look on my husband's face when I told him. Priceless.

xoSherry

25 comments:

T.Allen said...

I'm laughing imagining the look on your husband's face.

I'm definitely a risk taker, but not a leap into things and then think 'em through type. A lot of thought goes into the 'what ifs' and 'whys' of it, but in the end I almost always, think "eh, so what and why not?!"

Waterrose said...

I would have loved to have seen the look on your face! Wow. But can you imagine sitting that still in whatever pose they want? Sounds like a prescription for an aching back.... After you contemplate the pros and cons...you may change your mind!

Wear Your Wild said...

Trying to imagine the look on your face when she asked......
Sherry sitting there, thinking to herself "she said what?"
:)

Pretty Things said...

I'd be terrified but wow, I'd be honored!

Michelle Engel Bencsko said...

That was a cool and unexpected offer!

I don't know how life models do it, but I'm sure glad there's people out there who aren't like me and are willing to bare all.

*and yes, it's true... mature models- with all their wonderful years- are much more interesting than younger counterparts. Personally, I like the more rotund, too.

Dennice {Fringe} said...

Oh how marvelous! It would be so liberating if you actually could make yourself do it. I don't mean to write a book here, but I have to tell you...

Years ago, my husband and I took a life drawing class together. It was such an awesome experience. Interestingly, the models were in their 40s and 50s, I'd say. ONe man and one woman. They were great.

I will say that as a student in that class, I didn't really pay attention to the fact that they were nude. We were given 3 minutes, or 1 minute to draw a certain body part. Sometimes longer, but still, no time for gawking :). If anything, we were very impressed, and admired them. Plus we were grateful that they offered themselves as models.

The whole experience was very calming and lovely. Congrats for the offer, dearest! You could be somebody's muse...

xo

Catherine Ivins said...

Can't you picture your husband at the office being asked at the watercooler about what his wife is up to these days? "... well, Sherry is doing some nude modeling"- that would be pretty cool and to tell your grandkids one day- but to actually do it- well, ahem... I, for one would need a space heater because when I am cold (or nervous) my veins jump to the top of my skin and I become a human roadmap. Maybe, you shouldn't discard this idea though because how cool to add nude model to your resume .... :)

xo- Cat :)

Mary Richmond said...

i love that she asked you. as someone who draws and paints a lot of nudes i often wonder about the people i'm drawing/painting and how they feel about posing...some talk about it, others are very quiet. and she's right, the most interesting models are the ones that are a little older, a little different in some way. my favorite way back when was a pregnant model we had while i was in college. after she had the baby she modeled with the baby and that was awesome!

Kathy said...

How cool that she asked you to do that! I am a bit on the modest side so that certainly wouldn't be for me....I don't think. :)

elisa said...

Oh my! Well I have no idea what your husband is like but if he's anything like my husband, it would have been funny to see his expression.
I don't know what would be worse - being nude in front of stranger or having to stay completely still while naked for an hour.

Anonymous said...

I've always thought the part in Titanic when he draws her naked was very beautiful and romantic, and have secretly wanted to do something similar like that with my husband, because it could be a really great experience... but going nude in front of a crowd like that would be another story.

If you do decide to do it, good for you for having that much courage!
:)

hardecres said...

I have an idea! Why not use the resulting sketch to place under a transparent stone on a pendant or cufflinks!

Dennice {Fringe} said...

Re: your update...YES! I'm just so happy you decided to go for it because I feel you will find it so liberating. I admire you for this, dear friend.

xo

Barbra said...

I admire your courage. I have been often on the other side...one ironic time, an ex-boyfriend walked in and was the model. Enjoy your experience.

Lynn Lunger said...

Wow! What an interesting idea! I remember life drawing class from college. The whole intrigue/curiosity leading up to the first session was the most intense. Then, once you know what it's all about it was "get to work". I suppose from the other side it would be very similar.

I've posed for friends doing photography. I think I could do strangers in an art class. A glass of wine might help. ;^)

Pick a comfortable pose.

stacy di said...

No WAY!!! You are SO brave...I can't believe it. Holy cow. I don't even know what to say. That's fantastic!! I bet it will be a great life experience.

Mary Richmond said...

hey, if nothing else, you'll have a great story when you're old and wrinkled and rocking in a chair on the front porch remembering when ;-)

you go, girl!

gypsy moon designs said...

Good Sherry! I sat for a friend who paints nudes in oil. At first I was terrified but then when she started to draw I relaxed.

Once I saw the painting I was so happy I did it. I just wish she would give me the painting! LOL

Proud of you taking the risk!

T.Allen said...

SO happy you decided to do it! Yay! (I'm actually smiling)

Wear Your Wild said...

Coolest update ever!

ShinyAdornments said...

Good for you! What is life without taking chances and experiencing things outside the box.

:-)

Rebecca said...

I'm glad you're gonna go for it! It's really an honor to do this, and just think how many art students will benefit from your modeling! Enjoy the experience, and I agree that a glass of wine prior to might be just the ticket!

Waterrose said...

OH sherry...so cool. Can't wait to read the follow up posts!

Waterrose said...

ok, I had to leave another comment...must be a sign. My word verification that came up after I wrote the last comment was...nonbra...

Scott Bulger Photography said...

Good for you! You go do it.