Palomas at my Window

I love looking out my balcony.  There's a tree and usually you can watch birds sitting in it. Quite beautiful, actually.  I don't know my birds that well so this may all be a lie.  I was looking out and I saw a beautiful turtle dove just walking back and forth on my ledge with a twig in its beak.

Most wouldn't think anything of it, but I take it as an omen.  She's building a nest; I'm building a foundation of what hopefully will be a strong organization.  Anyway, it was beautiful and I'm glad something gave me hope this morning.

I don't know how far these words travel, but I hope Paloma Art Models Guild inspires you to make a union/guild of your own.  I'm very proud that we are second in a google search for 'art model guilds,' but truly we don't have too much competition.  There are two other guilds that I know of for art models: Bay Area Models Guild and DC Area Figure Models Guild.  Two.  There are fifty states that compose the grand United States with countless art models and art schools.  But even if one models guild is inspired by this post I would be delighted.  Let me know if there are other guilds that google searches do not represent, and happily prove me wrong.  Good luck to you.

Hasta of the Week has Changed a Bit

Back by popular demand is the weekly hasta/mudra.  However, now it has a bit of a twist: pure and simple hands.  I love the intricate ways we can use them whether it is Western or Eastern tradition.  But more to the point, I will be featuring hands whether or not they have a specific meaning.  This week's hands (very plural) belong to Guan Yin.  She is portrayed by several deaf dancers whose physical accuracy is astounding.  Eve Larson tells me about physical memory that dancers have.  Over the years I've bettered myself on different aspects of art modeling.  This is what I am going to attempt this year.  It is truly a talent that these women and men have.  Hope you enjoy.

Buddha with a Thousand Hands Video

Touch Me I'm Real

God, that sounds like a stupid song lyric. But am I? Most of you haven't even seen me. Are these words real? I believe thoughts are real, words, a lot of other things, and art. What impacts me are ideas, other cultures, and fabric. My life needs to be filled with the tangible for some reason. I can't stand sitting at the computer for too long. For me, fabric is the beauty in the mundane.

This isn't about me...or at least it's trying not to be. I'm watching "What Dreams May Come," with Robin Williams and Cuba Gooding, Jr. Got up and sat at the computer just after Cuba said, "Thought is real. Physical is the illusion." The connection that Chris and his wife Annie (Annabella Sciorra) have is so deep that they communicate even through death. She paints, and he can see her emotions. I've heard that this is the most sacred of loves in the Vedic Tradition, to love without needing their presence. Just the thought of them is enough.

As far as I know the world is an illusion in the Vedic Tradition. If I am wrong, please correct me. But it's beautiful ain't it?! The world is filled with so much joy to experience. For me, I need color. Lots of it. I am so happy to see others sit down and create. They put out their ideas and attempt to make them part of this collective world. Therefore, my two jobs are perfect for me. I'm surrounded in creativity both of art and fabric. And oddly enough, I enjoy shelving fabric...touching beauty.

Perhaps reading a philosophy book is better than reading my rant. Perhaps sipping warm coffee is better too, whichever you like, they are both real.

That Naked Girl

When I first started modeling for art classes I had this feeling slightly. That I was that naked chick and everyone's seen me naked. Really, it lasted a day. I've always revered women who are content with their bodies. The whole world could see them nude and they still have their dignity intact.

I am respected as an art model, without that I wouldn't do it. The artists treat me the same whether I have clothes on or not. Of course there is the understandable timidity but most treat me professionally and talk to me. I love artists. They make my world go 'round. Without them I would feel like a pinup for fat frat boys.

So, yes, I am meeting up with an art class tonight. Sounds weird? Who cares.

True Beauty

"Beautiful young people are accidents of nature, but beautiful old people are works of art."
-Eleanor Roosevelt

I will tell you a secret. I usually think it's too mushy to say, but today it's appropriate. How I became a model.

What inspires you? For me, it is old ladies with so many stories they gush...and you want to sit there and stay. Yes, an old lady saying, "That is me," referring to herself in a painting inspired me to model. I've never met her, but her pride made the TV glow. I love women who can hold themselves up in a dignified way. They know who they are and are determined to be just that.

I model for ladies...and men, but usually women are the painters. This is my own experience and not a generalization. Seriously, if you want advise on marriage ask these women. It's nice. Advise, kindness, it's all there at open-studio sessions. I hope I am as beautiful as them in my old age.

The Green Muse this Thursday

Greetings!

I am happy to announce that we, Paloma Art Models Guild, are going to have our very first meeting. We will meet at the Green Muse Cafe on Oltorf and South First. It's nearby the Pizza Patron at that corner. This coming Thursday at 6:30pm til whenever we like, or the place closes. Basically a meet and greet and a celebration of our community. Be there for a cup o' joe or to organize or both! Anyway, I can't wait! See you there!

PS Since I used up the Green Muse's mural photo in my last post, here's a picture of another muse of theirs.

Value

Beauty is part of my trade.  It's strange though.  Art and fashion definitely are the more frivolous of trades, but necessary.  For me, seeing a beautiful mural makes me want to stay in Austin.  That affects realty, a proper trade, which in turn helps the community financially.

I've always hated people ranking careers.  In my perspective, it is usually done by income and education.  People need to work to create a community, not to outrank each other.  In other words I value the plumber as much as the lawyer; the prostitute and the English teacher. Each serve their purpose in the world.

I'm happy as an art model.  I just want to make it a career with health insurance.  As a community we can do this.  Hopefully, you will join me.