change.room.2217

Changing in a public bathroom sounds as bad as it is.  I usually use the handicap stall since it's larger and sometimes has more places to hang garments.  Yeah...it's not that great.

With that said, I am happy to announce that the university I work at, IUPUI, has a changing room with lockers and a couch to sit on.  We are a lucky bunch!  I've always day-dreamed that the University of Texas would have at least a folding screen that art models could change behind.  I remember changing behind a chalkboard which was a half-baked idea: it only covered my breasts.  Changing in a storage room at ACC is not much better.  Students accidentally come to get supplies while you change.  And again, not everyone has this modesty of changing, but for those who do they should be covered, for lack of better words. 

I have no power in Austin, you do though. 

Image via Lassco, for much cheaper versions try these.

change.47394

I don't think we're in Texas anymore!  I haven't written you all for the state of flux I've been in.  Everything's changing, and when that happens I get shy.  Don't ask me why.  I just can't change in front of people.


With art modeling there's this a. you're naked on stage or b. you're dressed.  People with clothes on don't get much attention they've got their armor on.  Being naked in the art scene is ... not really sexy, so I'm not nervous. I'm the figure they have to stare at and draw accurately.  But changing, oh my! For me at least I can't do it in public.  It's my modesty.  Another art model I know can't wear a bathing suit.  That's her modesty.  I know it's weird but it's partially why you haven't seen me on this blog.  There has been a lot of change.  I'm in Indiana now and all set up. Miss you.


PS Paloma Art Models Guild is now being headed by Kelli Bland in Austin. More details to come.  Take care.

the first day of spring

It's interesting to see people talk about the weather. It was cold outside today and didn't feel exactly like spring, but it was its first day. I do it mostly to engage in conversation when there is nothing else appropriate to say. Kinda sad really, but you really see how people react to nature. Sometimes I wish I could say what's on my mind, but you can't always do that. So yes, it's sad but true: I am avoiding talking about what's really important to me.

How's that for an icebreaker? :laugh: I haven't written on this blog in awhile for various reasons, but mainly I hate editing myself for fear of losing my job. Honesty is sometimes inappropriate and will always be in certain circles. But here, I will write about beauty, the environment, Austin, modeling of course, and the resources we have at our disposal. I'll try to write more. Promise.

Capital Metro

Hi there. Haven't written in a bit, and I apologize. It's getting harder to write about modeling when you aren't doing it as a full-time job. For those who are, I know the pay rate and how hard it is. I remember filling my gastank a quarter of the way or half tank if I was lucky. We depend on buses.

Capital Metro is taking a survey of all the riders and their routes from February through April. Surveyors will be identified with a nametag as representatives of Capital Metro, so there is no need to worry about creepy guys asking where you live. Look for the CapMetro nametag.

Tell them what routes you need in place to make traveling easier. East/West routes? I personally want the #9 to go to Laguna Gloria on weekdays. There are a lot of classes at Laguna Gloria and the #9 only goes there on Saturday, a day in which I've never model there. Tell them what you think. Collectively we can make art modeling a sustainable career. I have some more ideas, but patience is key.

The Model Schedule

A good planner can be the best asset a model owns. With a schedule that fluctuates like Austin's weather, having a calendar or planner pays for itself with one days work. Needless to say, having one helps with one's reputation as a model. Planners keep a model from forgetting any gig.

What I wanted to talk about was something a bit larger in scope. Art models in my experience are part-time. When I was working full-time as a model I didn't realize how bad financially I was doing. All bills were paid, and I don't want to get into details, but I was scraping by. I'd love to work the job I am now, model a little, and in my spare time work on the guild. The guild would provide so many dreams come true, perhaps not in my lifetime but eventually.

My question is this: Does anyone else want to art model full-time if it were possible financially and had health care benefits? Would you volunteer your time to make it happen? Feel free to email me or comment.

Tatooine

No, I'm not a Star Wars geek. My boyfriend is. I just wanted to start this new series on a light note. Tattoos are the most hard core decoration of the body, or at least the most enduring. Seriously, they are more permanent than marriage - but you knew that.

I personally love tattoos and body modifications ... a lot. Anyone who takes the time to get their hair bleached and then dyed light blue has a special place in my heart. The only problem is the older society and offices that look down on what they call freaks. I love Kerbey Lane for encouraging tattoos. There needs to be more of that, especially in Austin. Anahata Katkin thinks so too.

We'll see how other societies tolerate or even encourage tattoos in this series. The only place we won't be going is Tatooine, unfortunately.

2010

Bjork - Triumph Of The Heart

Sungjae | MySpace Video

2010 got off to a nice start. The kindness of strangers. Please don't take it for granted. We could be Dallas easily, but we're not yet. Austin's charm still lingers - we talk to strangers. Thank God. Could be my wide-eyed optimism, but knowing your neighbors holds a certain beauty. You are not alone in your little apartment complex. Yes, yes, there are those who will make your life a living hell, but don't use them as an excuse to not knock on your new neighbor's door. They could be nice. Perhaps.

I have no images that relate to this topic. Sorry Mr. Rogers is banned from my site, but I do have a video of all the wonderful drunkeness and incoherence of a 5am New Year's blog post. Enjoy and remember to knock loudly wouldja?

one year

I have this thing about seasons. I love seeing them change. I know living in Austin it is rare, but buying a new calendar or observing the first day of a season delights me. Makes me happy.

Yesterday marked the first day of winter. It's been a little over a year since I started this blog, and it's still kinda fun! So as tradition prevails I present you a new year of seasons. Japanese woodblock prints. Hope you enjoy their beauty.

Dharma Yoga

Hi there! I am happy to announce that Dharma Yoga has extended a 50% discount to all guild members. If you haven't signed up this is more reason to! Go to the Paloma Guild website, fill out the form and mail it to the address under contact. Once you are a member you will receive a fancy laminated card that will be your discount pass, as well as your free business cards.

Dharma Yoga is located on 31st and Guadalupe, close to most modeling gigs in Austin. Their yoga is essentially a blend of its name. The spiritual aspect of the practice is Tibetan in nature, and their yoga derives from Jivamukti, Sivananda, and Anusara traditions. Visit them online or visit their studio. Hope to see you there!

"Dharma Yoga's instructors must be the best in Austin. Long after the class concludes you'll feel the work of your practice in your muscles and in your spirit."

--Susan Briante, poet and UT English professor

12Buy12

I'm shy. That's just the way I am, but there is something wrong in exposing a friend while keeping yourself in safety. So here I am! This blog is not about self-promotion, but I find supporting ideas and people online a great thing. That said, 12buy12 at Austin Art Space is coming up soon. The first of December to be exact is when the show starts, but

Artists' Reception

December 5th: 6-9pm

7739 Northcross Drive

Suite Q

Behind Northcross Mall

Austin TX 78757

Here are the works of Theresa Bayer and my mother, Eve Larson, that will be featured in the show.

...and now I'll hide. :smile:

Shelly Long

What brought up the whole mysterious bit was that I met a fellow model for the first time, and both of us knew each other's name but had never seen a face. Shelly Long of Austin, Texas. Eve talks about her wonderful outfits. I've seen her upcycled art at GAGA, but never the artist. So we art models are a strange bit. Misty tells me otherwise and I feel bad that I can't get my butt to Kelli's parties, but it's mostly true. Models rarely meet; we don't have overlapping shifts.

Without further ado, Shelly Long:

Sadly GAGA (Greater Austin Garbage Arts) is floating without its home right now, but hopefully soon it will grow its roots again in Austin. I found Shelly on the E.A.S.T. 2009, in Dog House Studios. Her studio is number 23a on the map. And remember E.A.S.T. is this weekend as well. More time to get to know your local artists!

E.A.S.T. 2009

For all of you that live in Austin, this is a must see. East Austin Studio Tour is happening this weekend and the next. So no excuses! I work weekends, but I'm gonna go. I recently modeled in Pump Project and it looks like they're going to have an exhibit. Hope I see you there!

Eve Larson

A few weeks ago I modeled for Eve Larson and Theresa Bayer in Eve's home. It was lovely. We used the morning sun as I posed. I've been a model for eight years, but I've never felt as comfortable as I do modeling for Eve.

Last Friday I modeled as well at AVAA in a portrait session. It was so sweet. I came in with a whole bunch of outfits and they said, "You look so cute in what you are wearing!" "You're a paper doll!" So that's how I feel whenever I model for Eve, like I'm part of an artist family that plays dress up with me.

Eve switched careers mid-life, and that gives me the courage that I can too. Originally she worked at Ballet Austin in an administration position. Thankfully though, she studied to become an artist, sharing a studio with Phillip Wade, and now she is a successful portrait artist and teacher at Laguna Gloria. It's what I hope for after my studies.

Check out her website, which has many beautiful paintings, or take her class at Laguna Gloria. She's a great teacher and there are peacocks galore!

Theresa Bayer

This morning has been fun. Almost wanted to sleep in because of the weather, but I'm happy that I didn't. I modeled for Eve Larson and Theresa Bayer. They are the sweetest and very talented artists. Today I will tell you a wee bit about Theresa and in another post Eve.

Theresa Bayer's creativity always sparks mine. A better way to put it is that she inspires me. If I were an artist I'd be just as whimsical and joyful in my work. As of now, I am simply an art model lucky enough to pose for her. Here's a painting I bartered for last year. Instead of traditional portrait she adds something playful, that makes it more interesting and fun.

Tomorrow I am modeling for her in exchange for my father's birthday present. Theresa created an ocarina, or clay flute with a girl sitting upon it. Good thing he doesn't read blogs, so my surprise is safe!

Here's another for you to enjoy. Other wonders are on her blog and website.

places to model in Austin

When I first moved here I thought UT was the only place to art model. Wrong. Try Laguna Gloria and AVAA (Austin Visual Arts Association), Austin Community College, but weigh your options.

With colleges I've just gone to the art department's main office and asked if they needed any models. I've gotten most university gigs that way. Austin Community College pay schedule is erratic, however, there are many campuses with many art instructors. My favorite place to model is University of Texas based on many things. You become a quasi-employee there, so they pay you on a schedule that the Art Department will explain. Because you are staff (add quasi) you will receive a UT ID that lets you on buses for free. I looove that perk. Their sessions run four hours long, so the pay is better; however, I've heard they don't hire unexperienced models. This may be a rumor.

The other locations usually pay you on the spot after the session in cash. If you are modeling for an indivual artist expect a check for that session. As far as Night Moves and Dr. Sketchy's, please try them out and tell me about them. I haven't gotten to them yet. Have fun and good luck!