Brave New World

One should use the phrase "brave new world" with caution. I've only heard it from antagonist characters now that I think about it. So the season of Heroes ended. The last episode, "Brave New World," had Claire (the cheerleader) reveal to the world her ability. Gabriel remarks, "It's a brave new world," that humans and people with powers can live together out in the open.

What if I told customers what I did in my free time? I don't want to think of the consequences to the business. Really, it's like telling everyone that your summer job is stripping. Claire knows there is going to be trouble, but really people should deal with it and live in truth together. Isn't that what Jesus wanted? Sorry to pull God into it... rather... wouldn't you like to really know your Grandmother before she dies? I would. It would mean visiting her every week to learn all her secrets, loads of patience, buying her groceries, and diligence...but wouldn't it be worth it?

I dream of a day where art models don't have to get a second job to make ends meet. I dream of a somewhat New York blase look to the words, "I'm an art model," or even the day when I say it without a hint of shame. I am thankful that my co-workers are kind and treat me with dignity while knowing that I model. I am thankful that my family has learned to live with it, but I also want art models to be an intricate part of society. Needed. I need artists in my life and they need me, perhaps that is enough.

PS I'm so glad Gabriel/Sylar is becoming kinder. That was a wish of mine this year.

There will be no change for now.

I like snakes. Why? I could tell you a long story about pre-historic religions and the etymology of the word gerontology ... but we'll leave it at they're ever-changing.

Sometimes I'm indecisive. Really indecisive. It's amazing that I have a tattoo and still like it. So there's this job and it's nice, and then there's this other job that doesn't pay well but makes me smile thinking about it. I chose the latter ... for the rest of my life. Would you like another tattoo with that, miss?

I change clothes like a girl or a snake. I'd love to get a snake tattoo, but I chose that I would change my skin like a snake. Models and snake tattoos don't mix - unless you've established your career already. So I change my clothes a lot as a model, and I love it. I finished a kimono in two days and it's beautiful. I'm up for a lifetime of making beautiful clothes and all that goes with being a model.

Image via Jon Todd

At Christmas you tell the truth.

Thank you. This goes out to all the artists whether they are struggling or not, thank you. It's Christmas, and at Christmas you tell the truth: life wouldn't be worth living without song, beautiful pictures, and handmade dresses and afghans. This is my life I'm talking about. I read on Jennifer Balkan's mirror a quote, "Art is like sex; an individual can survive without it, but a civilization cannot." So I am thankful for you all, just as you are kind and full of gratitude for people who sit around all day. :smile:

I don't know how to say it - it's your life. Just know that sometimes your art can get a girl through a hellish workday. Just a few minutes looking at a beautiful print can bring her soul back to her. Please don't put your art away...on a shelf, next year when I have time, when the kids are grown. Make time. You can do it. You can balance the mundane with the inspirational. I believe in you.

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!

Autumn

I have a friend named Autumn. Hopefully she's reading this cuz it's her birthday. Never really connected the date with the name until a week ago. Ah, today is the first of Autumn. Autumn doesn't really happen in Austin, Texas...but we're here in Kyoto, Japan...so we'll celebrate.

Here's a haiku by Ono No Komachi

seeing the moonlight

spilling down

through the trees,

my heart fills to the brim

with autumn.

This is the last season I'll have with Alphonse Mucha hoped you enjoyed this year.

:poem:

to see the world in a grain of sand

and to see heaven in a wild flower

hold infinity in the palm of your hand

and eternity in an hour.

-william blake

I stare at dirt. I get paid for it actually. There are smudges on windows and cracks in walls, but dirt is my favorite.

It's crazy how calm you can get by holding poses. The only sense of time you have is the number of songs that have played. But if you let go of that...peace. Simple peace.

Summer by Mucha

There's something poetic about a midsummer night. Beautiful about watching the sun set late in the evening.

Yet, all I did was finish a list of chores. Yes, I finished a book. Yes, I made dinner, took out the trash, and figured out a logo. But I haven't seen the sun rise or fall intentionally for 3 years...or maybe 4. Isn't that sad?

I feel good that I attune myself to the seasons, although there are really only two in Austin. But really, I stay inside most of the time. Trust me, I'm not bored. I sew, I read, and practice yoga. Just wanted to make a confession in hopes that a friend will take me to see a sunset or sunrise.

PS The painting is one of Alphonse Mucha's seasons, this one marking the summer solstice.

hool_ found on photo.net

hool_ is an artist.  in control. s/he decides what they want to show the world.

model = powerless. you are exactly what they want you to be.

me. i respect photo models, but i do not want to be one. i am decent at it, and it makes good money, but i'd rather be in control.  besides, there are too many models in the world and i wouldn't add much.

there is so much more to give the world than my pretty face. so i'm going to develop different skills instead of worrying about my pores. if i began on this path, i'd want to be covered. i'd cower and want to hide.  not exactly a good model.  i know how to be professional and hide this feeling, but it'd be way too much effort.

this doesn't mean i'm dropping art modeling.  in fact, i'm going to practice to be a better art model.  i feel safe. i'll never be famous and in tabloids that focus on how fat i am.  and that is my wish: to be beautiful and safe in the art world.

There is a lot of failure in the road to success.

That is a paraphrase of Eve Larson, an Austin portrait artist and teacher.  It amazes me that for years (I think she gave it up after five.) she did a contour drawing of her own hand every morning.  Such attention to detail morning after morning led to her adept skill in drawing hands.  If everyone had her level of determination!  

Eve has focus.  She's been learning and teaching art for I think twenty years now.  For me I am constantly straddling art modeling and sewing.  As of March I decided to dedicate this period of my life to art modeling and all that goes with it: yoga, the guild, et cetera.  I've been practicing yoga, or keeping my new year's resolution.  However, my level of practice is far below Eve's daily routine.  Perhaps my morning yoga will be more of a habit in time.

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.