'The models I look for also need to be patient with the process, tolerate the mundane as we try out different poses. They also must have the physical endurance to go through a number of poses that can be physically demanding.'
Although many photographers are inspired by their models, muses tend to be more prevalent with artists who illustrate their subjects. Although a great photograph can take time to plan and create, the actual image can be captured in a split second. For artist's who capture their subjects through sketches, paintings or sculpture, the process is more complex and requires a great deal of patience.
Not all models have the time, interest or abilities to be an artist's muse. Where as a photo-shoot can be completed in a few hours, posing for an illustrative artist can sometimes take days or even weeks. It can mean holding the same pose for hours on end. I've been featuring the artistry of Gary Larson since 2015. I've featured both his work as a photographer, (Noplacia) and as an artist. (Classic Configuration). Although I've featured Gary's work close to 20 times, almost all of those pieces were focused on just a few different models.
My introduction to Noplaica Photography came through his work with model DirtRoad. Gary collaborated with DirtRoad multiple times creating various concepts and themes both in-studio and outside in a variety of locations. I loved exploring the growth and changes in their artist and muse relationship through time working together.
Recently Gary sent on images of Wilie, his latest muse. I love exploring Gary's creative process and visually comparing the initial photographs with the final art piece. I was also curious about the process of finding a muse and what Gary looks for in a model he'll be working with not just once, but over a longer period of time. Gary shared both what he looks for in model or muse, and the circumstance that led to connecting with Wilie.
'My art project has always been a two part project. The first part is extroverted and collaborative. The second part is introverted and explorative. For the first part, I schedule a photoshoot with a model willing to collaborate on capturing photographs of interesting poses. I have binders of collected ideas that can be used as references for the shoot, but I also like the models to improvise and bring some of their own personality and physical capabilities to the shoot.
I am usually alone for the second part. I put on some music and explore different ways to draw or paint the model based on the photos we took earlier. '
'There was one Saturday that I didn't have any commitments and wished that I had a photoshoot lined up. I found in my email that someone had responded to my ad that I had posted to find new models. The person had not provided a photo and provided barely any information about himself. However, he wrote this, "I'm about 135 pounds, pretty skinny. I've the kind of body you learn anatomy from just observing though." Normally, I would like to know a little more information, but I decided to set something up based on that remark. '
'Wilie didn't have a car, so I picked him up from the light rail station. He was incredibly upbeat and enthusiastic about the job. His body was lean, but as he had mentioned, it was anatomically intriguing and capable of performing athletic poses. I learned he had a background in wrestling and swimming which I believe permanently shaped his upper body in pleasing way.'
'He was also a lot of fun to work with. His upbeat nature and great sense of humor made me want to work with him again in the future. The models I like to continue working with have a degree of physical attractiveness, but it is more important for their personalities to be attractive. So many physically attractive people come with narcissism and arrogant behaviors that make them annoying to work with and overall less attractive as people.'
'The models I look for also need to be patient with the process, tolerate the mundane as we try out different poses. They also must have the physical endurance to go through a number of poses that can be physically demanding. Occasionally, I have found people that check all of those boxes, but one other important element is missing: they either aren't interested in coming back or were just traveling through so it isn't an option to work with them again. '
'Wilie was the first person to check all of the boxes and was very interested in coming back. So, we worked together many times after that, and we became good friends. This year, he became a muse residential. As roommates, it has become very convenient to take new photos whenever we are feeling creative. Our shoots continue to be as fun as the first one ,and I am surprised to find that we are still discovering new poses and artistic ways to portray his anatomically educational body.'
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