'On the stage, with no clothes, is where I belong.'
Most of us have heard or read that researchers report one of our biggest fears is Glossophobia. (Public Speaking) I find it hard to believe, but walking onto a stage, and up to a podium, is ranked higher than death on many people's list of fears and phobias. I get it, public speaking used to be a struggle for me as well, still sometimes is. I fortunately, or unfortunately, work in a job that often requires me to speak to large groups. I guess guess the theory of exposure therapy has, over time, made it a bit easier.
It's interesting then, that the fear I experienced being in front of a group speaking, didn't transfer when I was on stage acting or singing. Sure, I had a few nerves just before hand, but once the show got started, and my nerves and tunnel vision subsided, I was in my element. Maybe in part, it was because in most cases, there were other actors on the stage, or in the show as well. In addition, I was playing a character, and not standing on the stage as myself.
These past experiences with public exposure, always have me wondering how nude models feel, especially models who pose fully naked for a group full of strangers. On the surface, it may seem that once that robe comes off, they're not only completely naked, but vulnerable, giving control to the teacher and students. There's another theory though... one that flips the script a bit. This one suggests, that once that robe come off, the model actually assumes control. Of both the classroom, the every set of eyes within it.
Being center stage, especially completely nude, isn't for everyone, but for those who embrace the challenge, it can be incredibly powerful. For Petarious, model Peter Williams, posing center stage, on display and modeling nude for large groups of people, is a place he feels both safe and confident, a place where he belongs.
I was fortunate to have been pointed towards Peter's page on BlueSky by Roger from RMark Photography. I was instantly spellbound by Peter's elegant poses and the lines and incredible curves he created his beauteous body. I loved his blend of modern, stylized poses and classic male physique body positions. I quickly got in touch about his featuring his work. Although Peter has modeled for both artists and art classes, as well as photographers focused on the male form, I wanted to begin where it started for Peter, center stage at school, surrounded by a room full of art students.
What or who first led you to modeling?
I grew up going to art schools and studied Architecture and Art History in university. I attended many life drawing classes as an art student long before I got on the model's stand. But I always thought about trying it. After graduation and working professionally as an architectural designer I was looking for a creative outlet that didn't require the same task (drawing) which I did all day.
Art modeling was a great activity, because not only was a different way to use my body creatively, but it also paid decently, which I definitely needed to survive as a young creative in San Francisco trying to compete with all the inflated tech salaries around me.
Did you always plan on modeling nude?
Yes. From having been the artist myself, I understood that we generally prefer it and appreciate the generosity and vulnerability of a good nude model. I had also been intentionally training my body to match proportions based on the "Grecian Ideal", or proportions determined by averaging classical statues. I liked these as goals because it has a stopping point, it's not really about getting as big as possible, but rather achieving calculated proportions and then maintaining them.
When I first started modeling I was still a little insecure about my body, even though I had gotten super close to my goals. But something about using my body creatively and seeing it appear in other forms that I can reach out and touch has been very healing and reassuring. I feel very comfortable in my own skin now, and nude modeling definitely had something to do with that.
What came first, modeling for artists, or modeling for photographers?
Modeling for artists definitely came first. In some ways it is less risky in this internet age. Artists are generally rather shy about sharing their work, and even if a nude drawing ended up on the internet, which is forever, drawings are still once removed and didn't feel like a nude photo that would have an online life of its own. I had seen it done so many times before, and was very excited to give it a try.
Any memories that stand out from your time modeling for artists?
Definitely the time that I fainted. I was about 7 sessions (21 hours) into a rendition of Auguste Rodin's "Adam from The Gates of Hell" for a group of sculptors. If you know the pose, you'll know that it has a downward twisted neck posture, which inevitably must have cut off circulation to my brain! All I remember was getting nauseous and tunnel visioned before calling for a pause and passing out as I got off the model's stand. I was fine, but be very careful recreating Rodin poses - they are not for the faint of heart!
Check out more of my interview with Peter, and his work modeling for photographer Vintage Studio Art, on THE NEXT PAGE HERE:
2 comments:
I'm a past-middle-aged man who recently pushed himself to fulfill a longtime fear+desire and posed nude! It was powerful, in that it really was both something I wanted to do, but something I was terrified of. The power for me was facing and conquering that fear, and now I have the confidence to do it again. It was amazing, and it took a lot, but I'm very glad I did it.
Goodness...he's gorgeous!!! If you've got it, flaunt it! And he's certainly got it!!
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