I’ve practised art all my life, going to drawing classes and workshops. And, of course, this includes life drawing or drawing from live nude models. But I’ve also never considered what it is like to be the model.
I’ve taken it for granted, grateful that someone is brave enough to do that, grateful because it has really helped my drawing practice.
Last year, I had the opportunity to become involved in a photo shoot with an international artist, but it involved being naked, well and truly out of my comfort zone.
I thought long and hard about this, trying to decide whether I would, could, or should do it.
I mentioned it to a couple of close friends who were, to say the least, shocked, horrified even. So I stopped talking to people about it. I wanted this to be my decision. I didn’t want to be talked into it. and I didn’t want to be talked out of it. I wanted to do this as an experience for me.
I signed up over a year ago, and there was a first run; I wasn’t selected. I was disappointed.
Then I found out that it was the practise run and the main event was still to happen. Was I still interested?I decided to sign up to keep my options open. I could opt out anytime.
Some of you will have heard of Spencer Tunick. He is famous for photographing large crowds of naked people in very public, well-known places. This opportunity I had was to be part of his artwork on the Brisbane Story Bridge.
As the time drew nearer, I became more and more nervous about actually taking part. Could I go against ideas that I’ve been brought up with: being naked in public not part of what is “the right thing to do”!
We were advised that the event would go ahead even if it was raining, but I thought to myself, if it’s raining, I’m out. I’m not going to get out there and be cold, naked, and wet in public.
We were to meet at 3:00 in the morning just beside the Story Bridge. I set my alarm and had my gear packed and ready to go. When the alarm went off, I looked outside, and saw it was cloudy, not raining. OK, I might as well go.
I could still opt out.
15 minutes later, I was driving towards the city across a bridge, and the rain was just bucketing down! It was heavy, I had the windscreen wipers on full speed, and the traffic slowed down to a crawl.
But you can’t stop and turn around on a bridge, and by the time I reached the other side the rain had passed. Well, I thought, I’m halfway there now, I might as well go on.
I parked and started walking to the meeting when I saw a sign saying “warning naked people ahead.”
More and more people were coming together on the path. There was a jovial atmosphere; people were excited, chatting, some in groups, and some on their own.
At the check-in point, there were crowds of people all herding together into the preparation area. Even after checking in, I was thinking, I can still opt out.
From an organisational perspective, I was impressed with how it was organised.
Spencer briefed us on what to expect, where, and how we were to sit, stand, and lie down. Then we were sent to the waiting area where we could leave our belongings.
We were told to wait until we were called to get undressed and walk up onto the bridge. Well, some people weren’t waiting for that, were they?
Then we get the call – it’s crunch time.
There’s still time to opt out, but by this stage. I knew people, I had made new ‘friends’. We had been chatting, and suddenly, all around me, people were naked, and well, now I’m the odd one out!
A sort of peer pressure that is really interesting to be part of.
Naked, we walk up onto the bridge. I find a spot, we space out as directed, and follow the directions.
stand here – turn this way – face that way – don’t smile – sit down – lie down
It was crazy, the road was wet, we were lying on the bridge staring at the sky, bodies shaking from the cold.
But we got through it. People were supportive, there was this lovely atmosphere that everyone was equal, we were all going through the same thing, at the same time.
It was uncomfortable for all of us, and there was a sense of community in that. At the end this kind of elation went through the crowd.Then we had to go back to the dressing area, put our clothes on, and move to the next spot.
Well, that was another experience in itself.
We disrobed again and then walked along the river walk.
How wonderful it was!
By then, the sun was up, but it wasn’t hot. There was a gentle breeze, but it wasn’t cold. There were seven and a half thousand (I think) naked people, walking along the river walk together, waving at the ferries, and at the people in the units. There was this lovely atmosphere of everyone being friendly, happy, free, despite going through a quite gruelling and uncomfortable few hours.
Then it was finished, and we started putting our clothes back on.
We started to shut down. Suddenly, we look different. We weren’t part of the same community. We lost the camaraderie we had when we didn’t have our clothes on.
Things I learned
Number 1: I have soft feet and I’m not made for walking without shoes!
Number 2: I missed my phone. People were taking photos and sharing via social media. I wasn’t able to take part in any of that as I didn’t have my phone with me, so, no photos to share
Number 3: I am braver than I thought I was. I overcame my fear – I learned to not be afraid to give something different a try.
Next time you think you are too afraid – take a deep breath and think – It can’t be as crazy as lying naked on the Story Bridge.
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