A new acquaintance of mine came by the gallery yesterday with a friend of his, and after the three of us chatted for a little while about, "Demons & Monsters" (the current exhibition on display at 1 lb.), we segued to a brief convo about my self-portraits. Somewhere in the midst of the new discussion, the acquaintance of mine asked (in such a shy and quiet voice, that it was almost inaudible), "So, is there a reason for why you pose nude as often as you do?". Without hesitation, I replied, "Cuz wearing nothing, is the easiest costume"…which apparently was not at all the answer that he'd expected to hear.
And although that isn't the only reason that I pose naked in my self-portraits (as my new friend had correctly implied), lately it has felt like more times than not - I've opted out of donning any of the many different outfits that I do still make sure to bring along on my shoots - for the sake of expediency, and in an effort to not fritter away precious time on (oftentimes elaborate) costume, make-up and character changes…
So today, when out of curiosity I went to The Big Ugly to check out the sitch, I scrolled down the first page that's up right now, and realized that in every post except for the very last one, I am in fact nakey - uhhhh, whoops…Right away I knew that it might be time to switch things up a bit here on the blog, and luckily - after a really nice afternoon of shooting on Monday, I've come to this entry equipped with pics. that will allow me to break the naked streak! Right? I mean…these pictures do count…do they not?
Oh! And Thanks sooooooo much to my friend and her father, who gave me permission to take selfpics in their immaculate barn, while the most delectable, late afternoon, autumn sunlight streamed in through each and every doorway and window…I enjoyed myself immensely, and I can't tell you how much I appreciate that!
Holy cow, I almost didn't recognize you with all those clothes on!
ReplyDeleteI also often get asked why I'm naked in online. I can't always answer the question adequately - but it's like I say on my blog - some people write, others make music or paint. I choose to bare my human form as a means of self-expression.
There is an intimate truth in self-portraiture that is unlike any other. A truth with curves, autonomy and defiance. And when I made the decision to also bare my face, it was truth that for me, finally and unapologetically, also embraced personal freedom.
I would love to hear your personal point-of-view on the subject though, if you ever care to discuss.
@Ella - I KNOW! It felt strange to be so covered up in these pics., HAHA!!!
DeleteI am serious though, when I say that my naked body is the easiest costume to wear - but there's definitely more to being nude in my selfpics than just that…I'd be lying if I said that shock factor wasn't a part of it, or that I wasn't playing to the whole "sex sells" thing…but I also feel like being naked in my pics. adds an element of vulnerability, both literally and figuratively - especially when my body is contrasted with the oftentimes harsh environments in which I pose...
The light in these pictures is so fantastic, and I love the second one, which shows all of your delectable figure whilst covering it quite demurely. Great shot.
ReplyDeleteThe first one feels a bit off balance to me but that is probably just my rather conservative nature talking.
@Raymond - The light pouring into this barn, was positively exquisite! Yeah, I kinda know what you're talking about with the 2nd pic….it seems sort of distorted or proportionally off, or something…probably the result of an odd choice of camera angle...
DeleteBeautiful images! I think the second one is a good example of how your garment choice enhances the image greatly, the way it drapes over you with light is fantastic. I totally agree on nudity being the easiest costume though! :)
ReplyDeletexxPenny
@Penny - Yeah, see? You get it, don't you Penny - a girl after my own heart!!!
DeleteAs you know I'm a big fan of the naked - but I do really like the diaphanous look too! The light shining through this outfit is simply superb :)
ReplyDeletexx Dee
@Dee - "Diaphanous" is one of my all time favorite words!
DeleteIt's funny, cuz even though you can pretty much see everything there is to see, even while I am still technically "clothed" - I do think that by wearing anything at all, something is still left up to the imagination of the viewer…which certain readers have told me they prefer, over when I go the straight nude route.