"Interview with Chocolate Nude"

1. How did you come to the decision to model nude?
I saw some paintings from the Sepia Nude series displayed at Artspace and I was so drawn to the artistry that I began considering modeling. I loved Eric's work and wanted one of my very own!

2. Did you contact the artist or did he approach you to model?
I contacted the artist.

3. How did you go about telling your friends or family you were going to model nude?
I told very few people initially, but I did run it by my husband. I don't think he was thrilled about the idea, but he trusted my judgment. Once the work was done I shared it with my closest friends and let everyone else "stumble" on it when they peeped into my bedroom.

4. What were some of their reactions to your experience?
Everyone thought the work was beautiful. Some of my female friends wanted to know how they could get one too!

5. How long was your modeling secession?
Maybe a couple of hours... but it went by fast.

6. Where you comfortable, for example hot or cold when you modeled?
I was very comfortable. Eric made sure the windows in his studio were well-covered and that the temperature was comfortable for me.

7. Did you have to hold a pose for a significant period of time?
I tried to select poses that I could hold for awhile if needed, but I don't remember being in any of them too long.

8. Models generally create the poses and sometimes are given suggestions by the artist. What was the case in your modeling session?
I came up with most of the poses. Again, it was about comfort in every way. While I was fully nude, there were some poses that I didn't feel comfortable in and so I didn't do them and Eric didn't suggest them either. He was incredibly conscious of keeping me comfortable.

9. Where scars, pubic hair, tattoos, body shape or piercings an issue for your modeling secession?
Part of the reason I decided to pose was in an effort to remind myself that my body was beautiful just as it was, tattoos, undesirable body fat and all. So yes, there were some things I felt self-conscious about initially, but it eventually become easier to be so fully exposed.

10. Where you comfortable modeling?
Yes... very.

11. What about Eric made you comfortable modeling for him?
He never made comments about my body. He allowed me to bring music to play that I enjoyed. He made sure the windows were covered and that I was warm. We also talked the entire time, sort of like how my male gynecologist does... I suppose it was a great way to distract me!

12. Did you feel comfortable with your body image before you modeled?
I was becoming comfortable.

13. Did modeling help your self-confidence?
Yes. I felt gorgeous after seeing his interpretation of my body in the paintings. And then too, in my experience, I realized that the human body didn't have to be over-sexualized. It could be appreciated for its beauty, as a true piece of art.

14. How do you feel about your body since you have modeled nude?
It's still a process of learning to love it as it changes.

15. What do you like most about your body?
My skin, my complexion.

16. Did you find modeling nude erotic?
Not the experience, but seeing the paintings was.

17. How do you feel about the paintings of you?
I LOVE them!

18. How were you paid for your modeling secession?
Eric gave me a painting in exchange for modeling. He kept the others to sale.

19. How was it working with the artist?
Very professional and warm.

20. From the model's perspective, what did you find most interesting about watching the artist paint?
He was quick! He turned about 6 paintings during our session. I was so surprised at how quick he worked and how beautiful his quick work was!