"Interview with a Sepia Nude"

1. How did you come to the decision to model nude?

I was doing a theatrical performance with a company that was renting out a gallery space near Eric's studio to perform it. Eric asked one of my cast members to ask me if I would be interested in modeling. I met up with him, thought he was a cool guy and loved his artwork, so I said, “Yes”.

2. Did you contact the artist or did he approach you to model?
He approached me through a friend and then I approached him directly.

3. How did you go about telling your friends or family you were going to model nude?
I didn't tell my mom because she is very protective over me. But I did tell my sisters and my friends and they were all very supportive and actually a lot of them wanted to do it too.

4. What were some of their reactions to your experience?
They all wanted to see the portrait. Some went to the gallery to see Eric's work because the picture I kept sparked their interest in his work. A lot of people thought they couldn't do it or said they wouldn't want to because of someone seeing them naked or because they wouldn't want to see what other people saw in them.

5. How long was your modeling secession?
I think it was in between an hour and 2 hours, but I honestly can't remember.

6. Where you comfortable, for example hot or cold when you modeled?
I was very comfortable, but I also brought my own robe, slippers, blanket, and pillow to ensure that I stayed comfortable and could do any pose.

7. Did you have to hold a pose for a significant period of time?
I think I held one pose for around 30 minutes, but Eric let me move a little when I need to as long as I went back to the pose.

8. Models generally create the poses and sometimes are given suggestions by the artist. What was the case in your modeling session?
It was a little of both. I created some and with some others Eric more tweaked me than created a pose for me.

9. Where scars, pubic hair, tattoos, body shape or piercings an issue for your modeling secession?
I don't think so. I have a lot of scars and one tattoo. I don't mind them and I don't think Eric did either.

10. Where you comfortable modeling?
Completely, Eric and I pretty much joked around and/or talked about our lives the whole time.

11. What about Eric made you comfortable modeling for him?
He's down to earth and makes me laugh. Humor makes everything ok in my world.

12. Did you feel comfortable with your body image before you modeled?
Yeah.

13. Did modeling help your self-confidence?
I don't think so. In fact, I had the picture I kept framed and it is hung in my house for all to see.

14. How do you feel about your body since you have modeled nude?
I feel very confident in it.

15. What do you like most about your body?
It's funny, but I really like my backside. I also like the tone of my body.

16. Did you find modeling nude erotic?
No.

17. How do you feel about the paintings of you?
I am very proud of them.

18. How were you paid for your modeling secession?
By receiving a portrait in exchange.

19. How was it working with the artist?
Fun and relaxing.

20. From the model's perspective, what did you find most interesting about watching the artist paint?
How he chose the colors and being able to see myself through his eyes.