Spirited Bodies creates a sacred space for people to reconnect with their physical and spiritual selves through the medium of life modelling and drawing. Participants may be accepting and celebrating their bodies post-illness/pregnancy/operation, getting older, or marking a milestone that aligns with self-acceptance for example. The group are guided through the techniques and demands of life modelling and to create poses together (some guidance may also given for drawing). The aim is to honour our bodies and share in the liberation that nudity offers through this particular means.

A chance to free yourself and experience the liberation of shared nudity. We will let go of judging ourselves and each other, and honour ourselves with a compassionate gaze. Each person’s journey is unique, and participants have a chance to share their experience through talking afterwards which helps to debrief before going back into the world. Modelling is optional; you may come just to draw, and full nudity is not required for the modelling, it is up to individuals. This is a women only event and all are welcome who define themselves as women. We want to create a space which welcomes all women’s body types, including those of trans women. It is not always possible to be so open, as different groups have different needs. It is however important that women who were not born in a female body have spaces to be together with other women, so we collectively embrace the complete variety that women are. Gender is of course a much more varied beast than the binary model most of us grew up with. We want to actively challenge the dualistic convention and celebrate our differences, and yet a women’s space is still necessary in order to reconnect women together positively after such long oppression.

The workshop can be a meditative experience, with some stretching and breathing exercises plus a lot of stillness. Differently-abled people are welcome and we hope we can accommodate you. Everyone has their own way to pose, and we can help you find yours. Modelling places are limited for each event and an application procedure is required in any case to discover your intentions so we may understand what kind of group is coming together. No previous modelling or drawing experience is necessary. Poses last from 1 – 20 minutes and whilst new models are encouraged to challenge themselves, equally this is not an endurance test and we want you to be comfortable. We may suggest poses to you, but ultimately you choose. Please bring a robe to wear when not posing (this can be a dressing gown, loose dress or sarong for example). Some cushions will be provided, as well as drawing materials. Due to the nature of this work it is important that participants arrive by the start time as we will have to lock the doors then, and we do not want to interrupt the session with late arrivals.

Tickets are £15 and concessions are available, please ask. Payment also possible on arrival.

For any questions or to apply for a place please email Esther at info.spiritedbodies@gmail.com

If you are interested and can’t make this time, let us know for future.

Questionnaire for New Models ~ Spirited Bodies

Name:

Contact details:

Which gender do you identify as?

1. Have you done any life or other nude modelling before?

2. Why do you want to participate in Spirited Bodies?

3. Do you mind touching another model whilst posing e.g. holding hands?

4. Do you have any accessibility requirements?