allio art

Academic Gestures

hypothetical theoretical expressive process for illustration of the human form

Faith Eikos - life model and nude muse

By definition academic gestures are hypothetical or theoretical expressive movements. They are a basic tool and significant element in the process of dedicated artistic training and instruction in the illustration of the human form. In the traditional artistic sense, a life model only moves between poses. Movement is neither expected nor allowed as a live art model strikes a motionless pose for times as brief as 30-second gestures or extended into hours for the full life model experience.

 

For the uninitiated, the process of gesture modeling is replete with misconceptions and to the naive the process of gesture posing is as easy to dismiss as scholarly efforts in the traditional arts. Probably the most common underestimation in academic gestures is that posing is effortless. If you presume that the concept of artistic posing is easy, simplistic, or even mundane, then just attempt holding one limb in an unsupported position for two minutes without waivering. Do it! Do it for just one minute. Time it and you will quickly come to appreciate the physical and mental powers posessed and exemplified by a skilled life model. Now, multiply the fatigue and tension you feel by all of the muscles in your body. Then for an added ingredient of reality, present your physical imperfections fully exposed to a studio of intent and demanding artists.

As the synthesis for this photo essay began, professional model Faith Eikos displayed her purpose, focus, and determination by training both mentally and physically for the personal challenge. Although Faith is an established and successfully published talent, until this point she had never been in a situation where she would be expected to perform the basics of figure posing - establishing and holding her body in a fixed position for a timed two-minutes. Her expressed goal was to fully experience the fundamentals of life modeling.

As the production session began for this photo essay and the pre-determined gestures were set and held, Faith disguised the difficult task with professional aplomb. Art may be a collaborative and inclusive process, but as both the model and photographer reconfirmed, uninterrupted quiet encourages a professional learning and working environment where intense concentration is a prerequsite for success.

This ten-image photo essay is presented for your critique. Model commentary accompanies each academic gesture.