One of the most prototypical scenes that come to mind when thinking about what it means to be an ‘art student’ is the image of a white walled studio filled with eager, yet somewhat paint splattered art kids staring with odd enthusiasm at a nude posing adult, all whilst surrounded by huge, teetering easels.
As an art student myself, I decided that participating in one of these classes would be a beneficial experience to bulk up both my portfolio and my art skills. My first session proved to be a great and interesting experience, there was a wide variety of tasks and ‘gallery opportunities’, and afterwards I even had the pleasure of talking to the model himself; Barry McGerr. This professional life model gave me an insight as to his involvement in the life modelling world, telling me reminiscently of the first time he saw a drawing of a life model in his daughter’s A-level art sketchbook, which peaked his interest and motivated him to launch his career. He recognised the model in her drawing and resolved to get involved with the industry himself, and as of now, has been in the profession for 9 academic years.
“I still remember my first job,” Barry revisits being late to the private art studio and having to rush to get changed, before facing a series of challenging poses from the famous painting ‘Raft of the Medusa’, which he admits was “very challenging for me and them [the students] as well”.
Since then, Barry has gone on to do several more classes where he poses as characters in the famous painting and he has become accustomed to the shapes they create.
“A benefit of art modelling is meeting interesting people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities” Barry tells me. He has also had the privilege of modelling in some peculiar and remarkable places that would not be accessible to the general public, as he even modelled for the statue of Sir Nigel Gresley that sits outside King’s Cross Station!
Inspiring and enriching, my talk with Barry was one to remember. Life modelling is a fascinating career path to follow, and it’s not all that easy, as even Barry confesses that he sometimes experiences “physical pain [from] standing still.” We should commend those that give up their time for students and artists alike, working to improve their skill and stretch their abilities.
