stand still.

No one ever asked me to stand still, but after a couple of years in the art modeling industry, I've become a pro at it. On September 16th, 2023, I had the incredible opportunity to model at Seed to Table’s Basel—a vibrant event featuring live music, a fashion show, and on-the-spot painting.

As the accompanying photo should reveal (fingers crossed it uploaded correctly!), I had the honor of being one of the art models for Marvin D. Rouse. Working with Marvin was an exhilarating experience! Although art modeling—also known as figure modeling—comes with its challenges, it's one of my favorite forms of artistic expression. The practice may seem grueling, especially if you're prone to restlessness. Depending on the pose, holding your position for an extended period can become physically taxing.

What I especially love about long-pose modeling is its meditative quality. It's been instrumental in helping me hone my meditation skills. When I initially started in figure modeling, my mind was a whirlpool of scattered thoughts. Questions like, "Did I finish that assignment? Should I get pizza later? What's going through the artist’s mind?" would consume me.

However, with consistent practice in both long and short poses, I've learned the art of mental clarity and presence. Mastery of meditation is a goal I’m keen on achieving. The more I participate in events like these, the more opportunities seem to come my way. It's an exciting prospect!

I couldn't be more grateful for the experience and the chance to network. Marvin outdid himself by gifting me the painted dress and a signed print, elevating the entire night. His generosity and skill made standing still not just worthwhile, but a moment to cherish.