What is EVERY BODY: Community Life Drawing Circle?
EVERY BODY is a community project in the Folkestone and Dover area. It was set up by Laura J Brown (www.instagram.com/incalculable_artsncrafts) and Holly Casio (www.instagram.com/hollycasio), local queer artists, and is currently facilitated by Laura. Whilst we are the organisers, this is an inclusive community project, and it’s not about us, it’s about everybody!
We are interested in representing bodies and identities that are not normally seen in mainstream culture and art spaces. Our ethos is to be inclusive, welcoming artists and models of all bodies and levels of experience.
Where do you hold your life drawing sessions?
Currently our regular sessions are held at Sunflower House, 45 Foord Rd, Folkestone CT19 5AE, and we have occasional sessions at Fourth Wall Folkestone, 48 The Old High Street, Folkestone, England, CT20 1RN. We are committed to working with inclusive and accessible venues. Our main venue, Sunflower House, is a community focussed centre whose ethos is well-aligned with our own. It is accessible to wheelchair users and toilets are gender neutral during our sessions (including the more spacious disability-friendly bathroom). Unfortunately, Fourth Wall is on a steep street which is cobbled an uneven. There is a step up into the space, and although it is on one level and the floors are flat and even, the doors are narrow therefore we regret that there is no wheelchair access to this venue.
What is the session format?
● We ask models to arrive promptly (we will normally be there about 15 minutes before the session starts).
● Model time is around 2 hours including a 10-15 min break.
● Pose lengths are usually between 1-20 minutes. Longer poses are also possible and we recommend comfortable positions for longer poses (e.g. lying down).
● Our regular sessions normally run on the last Thursday of every other month, from 7-9pm.
The aim of these classes is for people to enjoy an evening of creativity in a friendly, relaxed and social environment.
Do I get paid?
Yes of course! The pay rate for the life drawing sessions is £25p/h (£50 for the 2 hours). We welcome those who have never modelled before as well as more experienced life models. Payment is made after the event on receipt of an invoice.
Does the modelling have to be nude?
This is not a requirement, and many artists enjoy drawing models in different outfits. You can choose to be nude, semi nude (e.g. underwear, swimwear) or clothed (e.g. a form fitting outfit, costume, performer outfit), or a combination thereof. The most important thing is that you are comfortable.
