A Busy Summer, by Howard Nowlan

Written by Howard Nowlan

Art Model Ginny





"For me there is a close connection between art and religion in the sense that both are concerned about questions of meaning - if not about the meaning of existence generally, then certainly about the meaning of one's individual life and how a person relates to his or her total community/environment". Freeman Patterson




It truly is wonderful to live in a place, where, at least for a few months every year, the sun causes nature to put on her best and allows you to go out and inter-act with that marvel. It's certainly improved upon when you find yourself blessed to be working with a group of friends and artists who feel as passionate about that inter-action as yourself, and that has certainly been the case this year.

I've always enjoyed working with others - both photographers and models - who understand there's something truly special, meaningful, about capturing the natural nude; the female form adorned either by the landscape or arrayed with natural light. This year has furnished several very wonderful moments to do just that.

Working with my associate, Julie Morrish, and masters like Imagesse and Laurie Jeffery, has once again allowed myself and other growing photographers, like Tom to employ the likes of Ginny, Allegra, Erin and, of course, Magenta on a range of shoots that have gleaned some truly worthwhile results...

Art Model Ginny
The May workshop

















Art Model Erin
The Exmoor Workshop























Art Model Magenta
The Exmoor Workshop








There's something truly unique about awaking on a day when you know that the aim of that day is to create images like these - especially, as was the case for the Exmoor shoot, when you venture to some new location to be ready to shoot early the next day.

As we sat in a cabin late in the evening on the Moor itself, the little electric generator buzzing away to give us light, we all knew that the next morning would be a very special time, when, in those hours which gently form between night and day, we would truly engage with a moment of serenity. Such moments truly enrich us deeply.
















Art Model Erin









The other joy is making connections with other artists. There's such a gift in 'tasting' of and sharing each others creativity in such projects, allowing moments of deep warmth, humor, and overwhelming beauty and causing you to really value the gifts we have and how these can inter-connect and blend to bring a deeper richness and quality to such work. I've truly enjoyed working with these friends this year, and I'm hoping that many of us will enjoy further ventures together before the summer is over...


















Art Model Magenta




The Workshop Videos can be viewed here:
Ginny - the May Workshop: http://www.missonline.com/video/serenity-1
Erin, Allegra and Magenta - the Exmoor Workshop: http://www.missonline.com/video/everglow-1
Wind Shadow with Magenta -
http://web.mac.com/howardbabcom/iWeb/Howard%20Nowlan%20Lightworks/Windshadow.html


I have also been busy on one other project, which I'm pleased to say has now been brought to completion....








For some time, I've been slowly compiling images from the last seven years that I consider to be some of my best work in this field.

I'm please to say these have now been published in my first true book for the general market...

Gentle Upon the Eye is now available
to purchase in several different formats through Blurb.com.

Howard Nowlan

Magenta's Interview, by Howard Nowlan

An Interview with Art Model Magenta

"Never feel you have to do anything against your own values and dignity. Don't be afraid to be yourself, be honest and value your own integrity."

Magenta

by Howard Nowlan,
UdA Art Editor

One of the real joys of working in this field is that of meeting other artists - photographers and models - who are involved wholeheartedly because they share a common passion to convey something of the splendor and beauty which surrounds us.

Almost four years ago, I was privileged to begin a very special artistic association with a very special model. Since that time, Magenta has developed her own creative skills in a variety of ways, including beginning to become a competent photographer in her own right.

Following a recent shoot together, we reviewed some of her recent work and future hopes to provide something of an introduction/update for UdA.

by Alex Ingram -
"The Womb of Nature"

How have things developed for you as a model, and in life generally, over the last few years ?

Where do I begin ! Well, to keep it short (and sweet ?), I have always loved drama and have sought to put a diploma in performing arts to good use in my creative/artistic endeavors. I just wish I had more time to perform as well as everything else.

The focus of much of my art, performing, make-up, body painting, hairstyling, dressmaking, and employing of creative ideas, has become my modeling.
Life just would not be the same without it.

by Perry (Imagesse) -
"Both Sides Now"

"I had the pleasure of working with Magenta yesterday - what a bundle of creative energy she is ! A very warm, friendly person with a brilliant, positive attitude. Definitely not a typical model, Magenta is an artist with a chameleon like quality that cannot fail to inspire. Despite the fact that I dragged her on a yomp across the wilds of Dartmoor on a very windy day, she never stopped smiling and worked really hard to produce the desired results. A very enjoyable collaboration all round." Perry.

by Laurie Jeffery -
"Interaction"




The other key development has been working behind the camera, developing my skills in fashion, figure and social (weddings & portraiture) photography, taking and editing my work.

This has all allowed me to really engage with my art in a rich and diverse fashion, and become a creative consultant for Unison Photo Arts, working alongside Howard Nowlan and various models on numerous projects.

All this has to happen alongside the day job! I'm currently working through a qualification in Palliative and general care, as well as a 36 hour week in this field, so it's a case of working hard in all that I do.

by Russ Freeman
"Covered In Muddy Clay"

How would you say that creativity has enriched your life ?

It's such a joy to be a part of all this.

Creativity gives me a true sense of freedom, of being inspired and invigorated, that no 9-5 job usually offers. It enriches my life through the people I have the pleasure to work with (who are often as wonderfully crazy as me !).

I am very thankful to artists such as Laurie Jeffery and Alex Ingram for opportunities to expand in this field, and to local artists such as Maureen Douglas-Green. They have all helped fuel my own particular growth and interaction with this field.

That is what creativity allows : a true enriching of ourselves and life in general.

by Howard Nowlan
"Interior"

Your creative expression has certainly flourished in the last few years. What do you most enjoy in these fields ? Is there any particular desire or aspect of yourself which motivates and generates a common aim in all these diverse expressions of your passion to create ?

I think what drives me the most is aiming towards the end result. There's immense satisfaction in taking an idea from being just a thought to giving it full expression through art, even if that means using all of my (and others') skills to get there! Without bringing all the different skills and talents together, there simply would no beauty of this kind - that's what drives me.

by Perry (Imagesse)
"Chrysalis"

What do you feel are the particular strengths that you bring to a project ?

Well, I think first would be a determination to see things through. Several of the projects over the last few years have been fairly long term, involving weeks, even months, of work in my free time to create a look, a costume, some choreography, and that's long before facing a camera. Employing such skills also often opens opportunities to learn new things, meet new people and experience something unexpected in this field, which is usually challenging but fun.

by Perry (Imagesse)
"Pining Away"

by Russ Freeman

What things, on those, gray, wet days, inspire you ? What music or art do you enjoy ?

Too many to list ! I am a lover of life, so even on the dullest day, there can be things that make you realize just how amazing it is to be here.


What is it you look back on over the last year or so that has allowed you to become more enriched or perhaps has taught you something valuable ?

I'm fortunate to have a very supportive partner in all that I'm doing, who is there for me and is teaching me, patiently, that I'm not super-human (!), and sometimes I have to say no and not take on too much. That's a good, but sometimes hard lesson to learn.

by Laurie Jeffery
"Plymouth"

How is 2010 looking for you ?

Well, there are several potential Unison art projects already in the works, and I'm hoping to complete some of my own solo ideas this year. Upgrading my digital camera is pretty close to the top of the list ! Hopefully, my modeling will continue to be a highly creative force as well.

by Perry (Imagesse)
"Pillar to Post"

Your experiences within the modeling field have been pretty diverse, so how do you look upon this field now, and how would you advise others that are just starting or considering this for themselves ?

Research is key ! Always be sure it's good and safe to work with someone first, and cross-reference with others (models and photographers) in the field to verify this if you're not sure. Never feel you have to do anything against your own values and dignity. Don't be afraid to be yourself, be honest and value your own integrity.

by Howard Nowlan

Make sure that you work with people who are equally trustworthy and honest, who want the best for you, and avoid those who are merely seeking to exploit.

It's when you're working in those fields that you can truly have fun, enjoy the work, and enlarge your own engagement with creativity.

Magenta



By Howard Nowlan

Natasha Himpson, by Howard Nowlan

"An embodied person is a free being revealed in the flesh. When we speak of a beautiful body, we are referring to the beautiful embodiment of a person, and not merely about a body considered as such."

Roger Scruton on Beauty

An Interview with Art Model Natasha Himpson

by Howard Nowlan
Contributing Editor

Any photographer who has worked in this field for any time will know that is replete with moments filled with wonder, connection, discernment, and, amidst the joy of working with fellow artists, mutual delight in such an array of these meaningful discoveries.

For many of us, this journey really takes form when we work with our first model - something which happened for me on a remote Cornish beach in 2002.

The model was Natasha Himpson, and that first session, financed and mentored by my late wife, well and truly opened the gateway to creating my own particular work in the fine art field.

I lost contact with Natasha in 2004, whilst both of our lives went through a turbulent period, but this year, she decided to return to modeling once more, and hunted me down through the internet. We have now commenced working together once again, so it is with great delight that I introduce you to her here...

Tell us a little about yourself.

Well, I have been modeling for 12 years (minus a 4 year break) - which has made me feel somewhat new to the industry all over again (laughs). I am South African born but have been living in the UK for 10 years now. I love traveling, I have been to China, Egypt, Tunisia, Bulgaria, America, France, Dominican Rep, all over the UK and Southern Africa too. I am a naturist whenever the weather permits and really love spending time outdoors. I also enjoy reading, painting and spending time with my family.







What brought you to modeling?

I started modeling in South Africa when I was 17. I have recently returned to modelling on a part-time basis after becoming a mother. I suppose I have always been attracted to the industry because I truly enjoy being part of such a creative proccess and I really enjoy expressing myself in the work produced between the photographer and me.



When did you first become involved in fine art figure work?

I became a figure model in South Africa when I was 18. I mostly worked with painters as a life model although I did do a few figure shoots. I liked working as a photographic model more because you get to move around and try new things all the time. With digital cameras these days, there's also an element of instant gratification which enables you to view and develop ideas that appear to work well.


How have you found the modeling experience so far?

Overall, I find modeling an outlet for my creativity and enjoy the experience immensly. Before I took the break from modeling, I was finding the glamor / fashion side of the industry somewhat tiresome. I decided that upon returning to modeling that I would try to stick to more creative and artistic ventures.








What have you most enjoyed and most disliked about being a model?


I find modelling most rewarding when both myself and the photographer are in persuit of a common artistic goal. Being able to bounce off of one another and share ideas builds inter-action and enjoyment which relaxes both parties and cannot really fail to yield positive results.


I dislike the stigmas that are attatched to the naked form. I think the human body really is something to behold and that the ability to capture it's essence is a gift. So mostly I dislike the narrow mindedness that surrounds the work that I do.


If you could work anywhere, are there any particular shoots you would like to do, or any particular locations you'd like to use?




I enjoy any outdoor location work, I feel that nature and figure work go hand in hand. I would love to work in any naturally stunning locations as they can only enhance the image.
In particular, I would like to try a desert shoot, a snow shoot and a waterfall shoot at some point...
I also really like the idea of multi media type work, so combining bodypainting with photography can look good also.


You have recently returned to modeling after a break to begin a family. How have you found your first shoots back in front of a camera?

It was really daunting at first. After having a baby, I had a great deal of body hang ups as well as insecurities that I was 'beyond it' in age and out of practice. I think though that the right choice of photographer on my initial shoot made all the difference to my outlook and has helped me ease back into what I love doing without any set-backs.

What artists or photographers inspire you?

My favourite artists are Salvidor Dali, Botticelli, Monet, Gustav Klimt, and so on.

My favourite photographers are Man Ray, Helmut Newton, Ansel Adams and of course I am constantly inspired by the photographers that I work with (smiles).

I'm also inspired by music though I find music can drastically alter the mood and affect the type of poses and feel of the images created.


Where do you feel your own modeling strengths lie?

Having studied art myself for 4 years, I feel that my main strength lies in the fact that I do have a genuine interest in helping the photographer achieve the image he or she is looking to create. From a superficial point of view I feel that my look is more classical and not glamour which lends itself to the type of work that interests me.










Do you have any particular aims for your work in this field for the future?

My most important aim is to enjoy the work I do, to produce images that I can be proud of and to help the photographers that I work with realize their objectives. I don't think you can ask for more than that.






Are there any particular projects on the horizon?

I have few offers in the pipeline and am currently working on a project which is a recreation of some paintings in the style of a famous painter.








Do you find your involvement in the field enhances your own appreciation of art or beauty in any particular ways?

Absolutely. I never realized the potency and affect that light has on images before getting involved in photography. It still amazes me how drastically you can change an image by adjusting the lighting just slightly.

As for beauty, I think it surrounds all the time and the that the art of photography is in the ability to capture those moments.

I've noticed that you really seem to enjoy your work (lots of smiles and laughter). What aspects of a photo shoot are key for you?

I think it's important to be comfortable in your environment and comfortable with the photographer. The moment you feel begin to feel unhappy about either, you don't relax and it really shows on the images. I also always try to portray the feeling of the moment in my eyes, it's no good being in the pose of an ancient goddess while thinking about what you need to get from the stores after the shoot.

"Sunlight"

If you could give any advice to new models in the business, what would it be?

1. Stay safe.

2. Enjoy yourself.

I also found that even a small amount of photographic experience can really help gain a better understanding of the way lighting, form and composition work, which will in turn help to produce better images and will mean you'll need less direction from the photographer.

Many thanks, Natasha, and I look forward to working with you again soon.

All images by Howard Nowlan

Summer trails (and trials !), by Howard Nowlan

Summer Trails and Trials in England

by Howard Nowlan (Unison Photo Arts)
UdA Art Editor

"Connection, when expressed in an image, is deep and true."

Jock Sturges

"Breaking Light"
Art Model Joceline Brooke-Hamilton




It's always a challenge working in England. This summer, for example, the sun pretty well refused to shine through most of July and August, making it feel, aside from the temperature, that we jumped pretty much from Spring to early winter!

As someone whose first love is the nude in the landscape, this causes several quiet moments of frustration, as once again, you find yourself limited to working with a model in a pretty confined space, trying to create something new, when your heart is yearning to get out amongst the wide spaces of the coast or the moors.

This frustration hit a high mark this month (that story is coming), but thankfully, the summer here usually starts in June, and the 'blanket' of gray forgot that this year...

"Twixt Earth & Sky"
Art Model Magenta

June proved to be the gem of the season, allowing Magenta, Joceline, and I to work together over a few days of truly glorious weather.



Teaming up with some other photographers for most of this, we were able to engage in a small run of shoots along parts of the North Cornish coast and across an area of the bleak but stunning Bodmin Moor.




"Vibrance"
Art Model Joceline

















A week later, and the sun was still keeping Magenta and I busy, this time once again close to the moors amidst some of the splendid wooded valleys of the region.

"G O L I T H A"
Art Model Magenta

Of course, it wouldn't last, so when the first model I ever worked with, Natasha Himpson, tracked me down last month to work with me again, Magenta and I knew it would be back to the studio.





"Twist"
Art Model Natasha



It was superb to work with this wonderful young lady once again after almost five years. Natasha is now returning to modeling, so I hope to have more about her here in the near future.

And so, to the big (bad weather) story.

Magenta and I have been planning all summer for a major outdoor shoot with at least one other model. At first, it looked as though we might be able to do this in the South of France, but events worked against that, so we settled upon a camping trip in Cornwall. Joceline was keen for a return trip, so we put together a one day workshop for a small group of photographers on outdoor nude photography in the midst of the trip.





"Still"
Art Model Joceline




The weather literally turned some 36 hours before the off, meaning I had to re-work the entire workshop day into an indoor event (quickly finding a venue we could hire and use) and canceling the camping trip.

Well, the week away never happened, but the workshop proved to be a true success...

The one good thing about all the poor weather is that it's given me lots of time to work on my new project - a very special 'coffee table' book of the very best of my nude photography over the last five years...more about that next time !

Howard Nowlan ©

Joceline Brooke-Hamilton' interview, by Howard Nowlan

by Howard Nowlan (Unison Photo Arts)
UdA Art Editor

The field of arts photography is so often a delight to inhabit simply because of the people you encounter here.
Some years ago, when all this was very new to me, I heard of a model who had received some very favorable interest from some UK photographers who I admired, and to my great joy, I soon had an opportunity to work with her.

We have recently enjoyed working together again, so let me introduce you to this splendid and enchanting young lady : Joceline

What gave you an interest in this field ?

I grew up wanting to be a ballet dancer. I trained very seriously, but got far too tall.

So at 18, I went to drama school in London, and then worked as a classical actress, doing lots of Shakespeare tours and Greek Tragedy. I didn't like the way I looked much, so I never considered being a model, but I always loved photography.

So how did you make your way into modeling ?

I was a poverty-stricken actor, and I couldn't afford to have my head shots re-done. I'd been approached by professional photographers in the street a few times, and I wondered if one of them might possibly do my shots for free if I offered to pose for something they needed to shoot. The first one I tried said "yes," but only if I'd shoot some art-nude because he struggled to find models who'd do that. I was delighted! And he turned out to be a really, fabulous photographer, with a big studio and a list of commercial clients. He got me my first paid job, which was a shoot for a British jewelry firm.

And as it happens, he forgot to shoot any art-nude on our first session, we got so carried away with other ideas.

Was nude work part of your modeling career from the start, and if not, how did you become involved in the field ?

As an actress, I'd already worked nude (I even did a couple of sex scenes for TV dramas and a short film) so it didn't really seem like an issue. I assumed that it was part of modelling, but what I didn't know was that there was a whole genre dedicated to artistic depictions of nudity. That was a wonderful surprise, and I started doing nude-in-landscape shoots in my first month as a professional model, even though it was December, and I was working in England and Scotland !

by Laurie Jeffery

How have you found the modeling experience so far ?

It's such a horrible cliché, but I think I'm grateful every day for the job I get to do. As soon as I did my first shoot I knew I'd found something I really loved to do, and it was a lovely shock to find out that I could make a living from something so fun. I've been very lucky in that I've had a chance to work in a wide variety of styles, which has made my life a lot more interesting.
And one of the best things about my job is that I get to travel all over the place. Lots of people travel for work, but a lot of them will have to stay in cities and see the inside of conference rooms all day. I get taken to the most beautiful bits of whichever country I'm in, because photography often requires beautiful places! I'm very grateful for that. When I started modelling I expected photographers to maybe be a bit unpleasant and predatory. And I think I was a bit scared of the other models too. It's been a rather incredible surprise to find a community of liberal, clever, creative people instead . So I've found the whole experience of being a model pretty surprising and wonderful so far.

There is a marked difference between, for example, naturist imagery and fine art figure work.

Do you find ways to be individually creative in each of these fields, or are some shoots pretty defined before you begin ?

Some shoots are definitely pretty defined from the outset, which I have no problem with. It can be really nice to work with someone with a very strong vision. But a lot of my shoots are much more collaborative than that, with both me and the photographer coming up with ideas. I like to improvise, and try to find new poses and ideas for every shoot. That can be hard, especially in a studio, but it's one of the challenges that makes me love my job !

Are there any particular high or low points to date you'd like to mention ?

Wow, I did get to work in Botswana once! Posing with wild animals in the distance was a pretty high point, though it wasn't exactly relaxing. I was lying in a tree at one point, and I suddenly thought 'Don't panthers live in trees here ?' It was a very unhelpful thought. But quite often the best moments just come from being with the right people. Just like in life generally, I suppose.






by Laurie Jeffery




Are there any particular shoots you would like to do, or any particular locations you'd like to use ?

There are always new things I want to do. I go through phases, but at the moment I'd love to explore shooting artistic nude images with high-fashion styling. I've not seen many examples of what I mean, but I sometimes think it's a shame that most of the best stylists and photographers work in the field of fashion because that's where the money is. But it'd be great if they'd let me do some high-fashion-nude work with them.
Oh, and I want to try some really powerful-looking political-propaganda type nudes. That sounds weird. But I know what I mean! Location-wise, I just want to keep going to new, beautiful places. They don't have to be exotic, some of the best places I've shot at have been in England. And I love derelict buildings. They're hard to find in England, but there's something so atmospheric about a lot of them.


What Artists or Photographers inspire you ?

I loved Helmut Newton's work (along with the rest of the world, I think) and I also like Bob Carlos Clarke, mainly because he managed to make such explicit images look quite classy ! But there are loads of photographers and artists who aren't hugely famous, but are so talented. It's hard to get famous in this field, I think. So Alex Ingram, who was one of my first photographers, inspires me. He's just so technically skilled, and he's taught me such a lot about how to make good pictures. I see differently because of him, and that's inspiring.


Where do you feel your own modeling strengths lie ?

This is tricky, because I'm a bit self-critical. I'd be able to give you a list of weaknesses, but I don't want to draw peoples' attention to them! I wonder if maybe not falling in love with my work too easily is a strength though, because I get disappointed with myself if I do boring poses, and I notice if I didn't relate to my surroundings very well. I think always trying to aim higher is maybe my strength. And having a dance background is always a good thing in modeling, I think.

You have always struck me as a very creative and inspired model. Are there particular sources in your own life which create such natural charm in front of the camera ?

Well, thank you! I think I'm quite lucky that I had the chance to train as a dancer, and then as an actress. As a model, I often create a character in my head and maybe even tell myself a story while I'm working. I hope that might sometimes come across in my pictures – a desire to create a feeling, not just a pretty picture.


What do you think you'll be doing in this field in the next few years ?

I'd love to carry on modeling. I think all models are aware of getting older, and maybe being less desirable as a model, but if I get the chance, I'd love to carry on for long enough to see how the sort of pictures I create with photographers will change as I develop. I've been modelling for 5 years, and I can already see phases that I went through, when I saw beauty in certain things and took the sort of work that reflected that. Year by year that changes, and I'd love to see what sort of work I'm doing in 10 years. I hope I get the chance !


If you could give any advice to new models in the business, what would it be ?




First of all, be safety conscious. It's such a boring thing to say, sorry, but traveling round the world on your own, to go and work with people who've chosen you because of what you look like naked IS potentially hazardous.

I was once working in up-state New York and got locked in my bedroom at a photographer's house. I assumed he was trying to abduct me, and realised that no one knew where I was. It turned out that the lock had just jammed, but it made me think a bit more carefully.

Other than that, I suppose I'd say don't let anyone else take control of the sort of work you do.

That includes boyfriends, agents, people who want to manage you. Support from other people can be great, but you should make your own decisions about style of work, the fee you charge, and EVERYTHING else. Someone tried to get me to have breast implants when I first started modeling, and I also got trapped into having all my hair dyed red and white. I'm much stricter now!

THE C R O W

An Artistic Collaboration, by Unison Model, Magenta,
featuring Magenta & Joceline Brooke-Hamilton, photographed by Howard Nowlan.

View the production : here