True artists are constantly honing their skills to become more developed in their trades. Today I had the privilege of posing nude for 7 artists (most of which were tattoo artists). My good friend Kim White of White Tiger Art Studio in High River invited me to model for this weeks ago, so I booked the time off to accommodate her request.
I went first to hair and makeup at my lovely stylist, Tara Carter’s place. We did a brown smokey eye with purple lips, and the hair hung down in soft curls. I made my way to Immaculate Concept for my art session with the team.
When I arrived I got changed in the back room and dressed in my pink, silk robe. Some of you may not know but there is an etiquette to posing nude, and it is as follows:
1. Remain clothed (robe closed) at all times when not placed on podium or during any announced “break”. It is distasteful to flaunt your nudity outside your given area.
2. Don’t move, speak, fidget
3. Don’t make eye contact. Find an inanimate object and focus on that instead.
4. For the love of god, don’t fart. You’re naked. All your flaws are already being bared, we don’t need you passing gas or they might as well put a beer in your hand and a tray of deep fried Oreos and call this “hillbilly-chic art”
5. In conclusion, remain classy at all times.

I met all the artists and we got to work. Starting with 30 Second poses, up to 2 mins, then 5mins, 10mins, and finishing off with 2-30minute poses. It’s so surreal, one artist says “go!” And silence takes over the room, the only sounds are the etching of pencils and charcoal, the occasional “snap” of a pencil led followed by a hushed curse before the afflicted artist replaces the pencil with a backup.

This may sound simple to you. But let me assure you, Holding a pose for 5 minutes is hard. Holding one for 10mins your head becomes 10lbs heavier and your arms feel like they’ll fall off. At 20mins the pins and needles feeling has gone to the extent that you lose all feeling in your fingers. I made the mistake of doing a difficult pose for the first 30min section. I asked how much time was left and John said “1minute 20secs” I let out a sigh of relief and said, “thank god!” They all laughed. Needless to say when we switched poses I laid down.
When we were finished the work was breathtaking. It’s amazing to see everyone’s different styles, how they think and what that interpret from the vision. Also, to understand they created all of these in 5, 10, 30 minute intervals, sheer talent.
I have samples of 6 of the artists work. If you like their styles and would like to inquire about either booking a tattoo or commissioning a piece of artwork here’s the contacts:

KIM WHITE: WHITE TIGER ART STUDIO 101-426 5ave SE HIGH RIVER
4036498282

https://m.facebook.com/WhiteTigerInk

IMMACULATE CONCEPT
520 17 ave SW Calgary, ab
403-228-6767
https://m.facebook.com/profile.php?id=198251677564

IMMACULATE CONCEPT ARTISTS:

JOHN ROBERTS: https://m.facebook.com/profile.php?id=184917674865920

STEVE PEACE: http://www.stevepeace.com

Niki Nix: http://www.nikinix.com

Melissa Bennett and Jimmy Munkapeni
info@immaculateconcept.com