So, I suck

At blogging. Sorry guys. I dropped the ball.

But my summer in France has been absolutely wonderful - although extremely full and busy. Which was definitely a good thing. I've learned so much, was able to be an inspiration for a handful of people, and made a bunch of new friends. What more can you ask for?

I just had my apartment check-out, and my apartment is spotless and empty. So I'm here in the countryside for one more night, a shoot in Paris, then one night at a CDG airport hotel, then a looooong Sunday of air travel - including a stupid 6 hour layover in Chicago. Bleeeh. But it will be all worth it when I'm greeted by my love with a Jimmy John's sandwich (been craving one for 2 1/2 months) and big hugs and kisses. ;)

I do plan to make a few blog posts about highlights from my time here, including a couple of the festivals that happened in this small town, and of course, I'll post some of the students artwork. But after I get home I'm going on a week-long vacation camping at my most favorite location in the world - the North Shore of Lake Superior. I think I deserve a vacation.

But right now, I'm going to soak in my last hours here, eat the escargot I saved for tonight as my last dinner, have coffee with the group at the Le Calimero (the local cafe), and then a good night sleep. Or at least try to. This is all so bittersweet, but its not the last time I'll work for this school....

For now, I leave you with this picture that the painting instructor, Michelle Tully did of me during a two week, 30 hour pose. Photographs of oil paintings do them no justice - just keep that in mind.

1 month

It's been quite a month here. I've met and become friends with some amazing people, I've seen things I've never seen before, and I've helped create art.

It's about time I showed you some pictures of the studio.










And here are a few poster studies that have been done over the past few weeks. Most of these poster studies are 6 hour long poses, but there are a couple 3 hour poses thrown in.





















And this last week I did a 12 hour pose spanning over 4 days. Here are a couple of the results.



(artist: Joshua Press)


(artist: M. Tobias Hall)

More images around town.

The Studio

Bolangerie/Patisserie (bakery and bread shop)

Overlooking the town

This guy's name is Fripon, which is "Rascal" in French.

Studio with the cafe at the end of the street.

Town Square

Somebody's watching me!

More lovely bridges.

Dusk... finally at 10:45pm.

Victorious hike!

the first fortnight

Who uses the word "fortnight" anymore?

Anyway, its been great. Actually, its been a lot of things, but to sum up - its been wonderful. I'm exhausted and energized. Tired and excited. I've been tempted, and I've indulged. I've met so many wonderful people in this program - so much so that I want to do this full-time for as long as I can. Well, let me amend that: This job is HARD. It's hard on the body and hard on the mind (especially when overwhelmed by the physical pain). So I need a lot more off-time to recharge than I would need in an office position, perhaps. But its worth it. I'm in a place where EVERYONE dearly appreciates what I do, loves the energy and effort I put into it, and they don't treat me like just a subject or even a model - they treat me as an artist in my own right. And that feeling is amazing and touching.

The last two weekends, all of the students and I have gotten together and put together a potluck at least once a weekend. (Here's an image of our first potluck). Pretty sure this is going to be a weekly event, which is awesome.



I have to say, there's something in the air out here. I'm not a cook, never had the confidence to try anything ambitious mainly due to my anosmia and (therefore) my questionable lack of accurate taste. But I've been adventurous here... with my 2 hotplates and toaster oven!. The first potluck night I made a fritatta with onions, garlic, broccoli and ricotta cheese. The second potluck, this past Friday, I made a pasta bake with a fucking amazing tomato sauce, and then Saturday night I made blueberry baked brie. The brie turned out amazing, and I think it will be my staple contribution from now on. (I might vary the different types of baked brie... with sauteed onions, or other fruits, with or without a pastry wrap, or whatever... but I really should live up to my namesake)



I figure, if I gain 10 pounds this summer by making and eating all of this wonderful food, it will be totally worth it. :)

Behind the Scenes in Ohio

We take a break from reporting about France to highlight some awesome behind the scenes photos from my trip to Ohio in late April.

I rarely get behind the scenes photos but when I do, they're always fun.



Dave's friend, Tim Black, caught a fun moment of Dave showing me an awesome shot we just got.


Dave was probably telling a punny story.


Mark and I outside of Dayton's German pub.


I'm shooting Dave...


...Dave shooting me and Tim.


Gary M documenting my massive appetite. Yes, I did eat it all. Taaaasty! Love Bob Evans.


Dave taking behind the scenes photos of Herb Ascherman shooting me with his lovely large format camera.

Great times!!!

And I promise that sometimes I do wear another hairstyle then just a bun. But its not often. ;)

Next time I write will be an overlook through my first two weeks in France. :)