11. Sexual Stirrings

During drawing sessions, a model may experience sexual
stirrings. The more intense a session is, the more likely it is that
they will occur, as part of the overall intensification of the
experience. They occur for artists, also, for the same reason.
These stirrings are not usually very noticeable, and are most likely
to be taken in stride by people who do notice them. Partial, and
even full, erection of primary sexual organs (genitals) and of
secondary sexual organs (most noticeably nipples, both male and
female) can be caused by all sorts of factors other then sexual urges
– and sexual urges are as natural, and as respectable, as anything
else that causes bodily changes. Erections on men are seen unjustly
but understandably, as threatening (because of cultural
conditioning). This conditioning should be unlearned, and models can
help with the unlearning. A good joke from a moderator, the model,
or an artist – even a joke about the erection – can be an especially
good way to help it subside. A sarcastic joke, on the other hand
offers injury to a self-consciousness already made tender by the
erection. In itself, an erection should be recognized as a
compliment to members of the drawing group.

Some models feel that masturbation to ejaculation can prevent the
occurence of erections during a drawing session that takes place
shortly after the ejaculation. This approach, first, is likely to be
futile, unless the model is awfully adept at self-suggestion.
Second, it is deceptive even if it does work. It contradicts the
revelation of self which, at least symbolically, is the essence of
modeling as an art. Third it is unnecessary, since someone’s sexual
organs are just as appropriate for art when erect as when flaccid.

Men are required to wear G-strings covering their genitals in
some modeling situations, because cultural conditioning places the
possibility of penile erections in an aura of fear. Some models feel
they should refuse to pose in places where G-strings are required;
others find that mutual aquaintance can free them, after a short
while, from obeying the restriction. In itself a G-string does
interfere and should not be required.

This section has been lengthy because the issue of sexual arousal
offers intense worry to some artists and to many models (or potential
models). As a practical problem, it is almost non-existent.

18/12/2009