Caitlin Legault - Art Model
Friday, May 30, 2014
My Mother's Red Shawl - El Rebozo Colorado
Cailtin Legault - Art Model
Nudes, Danishes & Roses
Once upon a time, I
was contacted by photographer Alex Waterhouse-Hayward.
At first his name did
not ring a bell. But once I saw his work, I realized I had already seen it many
times before. To me, the depth and calibre of his photos represented everything
I hoped to be a part of.
I am an art model.
Most of my experience comes from posing for painters, sculptors and drawing
groups. I am told I am photogenic, but I think I still have a lot to learn when
it comes to photography.
Hearing from Alex was
both encouraging and terrifying.
Alex told me I
reminded him of Charlotte Corday, the assassin who stabbed Jean Paul Marat (one
of the most outspoken leaders of the French Revolution) to death in his bath.
It must be the wide set eyes I thought.
Fast forward to Thursday
May 29th, and I am parked outside his house. The plan was to do a few simple
shots for his Red Shawl project. I had just come from work, so I did my makeup
the best I could in the rear view mirror. My hair was a lost cause, but I had a
plan for that. The butterflies were in full parade.
As I opened the front
gate I stood in awe at the beautiful heritage cottage Alex calls home. I found
myself suddenly at peace. The quaint entrance and fragrant garden put my mind
at ease.
I was greeted at the
door by a very sweet little lady, whom I soon learned was Rosemary, Alex’s wife
of over 47 years.
Alex was called to the
door, and that is when I was able to finally meet him face to face. No more
butterflies. After a quick chat about life, love and everything in between, I
knew this would not be our last encounter. He was funny in the cynical kind of
way, which I much prefer.
It was time to shoot,
so Alex handed me the red shawl and off I went to the powder room to prepare
myself. I quickly shed my clothes and donned my favourite blue velvet robe. The
plan I had for my hair depended solely on this red shawl, I had to wrap it around
my hair and make it stay. It was thicker and heavier than I expected so it took
a few tries. Then last but not least I pulled out my beloved ‘aqua mystic’
topaz ring and squeezed it onto my middle finger. I am hopelessly sentimental,
and this ring holds a lot of power for me. Therefore I have hopelessly been
sneaking it into anything I can get away with.Marlene Dietrich (my favourite
old Hollywood star) also had a beloved topaz ring.
Now here is the thing
about assumptions, you should never make them. I had assumed that I was to do
this shoot in the nude. As an art model I spend a large portion of my days
being naked. The red shawl project showcases an array of personalities from all
walks of life. The series often portrays the subjects wearing something that
correlates with their chosen career. My job only requires me to wear my
birthday suit. I just could not imagine portraying myself with the red shawl in
any other way.
I was ready to
disrobe, but I got the slightest feeling that I should double check. I asked
Alex if he minded if I went nude, of course he was polite enough to grant my wish. Off went my robe, and
I felt much better.
Alex took one shot and
showed me the result right away, I loved it! He said we could have stopped
right then and there. Since we were already there, we decided a few more for
good measure might be best.
They say diamonds are
a girl’s best friend, but I say good lighting is a woman’s best friend. Alex
afforded me some very flattering lighting, and I will forever be in debt to him
for making me look so beautiful.
After many more
flashes and giggles, both photographer and model were feeling happy. So the
shoot was called to an end.Lucky for me the fun wasn’t over yet.
Alex pulled out a
large box of black and white photographs for me to admire while he went off to
the kitchen to retrieve some refreshments. He returned with a tray that shouted
“Welcome!” There was a pot of Earl grey tea unlike any I had ever tasted,
complete with milk and sugar of course! The gracious host had even prepared a
round of warm cream cheese Danishes. I
was in heaven, surrounded by great art, good tea, fresh pastries and wonderful
company.
I took deep breaths,
trying to slow down time. I could smell the old books and old wood that made up
his house. The late afternoon sun was still filling the room with light. I
could see hints of his garden teasing me through every window. I wanted to see
his garden so badly, but I did not want to be intrusive. Thankfully I think he
got the hint, and after he let me gobble back to last Danish (because art
models eat what they want) he invited me on a quick garden tour.
Alex’ garden boasts an
impressive amount of rose varieties, so much in fact that he is hosting some
kind of rose club soiree in his back yard this summer. Seriously, Alex is that
guy.
I sniffed and smiled
and smiled and sniffed. These are the kinds of moments one must file away under
‘Happy Places’.
It was time for me to
go, so I sniffed my last rose, thanked Alex profusely and after getting beyond
the awkward handshake I was able to lean in for a goodbye hug.
I cannot say enough
about my experience that day with Alex, he really left an impression on me. His
profound work, his beautiful home, garden and inspiring spirit, these are the
things some can only dream of having. I am so very grateful of be a part of
this dream.
Holly McRea Model - Poet - Creation Conduit.
Lisa Ha Model - Volunteer - FriendCarmen Alatorre Diseñadora de vestuario
Roberto Baschetti Sociólogo, Investigador Histórico - Amigo
Jennifer Froese Youth Worker
Rachel Cairns Actor
Jennifer Landels Espadachina
Judith Currelly Pilot- Artist
Jim Erickson Set Decorator
Alexandra Hill Soprano
Georgina Elizabeth Isles Figure Model
Emma Middleton Actor
Mark Pryor Author/Lawyer/Assistant DA Travis County TX
Brother Edwin Charles Reggio, CSC Mentor & Teacher
Veronica Vex Burlesque Dancer
George McWhirter Poet
Raúl Guerrero Montemayor Padre-Compadre
Alexandra Waterhouse-Hayward Maestra
Shirley Gnome Singer/Provocateur
Yeva & Thoenn Glover Dancers/Choreographers
JJ Lee Writer
Jacqueline Model
Cathy Marsden Psychiatrist
André De Mondo Wanderer
Colin MacDonald Saxophonist/Composer
Nina Gouveia Yoga Instructor
Stacey Hutton Excercise Physiologist
Colleen Wheeler Actor
Sarah Rodgers Actor, Director,Mother
Tim Turner - Real Estate Agent
Kiera Hill Dancer
Johnna Wright & Sascha Director/Mother - Son/Dreamer
Decker & Nick Hunt Cat & 19th century amateur
George Bowering Poet
Celia Duthie Gallerist
Linda Lorenzo Mother
Katheryn Petersen Accordionist
Stefanie Denz Artist
Ivette Hernández Actress
Byron Chief-Moon Actor/Dancer
Colin Horricks Doctor
Ian Mulgrew Vancouver Sun Columnist
Jocelyn Morlock Composer
Corinne McConchie Librarian
Rachel Ditor Dramaturg
Patrick Reid Statesman, Flag Designer
Michael Varga CBC Cameraman
Bronwen Marsden Playwright/Actress/Director
David Baines Vancouver Sun Columnist
Alex Waterhouse-Hayward Photographer
Lauren Elizabeth Stewart Student
Sandrine Cassini Dancer/Choreographer
Meredith Kalaman Dancer/Choreographer
Juliya Kate Dominatrix
