Studio model draws on experience for book

SCAD alumnus Michael Porten illustrated “Finding Human Form: Artists’ Models in Studio and Classroom," a book by Linda Bulloch, coordinator of studio models at SCAD.

By: Monique Bos

Published: Friday, September 30, 2005

Linda Bulloch, coordinator of studio modeling at the Savannah College of Art and Design, provides insight into her field in “Finding Human Form: Artists’ Models in Studio and Classroom.” The book, recently released by R.S. Press, is illustrated by SCAD alumnus Michael Porten and retails for $18.95.

Bulloch will sign copies of the book Sept. 30, 2-6 p.m., at Ex Libris, 228 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.

Bulloch is a retired college counselor who has worked as a studio model for 12 years, eight of them at SCAD. For the past three years, she has coordinated the studio model program for the animation, fashion, foundation studies, illustration, painting and sequential art departments. Twenty-two models with a variety of body types, ages, ethnicities and backgrounds work for her office, she said.

In the book, Bulloch analyzes the experience and role of studio models. She discusses stage fright, life drawing, body types, illustrative techniques and concepts of beauty. She also provides information about life drawing syllabi, media, poses, lighting and instruction.

“I think there’s no book like this for artists and general readership on this subject, on studio models in an academic environment,” she said. “When I was doing the research I didn’t find anything that talked about this aspect of art education.”

Bulloch said the book is targeted to anyone who is interested in the world of studio models and the history of life drawing.

“I did not want to tell my story per se; I wanted to tell the story of studio models in the classroom,” she said. “It is general enough that a wide, curious readership would enjoy it as well as students and artists.”

She incorporated interviews with students, faculty members and other models into the book.

“Anonymously, I have quoted many SCAD students, professors and models of all ages, sizes and ethnic backgrounds I have met over the years,” she said.  “Modeling is a very collaborative part of the academic curriculum, and we meet most of the SCAD students in their four years.”

Bulloch started her studio modeling career at the University of Georgia, where she taught writing courses.

“It was sort of a late-life change for me,” she said. “One of our writing students suggested that they were tired of drawing stick figures and they needed older, fleshier models.”

In fact, Bulloch said, one of the most popular aspects of the book so far is the chapter called “Miss Perfect Body,” in which she looks at cultural concepts of ideal beauty.

“Even perfect-body people don’t think they have it,” she said. “In art, what is valuable is a great variety of natural bodies, men and women of all ages, sizes, shapes and ethnicities.”

After leaving the University of Georgia, Bulloch traveled to London and Amsterdam, where she pursued her writing career and continued to model for artists. When she decided to write a book about studio modeling after several years at SCAD, she contacted SCAD President Paula S. Wallace about the project.

“She said that [modeling] showed the artistic grace of the human form and that she recognized it was a labor of love — and it really is,” Bulloch said. “I really enjoy being in the room with art, watching the students progress, working with other models, and getting to know a great variety of educators, parents and other models. They are all interesting to me.”