For the sake of art

By Amanda Chism
Trail Staff Writer

   Would you pose nude for an art class? Yes, is the answer for Tyson Irion, who spends his time from 1-3:30 p.m. Tuesday and Thursdays posing for the life drawing class.
   Irion stated, “God gave us our bodies; why do we always cover them up? They are too beautiful.” Irion referred to himself to be more comfortable out of clothes, rather than in.
   Irion is occasionally paid but not always – his passion is what drives him. Irion, a photography major, was at first dared to pose for the class. Irion accepted and fell in love with the results the art studentscame up with. He has volunteered ever since. Irion poses for 15-20 students in a low-lit room at the back of the Cabre building as students etch away with pencil, charcoal and paint.
   “Ninety percent of the time you cannot get a model to do this type of pose, so take advantage of it.” Irion quoted John Giarrizzo, the life drawing teacher, on Irion’s willingness and freedom to pose in various ways.
   “We really appreciate it – it’s a great way to learn how to draw a human form. You think about the bones and how they compare and fit together to capture the spirit of the human form,” life drawing student Adam McDonald stated with hands flying. The art students show their appreciation for such experience through their work.
   “Any credible art program needs a life drawing class. It is a fundamental foundation,” stated Giarrizzo.
Irion holds an array of hobbies, ranging from boxing, martial arts, rock climbing and rodeo. Irion would like to pursue figure studies in the field of photography. Originally an art major, Irion holds a passion and love for modeling and the results. He looks forward to his time with the class on the weekdays and enjoys volunteering on Sundays for anyone who wants to draw.
Another possible model for the spring semester is Brendan MacNiel. MacNiel would be modeling for the new professor, Anne Toner, who is teaching the life drawing class in the spring semester.
   MacNiel became interested in art his senior year of high school along with being a tattoo artist. With a growing interest, MacNiel presented a small collection of work to the current art teacher who placed him in an advanced art course where his appreciation for art grew significantly.
   MacNiel demonstrates an eagerness to help the life drawing class in any way.
   “In high school the only human relation drawings you’re allowed to do are portraits. We need to explore that aspect of appreciation for the human form,” MacNiel positively stated. “It will be interesting to see how I’m perceived.” joked MacNiel.
   MacNiel, unlike Iron, is at an equilibrium with or without clothing. MacNiel prepares for the class by treating it as meditation. In his meditation MacNeil envisions things so that he does not acknowledge the outside world or the presence of other people within a room. This technique can be very useful to help calm a model, sitting nude in a room full of students.
   MacNiel plans to major as a music teacher. He is actively involved in a variety of activities, such as fencing, video games, art and dance. MacNiel brought up a point that he feels modeling can help address. In today’s society there is a lot of negativity about someone’s body. Many people are unsure of themselves and are self-conscious. Irion and MacNiel both recommend modeling for the drawing class for a unique and insightful experience.

For any questions or comments about the class, or any one interested in modeling, please contact Toner at annetoner@northwestcollege.edu or Giarrizzo at john.giarrizzo@northwestcollege.edu.