From Audience to Catwalk - My First Bodycraft Experience
Well, Ginny happened.
Initially, she’d been accepted as a guest photographer for the event and without my knowledge she signed me up as a model. I only found out when an email arrived saying I’d been selected for the Saturday… and then another saying I’d been confirmed for Sunday too!
Brilliant. Two days. Two catwalks. No idea what I was doing.
In the lead-up, I started chatting with my Saturday artist, Marianne, who’d also picked a song for me to perform to on stage. Perform. As in, dance. That part terrified me more than the whole public nudity situation, if I’m honest.
Then came the more practical panic, underwear. I needed something small enough to vanish under paint but large enough to keep everything… well, contained. After several online misfires (and a few items I still don’t know how to wear), I finally landed on the perfect nude thong.
The night before, I had one final task: hair removal. Let’s just say that was a two-person job as ALL body hair had to be removed and since Ginny was the reason I was doing this in the first place, she got the honour.
Finally, festival weekend arrived.
I met Marianne at the doors, and she led me into a room already buzzing with creativity and skin. Artists everywhere were painting away on their models, bursts of colour, glitter and incredible designs taking shape. Then it was my turn to strip off and get started.
Six hours later, I was transformed into a walking artwork of swirls and colour. The level of talent in that room was mind-blowing.
When the doors opened to the public, Ginny arrived with our daughter closely followed by my mum and dad. I wasn’t sure what Mum would make of it all, but Dad seemed genuinely impressed. Probably the first time he’s said “that’s my boy” while I was half-naked in public.
Then came the catwalk. Somehow, I’d been picked to go first.
I heard my name, the music started, and off I went. I don’t remember much after that — just lights, cheers, and the surreal feeling of dancing in paint while pretending it was the most normal thing in the world. The crowd’s reaction was incredible, and for those few minutes, I completely forgot about being nearly nude.
Afterwards, I finally got to relax, watch the rest of the show, and enjoy the atmosphere. The community spirit at BodyCraft is something special.
A very long shower later (green paint does not come off easily), I was ready to collapse… but I had one more day to go.
Sunday’s challenge was the pairs competition — two models, two artists, one theme: International Women’s Day. Not ideal for a bloke. But our artists nailed it, going for a superhero concept where I was the sidekick to a strong female lead.
The end result? Bright, bold, full of glitter. So much glitter. Not exactly my usual Sunday attire, but we rocked it.
Walking the stage with a partner felt different — more confident, more fun. We hit our poses, soaked up the applause, and enjoyed every second.
Looking back, it was one of the most unique experiences of my life. I met some brilliant people, pushed my comfort zone to its limits, and ended up loving it. The professional photos I’ve received since are incredible reminders of just how far outside my comfort zone Ginny managed to push me.
So, thank you Ginny — for always challenging me (and occasionally signing me up for things without telling me).
Would I do it again? Absolutely.
Maybe next time, though… less glitter.
Chris | Bare With Us 🌿
Oh that looks like a load of fun!
ReplyDeleteI’d love to do it myself.
What a great article.
Well done to both of you.
Especially Ginny for the surprise.
Tee Hee
I think I’ll go and apply to do it myself now…