^TM

I Didn’t see any Naked Women
in Richmond, Virginia

By Madelyn Miller

I love looking at naked men, live or in art. As a raging heterosexual, I am less interested in naked women.

So why am I writing an article on naked women?

On a recent trip to Richmond, Virginia, I stopped in Visual Arts Studio. The large graphics of naked men immediately caught my eye. How would one of those look over my bed, I wondered. How would a man feel if he was an overnight guest and saw a large naked man peering down from the wall?

I decided to write about the Naked Men series. I got lots of positive feedback. Then one of the twelve men wrote me, commenting on my choice of pictures. (I only used the ones supplied by the artist, and made no “choice” as such)

Mr. Nameless Naked said, “I was disappointed that your "12 Naked Men in Richmond" article chose to include pictures of the young, lush bodies in the exhibit and not the older, life-toughened bodies that provoke one of the core issues in Singer's works ... loving the individuality of us all.  I happen to be one of the older bodies in the exhibit, and through the experience have developed a new appreciation for our culture's "meat-market" merchandising of the female form.  Perhaps a follow-up article would be interesting.”

Actually, it was my first time ever correspondence with a nude man I had never met. (does that make me a naked-writer virgin?) I did not really know what to do or say. And except for maybe some Nerve.com sex etiquette book, I am not sure what the protocol is for this kind of correspondence.

But back to the naked women.

Actually, there are probably plenty of naked women in the art museums in Richmond. And artist Susan Singer has a whole collection of Naked Women, which she emailed to me.

Now I am suddenly a naked writer.

Not someone who always writes nude, or even always writes about nudes. But I seem to have a large following of people wanting more of my nude articles.

So here are some naked women for you. If you want your own, you will have to contact the artist. Susan Singer. She has a much better explanation for why she is doing naked pictures than I do for writing about them.

Personal Statement on Nude Woman by Susan Alma Singer

Singer explains her thoughts, “Body image is important to me. I find it sad that young women grow up thinking they have to look like super models.  It scares me that so many people are anorexic or bulimic to stop the pain of being themselves.  My work is meant to confront the idea that there is an ideal body for which all women should strive.

Many of my models are beautiful, sexy women in love with their own bodies.  Just as many are uncomfortable with their bodies, with their breasts, their hips, their bellies, their butts.  They received untold messages as children about how they should look or shouldn’t look – they were too fat, too skinny, too tall, too short. These messages continue into adulthood as their husbands/partners/lovers love their bodies or they wish they were somehow different.  Bodies are not a neutral topic for anyone.

As a woman ages, her perception of herself changes. Her body changes.  Perhaps she becomes more empowered – or more fearful.  Her body begins to sag or remains frustratingly fleshy.  She may chose to fight the ravages of giving birth and of time by exercising, hoping to recapture youthful form.  Or she may give in to time and gravity and desire for the comfort for food and allow nature to take its course. Whichever way her body grows, judgments about it remain constantly in her mind.

My artwork is a portrayal of  these struggles and triumphs, the beauty and ugliness, the love of our bodies juxtaposed against the self-abnegation, and particularly the soul shining through it all.  As you look at these pictures, may you be moved to examine your own body with very loving eyes and with the realization that it isn’t your body that matters at all – it’s only what’s inside of it that counts.”

Now I am a Naked Writer

Although I did not really plan to be a naked writer, I will say it is a lot more interesting than say sliced bread or butterflies or widgets.

Next time I am in Richmond, I will search for more naked women to write about. I liked Richmond so well, I am looking for any excuse to return.  With my clothes on, of course.

Here are some other things to do in Richmond besides looking at naked people.

Where To Stay
The Jefferson Hotel is loaded with Southern charm and hospitality.
101 W. Franklin Street, Richmond, VA. 23220
Tel. 804.788.8000
800-424-8014
www.jeffersonhotel.com

Where To Dine
ZEUS
Zeus Gallery Cafe
201 North Belmont Avenue, Richmond, VA 23221
(804) 359-3219

Acacia
3325 W Cary St, Richmond, VA 23221
(804) 354-6060

Julep’s New Southern Cuisine
1719-21 East Franklin Street, Richmond, VA 23223
804.377.3968
www.juleps.net

Best Breakfast
PLANT ZERO CAFÉ

Best Chocolate Store
For the Love of Chocolate
2820 West Cary Street Suite A, Richmond, VA 23221
(804) 359-5645

Best Virginia Cookbook
Celebrate Virginia!
by (Rowena Fullinwinder co-authored the Celebrate Virginia!  book with James A. Crutchfield and Winette Sparkman Jeffery)
Publisher - Thomas Nelson
Cost: $19.95 at Rowena's gift shop

Best Places To Browse

Visual Art Studio
208 W Broad St.
Richmond, VA 23220
(804) 644-1368
www.visualartstudio.org
Anne Hart anne@visualartstudio.org

ARTWORKS Studios & Galleries

With over 70 artists represented in ARTWORKS Studio and Galleries, you are sure to find just the right thing to suit your style and taste. Or to give as a gift. I went to Plant Zero for breakfast (which is in the same building) and left with an original photo print, a necklace, a handmade paper card and a holiday ornament. And most of the galleries were not even open yet. Imagine what damage I could have done if everyone was open.

The huge gallery space offers original works of art by Virgniia artists—paintings, drawings, illustrations, photography, ceramics, sculpture, mixed-media, clothing, jewelry, gifts and much more.

Best time to go is for the Fourth Friday Art Openings 7-10 pm. You can tour the studios, meet the artists and enjoy live music.

Artworks is conveniently located ½ mile from downtown, just over the 14th Street bridge.
320 Hull Street
804-291-1400
info@artworksrichmond.com
www.artworksrichmond.com

Artists to View

I loved the hand painted stools by Ellen Burns Art Work. She also makes other groovey furniture. But by the time I got to Richmond, I had filled my suitcase with so many Virginia purchases; I could not even consider anything bigger than my purse. I will always treasure my holiday crystal ball filled with colorful, whimsical ribbon. Stop by her studio, even if you only have a little room left. She offers things in almost any size or color. Next time I will have to remember to drive a truck.

Ellen Burns
320 Hull Street
Richmond VA 23224
804-674-6563
www.coolstools.com

Shelia M. Gray
Mostly metal clock and paper sculptures. 420 Hull Street, Richmond, VA 23224
Studio 161 in the Skylight
Gallery at Art Works in the Plant Zero Complex
Sheila@mixed-up-media.com

Krishanna Spencer, Altered Artist

The gallery director was wearing a necklace by Krishanna and I had to have it. I literally took it off her neck. And now I wear it every day—a wonderful reminder of my time in Virginia.

Krishanna’s specialty is assemblage -  putting together articles into works of art.  She is also a writer. Maybe that is why I liked her work so well. We have professional karma. I hope she likes my writing as much as I like her art.

Her art making and writing studio is dedicated to helping women heal and empower themselves through their creative spirit. In addition to clay sculpture, assemblage and collage, Krishanna is a freelance author and also currently hosts Goddesslore at BellaOnline.com, a column that explores women's spirituality through the feminine. You can reach her through Artworks 804 291.1400.

Victoria Dye
Photography
I got a wonder print of Pacific Goose barnacles, abalone and red Mussels.
But if I get tired of it, she has a free one-year exchange policy
Victoria@victoriasimages.com
www.victoriasimages.com

Most Artistic Thing To Do On a Thursday Night
Thursday evening at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts enjoy Art After Hours
200 N. Boulevard Richmond, VA 23220
804 340-1400
www.vmfa.state.va.us

Best Place to Get Your Feet Rubbed If You Have Been Walking Too Much
Slip Salon.
Have Michael do a reflexology treatment on your feet. They offer lots of other great services—but I could get addicted to Michael’s reflexology treatments if I lived in town.
Slip Salon
1331 East Cary Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219
Tel: 804.343-SLIP(7547)

For More Information

HELPFUL WEBSITES
www.virginia.org
www.visit.richmond.com

GREAT GUIDEBOOKS
THE THIRTEEN COLONIES
Travel Historic America
Fodor’s
www.fodors.com

REVOLUTIONARY MOTHERS
By Carol www.aaknopf.com
Berkin
Borzoi Book published by Alfred A. Knopf

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