CONVERSATION PIECE

Part II: Talking During Sessions

- BY J. ROPPOLO JACOBS

The “no talking” policy was originally established in the conservatory and atelier environments to enforce the concept that the only voice that should be heard in the classroom is the instructor's.

Over time, however, I have seen this policy transform into different meanings, given the varying expectations of the curriculum. A model should always be aware of the exact meaning this policy entails per class. Traditionally, an instructor prefers silence in the classroom to determine whether or not adjustments need to be communicated to the model. When students chime in on the adjustments or contradict the instructor, it can be distracting both for the model and the students.

Expressions, posture and demeanor have a tendency to act as guiding posts for capturing the model's essence, especially when there are communication restrictions that vary between different environments.

With that said, it is important to determine whether or not a studio has a no talking policy.

"Idle chatter can feel distracting or even objectifying when a model is working hard to maintain stillness and vulnerability." - Oliver Sin, professional artist