A PROFESSIONAL life model is appealing to artists to take part in his forthcoming Pawlett mini festival celebrating the beauty of the naked human form.

Dave Clarke, the founder of 77 Modelling Agency, based in Pawlett, is holding ‘Where There’s Life – a Festival of Life Drawing’, in the village over the weekend of April 26/27.

Clarke, whose naked form was the inspiration for a sculpture now owned by Charles Saatchi, is passionate about giving life modelling renewed recognition as an art form to get excited about.

He told the Weekly News: “My aim is to promote art and the art of life drawing. Art can sometimes be full of snobbery, as with a lot of things. I want all artists to come together, look at each other’s work, and appreciate it.

“But more than that, I want Somerset to be broader minded about the art of life drawing.

“I can remember, when I first became a self-employed life model, the job centre wouldn’t sponsor me because it involved nudity.

“But why hide something which is totally beautiful, like the human body?”

The arts celebration will be held across Pawlett village hall and pavilion, from 10am to 8pm on the Saturday, and 10am to 5pm on the Sunday. Around 30 artists’ work is expected.

As well as viewing the collection of nudes, visitors will have the chance to draw clothed female models in sessions to be held at the village hall from 10.30am to 3pm on both days.

Artists can submit artwork for show at rates of five pieces for £5, or £12 for a large board of 8ft by 4 ft.

Setting up for artists will take place between 2pm and 9pm on Friday April 25.

To inquire about submitting your work for ‘Where There’s Life’, call Dave on 07767-344825.