Down The Rabbit Hole: Modeling with Others

I had been urged by a number of modeling friends to join them and build models together.  They said the best way to learn more about modeling is to have someone there with you while you work.  Not only do you have the chance to see how others model but others can see what you do.  Reading articles on modeling techniques always leaves out important information since modeling is never a linear process and “how to” articles present an artistic process in a linear fashion.  Modeling with others really illustrates the creative process in action and is enlightening about the way modeling techniques are truly executed.  You may be questioning the very idea of modeling with others and weigh such issues as time, transportability of modeling supplies, and the fear of scrutiny by others.  Is it worth all of the trouble when so much more can be accomplished on your own?

Modeling for me has always been a singular process, almost a spiritual process.  I have my modeling area all set up so all of my supplies are handy and when the need for a specific supply arises, it is available at my fingertips.  I can try techniques out without the public scrutiny of making errors that I can eventually correct without others knowing the difference.  I don’t construct models for contests with an emphasis of being better than others.  Instead, I make models because I enjoy the artistic process and producing something I enjoy with my hands.  Modeling is a private and singular activity for me that I truly have enjoyed most all of my life.  Really, the main reason I did not want to build models with others is because I am inherently shy and was afraid of the scrutiny of others.  I already did not think I was a great modeler but doing it in front of others, I thought, would only confirm what I already knew.  I had come up with many reasons not to model with others, like I did not want to haul all of my supplies someplace or risk the model being broken in transport.

I had to face my fears when I was asked to teach a class on figure modeling at the Pulaski Tech Modeling Class.  Teaching is something I enjoy and even though I am shy, I have no problems standing in front of others and presenting information.  Plus, I wanted to be supportive of the Pulaski Tech modeling class program.  Part of the problem with teaching modeling is I had never thought about how I model.  If I was going to teach a class I had to be able to explain why I did things and then show how I did them.  In essence I had to model in front of others.  I had to have a mastery of the jargon of modeling so I could communicate in a language that was understandable to other modelers from different genres.  Since modeling was private I really had never mastered a coherent way to talk about what I did while modeling.  I had to take what was a private and singular activity and make it public.

When the time came to demonstrate how to paint with a paint brush, my hands shook and I was extremely self-conscious, but eventually I entered the zone of emptiness common to modeling.  I painted without thought, attempting to explain what I was doing and why.  Members of the class had to ask me what I was doing because I was not even aware they were present as I allowed my eyes to guide my hands.  As usual, time passed without my notice and the class passed quickly.

Since that class presentation I have been more comfortable modeling with others present and have learned a large number of techniques from other modelers.  At first I did simple things such as sanding seams and applying putty.  More recently a friend brought his new airbrush to our gathering and we all took turns playing with the airbrush which was a reach for me.  I have sat down with a practice piece and painted one half of the piece and had a friend paint the other half so that he could learn and practice blending techniques.

I still don’t have a mobile modeling shop to take places and model with others.  But each small step toward modeling in a group has actually made me a better modeler.  I still fight with myself about modeling in a group.  I have so little time to model I always weigh the pros and cons of taking the time to go somewhere and model when I can accomplish more by modeling at home.  There are some things I can more easily do in groups like filling and sanding seams and scraping flash off of pieces.  Painting is more difficult for me because of the set-up that is necessary to support my painting methods.  Overall, the more I have participated in this activity the better modeler I have become.  More importantly, modeling with others builds the fellowship that is available in the modeling community.  Let’s face it, how many people in the community enjoy talking about the things that modelers talk about?  Modeling with others is not for everyone for a variety of reasons but like so many things in life working through your personal objections and “just doing it” will improve your modeling skills and develop closer friendships within the modeling community.  In the end, modeling is more than the just the completion of a task or turning out a piece.  Although that is also important; at some point you have to finish that model.  

Often in life there are seasons when there are some things that are important and other things that are not.  My modeling activities came to an end when I had a family.  I realized my children would not be with me forever and wanted to enjoy them as much as possible when they were at home.  So I did.  This left little time or energy for modeling.  The kids have grown and are adults and the season for enjoying other and more personal endeavors has arrived.  If you are in a position where you have time to follow personal pursuits, such as modeling, I highly recommend affiliating with others who have like minds and fully participate in the community.  As a person grows older, the genre of your modeling choice, the awards you have received, and your ability to execute the skills necessary for modeling all become unimportant but the good friends and strong relationships formed while participating in the hobby takes on prominence and lasts.  You will remember the camaraderie and fellowship more than the awards or specifics of certain modeling pieces.  Building in a group is one of those activities in the modeling community that builds lasting memories and adds to the enjoyment of the modeling process.