Exploring curvy nude portraits is a unique experience, and the iconic phrase “Paint me like one of your French girls” from the blockbuster Titanic often comes to mind when considering such artwork. I had the incredible opportunity to engage in a similar artistic journey with the talented artist Mary Milliken, who specializes in creating empowering curvy nude portraits that celebrate body positivity.
As I removed my clothing and reclined on the couch, an initial wave of awkwardness washed over me. However, Mary skillfully adjusted the lighting to highlight the contours of my body, allowing her artistic vision to come to life. Surprisingly, rather than feeling insecure, I started to embrace the idea of being art. Observing her hands as they moved gracefully across the canvas, I found tranquility in my breath, recognizing that the human form has been the essence of artistic expression throughout history.
“My passion lies in helping individuals see themselves reflected in my artwork or feel a sense of empowerment through it. Living as a plus-size individual in a world that often marginalizes fat bodies is an act of resistance, and embracing your body despite societal pressures to conform is profoundly empowering. My figure, along with my mother’s, was soft and curvaceous, rarely resembling the figures typically portrayed in art galleries and fashion magazines,” Mary expressed.
“Growing up, I often felt that my body was inherently flawed, and that depicting a plus-size body was a serious taboo if I aspired to be recognized as a legitimate artist. However, my perspective shifted dramatically when I encountered Jenny Saville’s remarkable piece, “Strategy” (1994), at The Broad. It was revolutionary to see a body like mine represented in a prestigious museum, igniting a newfound inspiration within me to explore my own form in my artistry. Today, I focus on painting plus-size bodies because I find body diversity to be not only intriguing but also immensely beautiful and artistic. I believe that bodies need not conform to thin ideals to be considered captivating or inspiring. Plus-size bodies possess unique lines and curves that interact with light and color in fascinating ways, which I find deeply rewarding to capture in figure art.”
Discover How Curvy Nude Portraits Can Boost Your Self-Confidence
As Mary presented me with the various poses and sketches she created of me, I genuinely felt like a masterpiece. My body is not something to hide or feel ashamed of; it represents a journey of growth and transformation throughout my life, marked by experiences, including the impact of injuries, that have shaped who I am today.
Embracing the vulnerability that comes with exposing oneself can lead to profound liberation. In those serene moments, as I held different poses, I oscillated between feelings of exposure and empowerment. It felt as if shedding my clothing simultaneously released years of self-criticism and societal judgment. By the end, the experience of posing for curvy nude portraits evolved into an act of profound self-acceptance and appreciation of my body.
Now, as I proudly display my newly created curvy nude portraits in my home, it brings me immense joy to see myself through the eyes of an artist, recognizing my body as the breathtaking work of art that it truly is!
